GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Most of us will never forget our time in high school. In fact, a lot of us refer back to those years as the “good ol’ days.” But whether you consider your experience good or bad, it holds a piece of your past and, in some way, influenced the path of your future.

Sheriffs celebrated five Clay High alumni whose paths led to successful careers in law enforcement. The five individuals have served, or are currently serving as Sheriffs in the state of Florida.

But what is a Sheriff? Say the word “sheriff,” and most of us think back to a time when the west was “wild,” and the American frontier was filled with cowboys riding horseback on unpaved roads.

Old movies and television shows have emphasized the role of the 19th Century American sheriff to where it is virtually impossible to imagine sheriffs existing in any other era.

Surprisingly enough, the office of sheriff has existed for more than 1,000 years and is known as the oldest law enforcement position in the United States. In today’s society, the sheriff is an elected official who serves a county or independent city. Although the sheriff’s duties vary by jurisdiction, the overall responsibility is serving their community by enforcing law and order.

Sheriffs Murrhee, Lancaster, Beseler, Ivey and Cook are all paying homage to their alma mater by reflecting on their time at Clay High and celebrating the rarity of this occasion. Their hope is to continue being positive role models for future generations and to be an example of limitless opportunities.