ORANGE PARK—On Wednesday, People of all ages filled the Thrasher-Horne Center with one common goal: to learn more about four Northeast Florida law enforcement agencies. 

The career fair, hosted by Clay, Putnam, St. Johns and Jacksonville sheriff's agencies, aimed to spread the word about available career opportunities within each, including police officers, deputy sheriffs, dispatch, IT and public records. 

Clay County Sheriff's Office recruiting manager Jim Morgan said hosting the event occurred during a conversation with the other agencies. Morgan said that with all the offices having the same needs, it was essential to collaborate and carry out their public safety goals together. 

With many people making presumptions based on what they see on TV, Morgan said it was important for the agencies to provide resources for people to learn and make informed decisions. 

“I think it’s important for people who want to get into this business to come talk to people who are in it,” he said. 

The event, which took four to five months to plan, was open to all citizens. With many students from Clay High’s Academy of Criminal Justice in attendance, it also presented a great opportunity to garner more knowledge of prospective career paths. 

In addition to visiting tabling booths, anyone interested in working for an agency could take part in actual interviews conducted by CCSO or apply for a position. 

With staff on-site, Morgan said CCSO was ready to hire on the spot. 

​​”If you show interest, you pass it through our interviews, you make it through our application process and our background, guys, there is a potential you could leave here today with a job offer from us,” Morgan said. 

Morgan said the event was a success, with 161 pre-registered attendees. He said the agencies plan on holding the fair again next year. 

Morgan does not underestimate the importance of keeping these jobs alive. He said that with law enforcement's key goal being to serve and protect, not having people willing to do that is consequential. 

He said that he hopes future events continue to show that. 

“That’s why you must go out there and find the best people for this. Young people, older people, people with maturity, people with experience. It takes everybody. It takes all phases of people in their lifetimes to get into this and want to come do this job.” 

Morgan said if you or someone you know is interested in working in law enforcement, don’t hesitate to call any of the agencies for more information.