The application process is open and limited for our 2026 Citizens Academy.  This academy begins on May 12, 2026, and runs for 10-weeks on Tuesdays from 6-9 PM until graduation on July 14, 2026.  The Academy is FREE to all participants!  The linked application below must be completed and returned to CCSO no later than Friday, [...]

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office would like to congratulate Corporal Lucas Bedenbaugh on his promotion yesterday.  He continues to serve this agency with honor and integrity. CCSO would like to also congratulate and welcome Heidi Ratliff to our agency as a licensed nurse.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office wishes to congratulate Detention Corporal Sirena Davison on her promotion to Sergeant. Sergeant Davison has served this agency with honor and trust since 2016. 07/27/2016 - Hired as a Deputy Sheriff 12/30/2016 - Transferred from Patrol to CCDF as a Detention Deputy 02/05/2021 - Promoted to Corporal – Detention 03/18/2022 - [...]

It is with sadness that we announce the recent passing of CCSO Sergeant Tory Green, Retired.  He served this agency for almost 30 years, with a career marked by dedication, leadership, and commitment to service. Our prayers go out to his family and the members of our community who served along his side during his tenure.

In October 2025, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office hired 3 deputy sheriff cadets into our Sponsorship Program.  This program includes a tuition-paid academy and a starting salary of $45,625 with our agency while in training.  Since all candidates successfully passed the academy last night, to include the State Exam, they will all now be sworn in [...]

We are pleased to announce the promotion of one of our employees. On Monday, September 29, 2025, Sheriff Kitchings held a promotional ceremony which was attended by family, friends, and CCSO personnel. Sergeant Steven Khachigan was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and will be assigned to the Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force in the Investigations Division. [...]

The Florida Attorney General’s Office has issued guidance to law enforcement regarding the recent appellate court decision surrounding the open carrying of firearms decision. The existing statute only allowed open carrying when engaged in fishing, hunting, or camping. That statute is no longer enforceable. This means that “Open Carry” is now allowed in Florida. It is [...]

On June 26, 2025, around 11:30am, deputies were dispatched to Arby’s Restaurant located on Highway 90 West for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies located two individuals inside the restaurant who had been shot. Three suspects were apprehended moments later following a high-speed vehicle pursuit on I-75. Since the initial incident took place, detectives [...]

On June 26, 2025, around 11:30am, deputies were dispatched to Arby’s Restaurant located on Highway 90 West for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies located two individuals inside the restaurant who had been shot. As deputies rendered aid, witnesses provided information regarding the suspects, including a vehicle description. Within minutes, a responding deputy located [...]