News Release
Friday, May 03, 2013
Media contact: Katie Purcell, 850-459-6585
This week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officially welcomed a new law enforcement director, Col. Calvin L. Adams Jr.
As leader of the largest conservation law enforcement agency in the country, he will oversee more than 1,000 employees, direct their enforcement efforts in Florida and manage the budget for the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement.
Also, because the FWC works closely with many conservation and public-safety partners, Adams will be looked up to as a leader throughout the state and country.
“The FWC has an excellent team,” Adams said. “From our command staff and administrative support in Tallahassee to our officers in the field, we work together every day to protect people and natural resources. I’m honored to be named as the leader of this dedicated group.”
Adams will succeed Jim Brown, who has served as director of law enforcement since 2009 and is retiring. Although Brown has an impressive reputation that might be hard for others to live up to, Adams is considered ready for the task.
“Col. Brown has been an exceptional leader with a true passion for ensuring that people can safely enjoy Florida’s natural resources,” said FWC Executive Director Nick Wiley. “I see the same commitment in Col. Adams. I look forward to working with him as he brings the highest values of integrity and professional leadership to continue moving us in this positive direction.”
Adams is no stranger to law enforcement and conservationists. He grew up in a family of them and gained his own varied experience.
He began his career with the Florida Marine Patrol, one of the FWC’s predecessor agencies, in 1985 in Indian River County. He worked his way up as an investigator, lieutenant, captain and major, working across the state in Tampa, Lake City and Tallahassee. Since 2007, he has served as a deputy director in the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement, directing statewide operations, including the aviation and K-9 programs, and providing guidance to staff regarding search-and-rescue activities, targeted resource protection efforts and other details.
Adams’ father retired from the Florida Marine Patrol in 1994 after a 30-year career. His uncle served in law enforcement with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC), another FWC-predecessor agency, and was an elected sheriff before being appointed a GFC commissioner. Two of Adams’ cousins are also FWC officers.
Adams has an Associate in Arts degree from Hillsborough Community College and training certificates from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Chief Executive Seminar and the FBI’s National Academy, Session 237. He lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Olga, and they have two adult children.
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