Osceola’s new “top cop,” Sheriff Christopher Blackmon, introduced himself to St. Cloud residents gathered at the Hunter Arms Hotel Thursday night. Sponsored by St. Cloud Main Street, the event was an opportunity for the sheriff to share both his journey to the office and his goals for the department.
Paula Stark, executive director of St. Cloud Main Street, said Thursday’s event was an opportunity for residents to get to know the new sheriff. “We’re already really connected to our police chief, and we want to make sure that we have that same relationship on this side of the county with our new sheriff. That’s really important for us,” Stark said.
To learn more about St. Cloud Main Street, visit https://stcloudmainstreet.org.
Blackmon candidly shared the story of how his appointment came about, saying he was approached shortly before the arrest of then-Sheriff Marcos Lopez took place. On June 3, his boss informed him of the imminent arrest of Lopez – who was charged with involvement in an illegal gambling enterprise – and told him that he wanted to throw Blackmon’s name in the hat for interim sheriff. After phone interviews with the governor’s office, talks with his wife, and some prayers, Blackmon was offered the position. “I was at FHP working, doing my thing. Less than 48 hours later, the governor decided to appoint me as the sheriff of Osceola,” Blackmon said…