About Colonel Scott Simmons

 Colonel Scott Simmons was born on December 9, 1961, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Neal and Georgia Simmons. His father's employment brought his family to Fernandina Beach, Florida in 1967, later moving to Jacksonville in 1970. Simmons attended school in Duval County, graduating with honors, from William M. Raines High School in 1979. In the fall of 1979 he moved to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University and study Criminology. While at FSU, Simmons was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

As part of his college requirements Simmons served an Investigative Internship with the Jacksonville State Attorney's Office. After his internship was complete, the State Attorneys Office hired him, until his return to Tallahassee. In August of 1984, Simmons received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology. After graduation, Simmons moved to Palatka.

 Prior to and while attending the Saint Augustine Law Enforcement Academy, Simmons worked as a substitute teacher with the Putnam County School District. He graduated from the St. Augustine Law Enforcement Academy in April of 1985, which is also when he began employment with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. Simmons' nearly 23 years of Law Enforcement service includes time spent in the Patrol Division, School Resource Unit and as a Detective in the Drug Unit.  After eight years in the Drug Unit, Simmons then worked as a Property Crimes and Crimes Against Persons Investigator, and later served as the agency's Homicide Investigator. During his career, Simmons has successfully completed numerous Law Enforcement schools and seminars.

 In 1998, Simmons was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Property Crimes Section and later to Assistant Chief of the Detective Division, with the rank of Lieutenant. When Sheriff Dean Kelly began his term of office, Simmons was appointed as the Undersheriff, at the rank of Colonel, where he is serving at present. Simmons, who is a body building enthusiast, is devoted to his family and serving the members of the Sheriff's Office and community. He has a wonderful wife, Jan, who is a school teacher with the Putnam County School District. They have three children, Mac, Heather, and Josh.