13 Promoted at Sheriff’s Office Including New Chief of Staff

Judd swears in Lester during the promotional ceremony Friday. Lester replaces Gary Hester. ERNST PETERS | THE LEDGER

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd swore in his second-in-command Friday, along with 12 other deputies who received promotions.

Steve Lester, 48, promoted from detention chief, now serves as the sheriff’s chief of staff. He joined the department about 25 years ago as a deputy. Lester replaces Gary Hester, who left the Sheriff’s Office to become the Winter Haven Police Department chief.

“I always knew I had what it takes to rise to the top,” Lester said. “I’m extremely humbled.”

The promotions were made in a ceremony at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office headquarters before a crowd of more than 400, Judd said.

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