Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods has cut his request for more patrol deputies by more than half in response to budget concerns raised by Marion County Board of County Commissioners during the 2025-26 budget talks held on July 23.
While pressing the need for the agency to have more deputies, Woods noted the agency’s patrol side is now at full staff, thanks to an unlikely source: “Chopper Cops.” The popular television show follows the agency’s Air One aviation unit as it assists ground deputies in responding to calls within the 1,600 square miles the MCSO patrols.
“I’m full,” he said. “Every position on patrol side is full right now. I don’t have a vacancy. About 225 applicants are on hold right now. When I took office, we barely had 10.”…