Neil Perry, former St. Johns County Sheriff, dies at 67

Former St. Johns County Sheriff Neil Perry died Wednesday.  He was 67.

Born in St. Augustine on May 19, 1945, Perry dedicated his life to his family and community.  He began his career in law enforcement as an auxiliary officer witht he St. Augustine Police Department in 1968, and in 1974 became  member of the St. Johns County Sheriff's office.

Perty served as a patrol deupty and detective until 1984.  That year he was elected as Sheriff of St. Johns County.  He was re-elected four times, serving five terms as sheriff before retiring in 2004.  He remained a part of the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office family as a reserve deupty even after his retirement.

On Tuesday, the St. Johns County Commission voted to rename the St. Johns County Criminal Justice Complex to now the Neil J. Perry Criminal Justice Complex.

Perry joined the Florida Army National Guard in 1962 and received many accolades during his 39-year career including the Army Commendation Medal and the Florida Commendation Medal.

He was also a past president of Kiwanis club, member of the Ashlar Masonic Lodge No. 98, and a recipient of the Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer award given by the St. Augustine Jaycees.