BREAKING: Milo Thornton Selected as a Deputy Chief for Saint Lucie County
Saint Lucie County gains one of Indian River's best.
On his Facebook page, Sheriff-elect Richard Del-Toro announced on Sunday, December 15th, that Milo Thornton has been selected as a deputy chief of the Saint Lucie County’s Sheriff’s Office. The announcement says, “Deputy Chief Thornton is expected to start work with the new Sheriff on January 7th and will be responsible for overseeing the Corrections and Judicial Services Bureau that will include the Corrections Operations and Administrative Divisions and the Judicial Services Division that provides court security, and the civil and warrant process serving.”
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Milo Thornton wrote, “I would like to first acknowledge my Lord Jesus Christ for his steadfastness in my life and for his unwavering support and love! Special thanks to Sheriff-Elect, Richard Del Toro for his leadership, friendship and faith in my ability to support the mission that he has set for the men and women of the Saint Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.”
Mr. Thornton, who currently is the Vice Chairman on the Board of Trustees at Indian River State College, lost his bid to become Sheriff of Indian River County this past year. Mr. Thornton came in 3rd behind Fellsmere police chief, Keith Touchberry and winner, Eric Flowers in the last election cycle. Mr. Thornton had to resign from his position as Captain in the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO) to run in the race. He was managing the School Resource Division for the Sheriff’s department.
Before Mr. Thornton became manager of the School Resource Division at the IRCSO, he was third in command Deputy-Chief over the Department Corrections Division and Judicial Services. In January of 2022, an Internal Affairs investigation was launched against Mr. Thornton over charges of an alleged hostile work environment. In April of 2022, Thornton was cleared of any wrong doing but returned to work demoted to Captain. He was moved to an office inside the school administration building too.
Mr. Thornton has had an accomplished career in local law enforcement. He has served a combined 26 years as a deputy in Indian River County, an officer in the City of Vero Beach after starting in Saint Lucie County in 1998. Raised in Indian River County, Mr. Thornton has a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice. For 19 years, he has trained future deputies at IRSC. Sheriff-elect Del Toro also acknowledged, that Mr. Thornton “has also completed Chief Executive Leadership from the University of Louisville, Command Officer Development 400-hour flagship course from University of Louisville and Leadership Development from FDLE Florida Leadership Academy. He was also selected to attend the FBI National Academy.”
In his remarks concerning the selection of Mr. Thornton for Deputy Chief, Sheriff-elect Del Toro stated, “Chief Thornton is a dynamic leader that will bring high energy, professionalism, and accountability to the jail and court services which are critical areas of responsibilities at the Sheriff’s Office. I have worked with and known Chief Thorton for many years and he is one of the best motivators and encouragers I have ever met. He cares about people, and I have no doubt that he will motivate and bring out the best from our team members and family at the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.”
Many people credit the Sheriff-elect for putting together an all-star leadership team for Saint Lucie County. Sheriff-elect Del Toro defeated incumbent Sheriff, Keith Pearson, who was locally unpopular in spite of the endorsement of Governor DeSantis.
Congratulations to Milo on the new job.