About Robert Beaton

Robert Beaton was born and raised in Palatka and is a fifth generation Floridian and fourth generation Palatka resident.  He attended Putnam county schools and is a graduate of St. Johns River Community College with an AA Degree in Business Administration. He worked for 15 years with Huntley Jiffy Food Stores, working his way up from office clerk to Senior Systems Operator. Before coming to the Sheriff's Office, he briefly worked as Systems Operator for the Unit Corporation based in Jacksonville, Florida. In 1992 he started his career at the Sheriff's Office as the computer operator for the agency. In 1997 he was awarded "Employee of the Year". In 2006 he was awarded "Administrative Employee of the Year."

Robert has been employed by the agency for 15 years and currently holds the title of Systems Administrator. He oversees a staff of two fulltime and one part time person. This position involves overseeing all computer hardware and software for the agency, the agency LAN(local area network), and connectivity to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the internet.

In addition to his work with the Sheriff's Office, Robert is currently the Assistant Chief and secretary for Southwest Volunteer Fire Department and has been a member since 1977. Robert is the secretary for the Putnam County Fire Chief's Association. He also is a member of the Putnam County Volunteer Fire Service Organization, where he serves as a District Representative. He is a part of the church family at College Road Church of Christ, where he is a song leader.  He is also a member of the Conlee Mural Committee and serves as their secretary. As a member of the Putnam County Historical Society, Robert does docent duties at the Putnam Museum.

Robert attained the rank of Eagle, with Bronze Palm, with the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoys bike riding, canoeing, softball, bird watching, and reading.