Sheriff Chip Simmons recently sat down to reflect on the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office’s fourth annual Engagement Awards and discuss preparations for the upcoming Pensacola Interstate Fair.
Partnering with Escambia County Sheriff’s Foundation
The Engagement Awards, held at Live Oak Plantation, represented a unique approach to community recognition. Rather than celebrating only deputies who go above and beyond, Sheriff Simmons decided to “turn the tables” and honor community partners who support the Sheriff’s Office and the Foundation without being asked.
- “People want a safe community, but they also want one where the sheriff’s office is seen as a part of them,” Simmons explained. This year’s honorees included Ronnie Douglas, Evergreen, Loyalty Credit Union, School Superintendent Keith Leonard, Rev. Lonnie Wesley and me. The event has become an annual sold-out tradition, complete with boots, bow ties, and cowboy hats that honor the office’s historical roots.
Sheriff Simmons spoke warmly about his relationship with Superintendent Keith Leonard, noting how their ability to pick up the phone and collaborate on school resource officers and disciplinary issues has strengthened both organizations. “I’m an optimist, and I think with these partnerships, things can only get better.”
A highlight of the conversation centered on the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, led by Whitney Lucas and Brian Williams. The foundation operates with zero overhead—every single dollar raised goes directly to supporting deputies and their families during hardships, as well as community engagement programs. From movie nights to employee luncheons to the memorial in front of the Sheriff’s Office, these initiatives are transforming how the agency connects with the community.
Comprehensive Security Measures
As the Pensacola Interstate Fair approaches, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is implementing its most robust security operation of the year. Sheriff Simmons stated that preparations have been underway for months, coordinating closely with fair organizers to ensure the safety of what he describes as “probably the largest thing that we do with regards to a 10-day long event.”
Multi-Layered Security Approach
The Sheriff’s Office will deploy a comprehensive security infrastructure that goes far beyond traditional foot patrols. Between 50 to 60 deputies will be stationed throughout the fairgrounds, with numbers fluctuating based on the date and expected attendance. These “boots on the ground” personnel will cover three critical zones: parking lots, the midway where rides are located, and exhibition areas.
To support the ground presence, the Sheriff’s Office is leveraging advanced technology that has significantly enhanced its capabilities over the past couple of years. Six video surveillance platforms will monitor the grounds in real-time, providing comprehensive coverage of the sprawling venue. Drone capabilities add an aerial perspective, allowing security personnel to quickly assess crowd flow and respond to potential issues. The mobile command bus will serve as a central coordination point, enabling rapid communication and decision-making throughout the event.
In partnership with fair organizers, new security protocols have been established for this year’s event. Attendees will notice two significant changes: a prohibition on both concealed and open carry of firearms on fair property, and a mandatory clear bag policy similar to those implemented at major concert venues. While Sheriff Simmons noted that specific security details aren’t typically discussed publicly for obvious reasons, these visible measures signal the seriousness of the safety commitment.
Balancing Safety and Community Connection
Despite the heavy security presence, Sheriff Simmons emphasized that the fair remains a vital engagement opportunity. “I want this to be like my childhood, where the sheriff’s office is—you can’t mention fair without mentioning the sheriff’s office,” he explained. The goal is to maintain visibility and accessibility while ensuring that security measures remain unobtrusive to families simply trying to enjoy rides, games, and exhibitions.
The sheriff reflected on the traditional nature of this relationship, recalling how the Sheriff’s Office presence at the fair was a defining memory of his own childhood in Escambia County. The visible partnership between law enforcement and the community during major events has shaped his vision for the department.
With months of planning, significant personnel deployment, and cutting-edge technology in place, the Sheriff’s Office is positioned to handle whatever challenges arise during the fair.
“Our hope is that it can be obviously safe and successful,” Simmons said.
