JEFFERSON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Governor Rick Scott has appointed an interim sheriff for Jefferson County following the passing of Sheriff David Hobbs.
Alfred 'Mac' McNeill, 46, was appointed interim sheriff of Jefferson County on Thursday. His will serve until November 13, 2018.
“Sheriff David Hobbs dedicated his life to serving our country in the military and the families of Jefferson County as Sheriff. We are grateful for his service and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with his loved ones during this difficult time," said Scott. "Today, I am proud to appoint Mac McNeill, a military veteran with 20 years of law enforcement experience, to serve as Jefferson County Sheriff. I am confident that Mac will serve and protect the families of Jefferson County exceptionally and with the utmost integrity.”
McNeill will replace Sheriff David Hobbs, who passed away Monday morning.
Hobbs had been battling cancer for awhile and passed due to complications with his lung cancer medication. He had served as Sheriff of Jefferson County since 2004.
Attorney General Pam Bondi released a statement about McNeill's appointment:
Attorney General Pam Bondi today issued the following statement on Governor Rick Scott’s appointment of Mac McNeill to Interim Sheriff of Jefferson County:
“There is not a better person in this state to fill the very large void left by Sheriff Hobbs. I have known Mac McNeill for many years, and not only does he exemplify the highest ethics—but also will be a tremendous leader for the citizens of Jefferson County.”
McNeill, 46, served with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as supervisor of protection detail for Governor Scott, Governor Crist, and Governor Bush.
Prior to this role, McNeill served in the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office from 1997 to 2004 in various roles, including on the office’s SWAT team.
McNeill received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University and is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
