Longtime sheriff bids farewell to Sumter County, praises incoming leader

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — Sumter County is saying goodbye to its longtime sheriff.

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After serving the community for 28 years, Monday was Sheriff William “Bill” Farmer’s last day in office.

In a statement on Facebook, Farmer expressed his thanks to his staff and said, “I’m leaving the Sheriff’s Office in great hands with Pat Breeden in charge ... I supported him 100% through the election process, he has been a great Undersheriff and will do Sumter County proud.”

Breeden has a impressive history in the community as well.

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According to the county’s official website, “Pat Breeden is a lifelong resident of Sumter County and has 34 years of Law Enforcement and Corrections experience combined. He began his career in 1990 and has spent his entire career with The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.”