Our Leadership Team

Effective leadership is the cornerstone of any successful law enforcement agency, and the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office is no exception. Strong leaders set the vision, instill core values like integrity and professionalism, and guide the strategic direction of the entire organization. They ensure operational effectiveness, promote accountability, and foster an environment where deputies and staff can perform their duties diligently and ethically. Ultimately, principled leadership builds crucial trust both within the agency and with the community we are sworn to protect and serve, enabling us to meet our commitment to public safety with excellence and dedication.

Meet Sheriff Stephen

Meet Chief Deputy Hazellief

Captain Shannon Peterson

Administration Division

Captain Shannon Peterson has served the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office since 1992, initially joining as an Auxiliary member before being hired as a Deputy Sheriff in 1993. Residing in Okeechobee since 1982 and an Okeechobee High School graduate, his career includes roles like motor officer and promotions through Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. A graduate of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy and FSA Commanders Academy, Captain Peterson currently leads the Administration Division as of December 2024.

Captain Robert Coleman

Criminal Investigations Division (CID)

Captain Robert Coleman began his dedicated service with the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office on April 8, 1996, starting as a Detention Deputy before achieving dual certification and moving to Road Patrol. An Okeechobee resident since 1973, he rose through the ranks holding multiple leadership positions and played a key role in developing the agency's SWAT program, serving as Team Commander. A graduate of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy, Captain Coleman was reassigned as Captain of the Criminal Investigations Division in December 2024.

Captain Donald Scott Deloney

Corrections Division

Captain Donald Scott Deloney, an Okeechobee resident since age two and 1989 OHS graduate, joined the Sheriff's Office on November 6, 1995, as a Detention Deputy. After completing the corrections academy in 1996, he built his career in the Corrections Division, rising through the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Appointed Captain in June 2016, he now leads the Corrections Division, overseeing jail operations and personnel. Captain Deloney is also a 2022 graduate of the Florida Sheriffs Association Commanders Academy.

Captain Randy Thomas

Road Patrol Division

Captain Randy Thomas, a lifelong Okeechobee resident and 7th-generation Floridian, began his OCSO career on January 4, 1999, as a Detention Deputy before completing the LEO academy. Transitioning to Road Patrol in 2001, he served in various roles including Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, gaining experience on specialized teams like SRT and Dive. A graduate of multiple leadership programs including the FSA Commanders Academy and FBI-LEEDA Trilogy, he was promoted to Captain of the Road Patrol Division in November 2024.

Join Our Mission, Build Your Career

The leaders featured here guide the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office in our vital mission: ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. We invite dedicated individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact to join us in this mission. Working at OCSO offers not just a job, but a chance to build a lasting career in public service, develop your skills, and contribute to a safer Okeechobee. Explore how you can become part of our team today.