Grady Judd began his career at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 1972. After transferring to the Patrol Division in 1974, he quickly progressed through the ranks – holding every rank from Sergeant to Colonel. On August 31, 2004, Polk County overwhelmingly elected Grady to serve as their next Sheriff by a 64% majority vote against two opponents. He officially took office as Sheriff of Polk County on January 4, 2005.
Sheriff Judd holds a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, and an Associate of Science Degree in Police Science. Grady is a 1992 graduate of the FBI National Academy, 168th Session, the Senior Management Institute for Police, and the Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar. As an adjunct professor of Criminal Justice, he taught at Florida Southern College for 18 years and at the University of South Florida for 15 years. As Sheriff, he serves as the Polk Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board Chairman. He served as the 2005-06 Florida Sheriffs Association Legislative Committee Chairperson, and has been appointed to the State of Florida Medical Examiners Commission by Governor Jeb Bush.
Sheriff Judd’s commitment to civic duty is without question. He presently serves on the Drug Prevention Resource Center Advisory Board and the Polk Community College Workforce Council. He is a past chairman of the American Heart Association Heart Walk and a past recipient of Polk Community College’s prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award.
Grady is married to Marisa, his wife of 34 years, and has two grown sons – Graham & Trae.