Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant Ron Livingston began his career with the State Department of Transportation 32 years ago, in 1992.

He moved up the ranks – and became a training officer eight years after joining the organization.

The Crestview resident joined the race near the end of the filing deadline in mid-June and said he will run on a platform of additional training for Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputies.

“I think a lot of these incidents have to do with a lack of training,” Livingston said, “I believe the more you train, the more it helps the community, but it also helps the deputies… We need to give them the tools that they need to go out here [and] not only keep them safe but keep the community safe.”