Our Sheriff, William P Wise
Sheriff Will Wise was born and raised in Avon Park, Florida. He attended and graduated from the Highlands County School system.
Sheriff Will Wise began his law enforcement career in 1974. He was employed by the Highlands County Sheriff's Office as a Patrol Deputy from 1974 to 1982. In 1983 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and continued working for Highland's County Sheriff's Office until 1987.
In 1987 he joined the Desoto County Sheriff's Office where he served as Patrol Deputy, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1988. In 1991 he was promoted to Captain and then served as Major Chief Deputy for 12 years from 1993 until his retirement in 2004.
He attended numerous law enforcement courses and seminars at South Florida Junior College, South Florida Community College, Valencia Community College, St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida Sheriff's Association Diversified Training Program, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Metro Dade Police Department.
Sheriff Wise is a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Florida Sheriff Association and has participated in the following organizations: Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, Associated Public-Safety Communications Officers, Inc., Arcadia Rodeo Association, Florida Cattleman's Association, Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Rifle Association, Desoto County Historical Society, Peace River Electric Cooperative, Inc., District 4 Director Nominating Committee, Florida Farm Bureau.
