Grady Judd began his career at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 1972 as a dispatcher. After transferring to the Patrol Division in 1974, he quickly progressed through the ranks – holding every rank from Sergeant to Colonel. In 2004, Polk County overwhelmingly elected Grady to serve as Sheriff by a 64% majority vote against two opponents. In November 2008, he was re-elected, with 99% of the vote.
Sheriff Judd has earned higher education degrees through the Masters level – having obtained both a Masters and Bachelor degree from Rollins College. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar, and the FBI National Executive Institute.
Sheriff Judd has taught as an adjunct professor at both the University of South Florida and Florida Southern College. He is a past recipient of Polk Community College’s prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2008 Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award. He continues to serve the community on several boards and committees, including the Drug Prevention Resource Center and VISTE. In 2005, Governor Bush appointed him to the State of Florida Medical Examiners Commission, where he continues to serve. In 2008, Governor Crist appointed Sheriff Judd to serve on the Florida Parole Commission’s Parole Qualifications Committee. He also currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Florida Sheriffs Association Board of Directors and as the Florida Sheriffs Task Force Chairman.
Grady is married to Marisa, his wife of 36 years. He has two grown sons and one grandson.