Woman Reserve Officer Runs for Leon County Sheriff

History could be in the making for the 2012 elections as Lisa Sprague, a sworn reserve police officer with the Department of Environmental Protection, will run for Leon County sheriff.

If elected into office, Sprague will be the first female sheriff in the county.

“I live my life with the thought that I would want my children and family to be proud of me and act accordingly,” Sprague said.
Sprague explained that law enforcement officers are in the public eye and live their lives in a fish bowl. She explains this fish bowl as a helpful reminder of the standard she is aiming for, which is an accountability aid; after all, it is a privilege to lead by example, said Sprague.
Growing up in a military family, Sprague realized her interest in law enforcement at a young age. “I think that the military helped to mold me with discipline, a sense of service and a respect for our country, explained Sprague.

Sprague describes herself as dedicated and professional, but would like to be remembered as a good person.

She explains, “I have gone to several funerals of friends and colleagues within the past three or four years. I have honestly taken that what they say about you at funerals is not how much wealth you have accumulated or how much power or how much authority you have, but that you were a good person.”

If elected Leon County sheriff, Sprague said she will impact the Florida A&M University community by being hands on, out in the community and listening to what the concerns are.

“With FAMU I think my unique experience working with colleges and universities will be helpful to FAMU because I know what the critical issues are.”

Tazh Hall, campaign manager for Sprague, said: “she has always been honest and fair; it’s easier to build wonderful children then it is to rebuild a broken man, this seems to be her philosophy for life.”

Hall explained that Sprague hopes to have children not be afraid of the police but to say “hey, I’m your friend, I can help you.”

Many women don’t run for political office, and Sprague said she would be delighted to see more women step up to the call of leadership.

“I think any woman in politics has to give 110 percent because of the nature of socialization between men and women just in our history,” said Sprague.

Jenna Kenyon, Sprague’s daughter, said: “My mom has always instilled a strong set of values in our family. She taught us that kindness, loyalty and respect are incredibly important.”

Kenyon explained that her mother is her saving grace.

“The same week my son was born, our family was relocated to Fort Rucker, Alabama. She helped us move out of our house, stayed with me in a hotel until the baby was cleared to move, and drove the 20 hours with me and Beckett to our new home when he was just 10 days old. I absolutely could not have done it without her,” said Kenyon.

Currently in Florida there are only two elected female sheriffs, who are in Alachua County and Lake County.