Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden ran unopposed for his first term as Okaloosa County Sheriff in 2020. Before becoming sheriff in 2020, Aden se srved as a deputy in Okaloosa and Walton Counties starting in the late 1990s.

Education and Training

Aden’s journey in law enforcement began at Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, where he graduated in 1990. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Florida State University in 1994.

His foundational law enforcement training was completed at Northwest Florida State College’s Law Enforcement Academy in the same year.

He continued to advance his expertise by attending prestigious programs such as the Florida Senior Leadership Program, the FDLE Executive Leadership Seminar, and the FBI National Academy, where he completed a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education through the University of Virginia in 2019.

Career Highlights

Aden’s career commenced with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office as a Patrol Deputy from 1995 to 1997, followed by a role as a School Resource Officer. Between 1998 and 2003, he balanced part-time deputy duties with a mortgage banking and finance career.

His return to full-time law enforcement saw him rise through the Walton County Sheriff’s Office ranks, serving first as a Sergeant and then a Lieutenant.

Aden returned to Okaloosa County to serve as Sheriff Larry Ashley’s Lieutenant of Judicial Services, then as the Lieutenant in charge of Criminal Investigation, and finally as a watch commander. He was promoted to Captain in 2017 and again to the position of operations bureau chief in 2020 before becoming sheriff.

Achievements and Community Involvement

Throughout his career, Aden has received numerous accolades. He was named Loaned Executive of the Year by the United Way in 2014 and served as Honorary Commander at Hurlburt Field in 2015. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy.

Aden is an active member and councilman at Shalimar United Methodist Church and serves on the Security Ministry Team.

He also gives his time to the United Way, the Kiwanis Club, the Okaloosa Republican Club, and the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.

Aden has also contributed to the Northwest Florida State College Foundation, the Horizons Foundation/ARC of the Emerald Coast, and the All Sports Association.