Chief Deputy Randy Tifft brings over 35 years of experience in Corrections and Law Enforcement to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Dual-certified in both Corrections and Law Enforcement, he began his career in 1990 with the Florida Department of Corrections, where he advanced through every leadership level from Officer to Regional Director. After retiring in 2016, he joined the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office as Detention Major in 2017, was promoted to Colonel in 2019, and became Chief Deputy in 2023. In this role, he oversees all operations of the Sheriff’s Office.  

Chief Tifft possesses extensive expertise in strategic leadership, tactical operations, investigations, emergency management, fiscal administration, human resources, and systems innovation. He is a certified Florida Department of Law Enforcement Instructor with more than 75 certifications and completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Finance. A graduate of the FDLE Chief Executive Seminar (2024), he has also completed the “Management Development for the Future,” “Senior Leadership,” and “Executive Leadership” programs at Florida State University, where he serves as both a graduate and instructor. Additionally, he is a consultant and Operations Auditor for the National Institute of Corrections and the National Center for Policing Innovation.

An active community leader, Chief Tifft serves as Co-Chair for the Santa Rosa Kids House, President of the First Judicial Circuit Law Enforcement Association, and President of the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Star Foundation. He is also involved with the American Correctional Association, the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, the Florida Sheriffs Association and member of the Federalist Society. Chief Tifft was honored to be named Honorary Commander at Hurlburt Field for the 1st Special Operations Wing (1 SOW).