Son of late Union County sheriff to fill void

Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead

UNION COUNTY, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott has named a new Union County sheriff following the death of Sheriff Jerry Whitehead (pictured below) last month.

His 37-year-old son, who is also in law enforcement, will lead the department until his father's term ends at the end of this year -- after the next election cycle.

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Union County Sheriff Jerry Whitehead

Jerry Whitehead died at the age of 60. He began serving as Union County sheriff in 1985, succeeding his father as sheriff.

The new sheriff, Brad Whitehead, has served as the assistant warden of programs for the Department of Corrections since 2012. He's also served as a senior prison inspector and was a detective for the State Fire Marshal's Office.

"I am confident that Brad Whitehead will be a great sheriff," Scott said in a release announcing his appointment. "His experience in law enforcement has prepared him to serve the families of Union County."

Whitehead will be sworn in at 1 p.m. Friday at the Union County Courthouse. He succeeds the interim sheriff, Maj. Garry Seay.