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As He Weighs Leon Co. Sheriff Bid, McNeil Not Ruling Out Return To DOC

Sascha Cordner
/
WFSU-FM

Quincy Police Chief Walt McNeil’s last day is slated for Friday, after handing in his resignation letter over the Summer. While he may be weighing a bid for Leon County Sheriff, he may also be holding out for a return to head the state’s prison system.

McNeil has an extensive law enforcement background, which includes an about 10-year stint as Tallahassee Police Chief. He also was the head of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and was appointed as Florida Department of Corrections Secretary by then Republican Governor Charlie Crist. Now, years later, the Quincy Police Chief is not ruling out a return to the DOC, if the Republican-turned-Democrat gubernatorial candidate Crist asks.

“Well, first you should know, when Charlie Crist reached out to me, I had not applied for a job with Charlie Crist at that time,” said McNeil. “I have no intention right now of applying for a job with Charlie Crist at this time, but I would be remiss and I would be lying to you if I didn’t say that the Governor of the state of Florida asked if I could do something to help the people of Florida, that I would just simply toss that away.”

McNeil has been campaigning across the state for Crist and Democratic candidate for Attorney General George Sheldon, and he says that will continue to be his focus heading into the November general election.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.