WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A lieutenant with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office has graduated from the Florida Sheriffs Association’s prestigious Commanders Academy, the agency announced Tuesday.
Lieutenant James E. Pitman Jr. was among 36 participants statewide in Class 17 of the advanced executive-level course.
With more than 30 years in law enforcement, Lieutenant Pitman began his career in 1995 with the DeFuniak Springs Police Department. He joined the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) in 1999 and has served in a wide range of leadership and operational roles.
His experience includes time as a Field Training Officer, Drug Task Force member, Beach/Marine Unit Deputy, Patrol Sergeant, and Criminal Investigations Sergeant. He later served as the School Resource Commander and Watch Commander before being named District Lieutenant in both the Central and now North Patrol Districts.
His current role covers DeFuniak Springs, Mossy Head, Paxton, and Red Bay.
Lieutenant Pitman is said to be committed to public service and community engagement and is also described as a devoted husband and father.
The Florida Sheriffs Commanders Academy is recognized as a top-tier leadership course for mid- to upper-level law enforcement officers. Its curriculum focuses on ethical leadership, professional discipline, and operational decision-making.
Over the two-week program, participants are exposed to more than 50 guest speakers and panelists, many of them sitting sheriffs, who share real-world insights and expertise.
In addition to completing the course, Class 17 raised $106,320 for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. The donation is said to support the nonprofit’s mission to prevent juvenile delinquency and promote positive development among Florida’s youth.
