Former Alachua County sheriff and Florida state senator Steve Oelrich died late Monday night (Sept. 16, 2024), according to an email from current Sheriff Emery Gainey to his staff Tuesday morning. Oelrich was 78.
Oelrich was born in Pensacola on Sept. 29, 1945, and began his career in law enforcement as a police officer in St. Petersburg, and later served as a special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, according to Gainey’s email.
Oelrich was first elected Alachua County sheriff in 1992, defeating Joe M. “Buddy” Crevasse III with 51.69% of the vote.
Gainey, who called Oelrich his “friend and mentor” in his email to staff, also paid tribute to the former sheriff on social media.
“Our deepest condolences to the Oelrich family as we remember a great leader who served Alachua County and our state with honor and dedication. Sheriff Steve Oelrich made an immeasurable impact on our community and law enforcement,” Gainey wrote. “He played a vital role in shaping the future of law enforcement in our county, and his legacy of service and leadership will not be forgotten. May his memory continue to inspire us all to serve with the same commitment to justice and community.”