JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Republican and 34-year veteran of the JSO, Deborah Wesley is seeking to replace outgoing Council Member Terrance Freeman, who is term-limited.
According to a press release, a Jacksonville native, Wesley began her law enforcement career in 1991.
Over the years, she has served in multiple roles, including officer, sergeant, lieutenant, and internal affairs investigator.
She was appointed to the JSO command staff by Sheriff T.K. Waters and currently serves as a one-star commander in the Department of Corrections.
“I’m running because Jacksonville deserves strong, experienced and principled leadership that listens, protects taxpayers and delivers real results,” Wesley said. “This city has given me everything—and I’m ready to give back in an even greater way on the City Council.”
“I realized that public service is a calling,” Wesley said. “I’ve been serving our community in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for over 34 years now. I’ll be retiring soon, and I just believe that God is calling me to serve in a greater capacity.”
If elected, Wesley would be the first JSO veteran in decades to serve on the City Council.
Wesley has also been active in the community for more than 18 years, mentoring and coaching youth in local athletic programs and serving in ministry at New Life Evangelistic Center as director of the women’s ministry.
Sheriff Waters praised her candidacy, saying, “Deborah Wesley will bring the discipline, command presence and sense of duty we need at City Hall. I’m excited she’s running—and I proudly give her my full support and endorsement.”
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