Colonel - Bureau of Law Enforcement Operations
Justin Ferrara
Colonel, Bureau of Law Enforcement Operations
Justin graduated from Lecanto High School and moved to Gainesville, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. While attending college, he worked in Loss Prevention at Walmart Stores and was shortly recruited by Federated Department Stores, where he received numerous accolades and was the youngest person in company history promoted to a Security Supervisor. He began his law enforcement career at the Gainesville Police Department after attending the Santa Fe Police Academy, where he graduated at the top of his class. In Gainesville, Justin worked patrol, narcotics, street crimes, and property crimes and was instrumental in their implementation of a Career Criminal Unit.
After joining CCSO in 2000, Justin proved himself to be an incredible asset in many different areas and positions across the agency. From Patrol to the Drug Unit and then onto Major Crimes as a Lieutenant, and with many important career milestones in between. Justin then earned the rank of Captain, first of the East Patrol District, then as the commander of the Special Operations Division and now is the Colonel over the Bureau of Law Enforcement Operations.
Throughout his career in law enforcement, Justin has garnered an impressive list of accomplishments. While at the Gainesville Police Department, he received a Medal of Distinction as well as an Officer of the Year Award. During his time with CCSO, Justin was instrumental in the development of new units, policing strategies, and innovative processes ensuring stellar services are always provided to the citizens of Citrus County. When not at work, Justin enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, boating, and cooking.