TALLAHASSEE, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ -– Governor Charlie Crist today announced the appointment of Ed Spooner as Sheriff of Okaloosa County. Spooner has been serving as Interim Sheriff during the suspension of Charles Morris since February 27, 2009. “I am confident that Sheriff Spooner’s vast experience in various law enforcement agencies will give him considerable insight into serving the people of Okaloosa County,” Governor Crist said.

“In addition, he brings to his new post a high ethical standard and great integrity.”

Edward M. Spooner, 58, of Quincy, was previously the training academy director for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Prior to 2005, he was chief deputy of the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office for six years, and in 1999 served as interim director of the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy.

Spooner has been chairman of both the Florida Parole Commission and the Parole Commission Qualifications and Selection Committee and has served on the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.

He is a member of the Florida Sheriff’s Association, Big Bend Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the Florida Peace Officers Association.

Sheriff Spooner will serve a term ending November 8, 2010.