After working for five years as a Hendry County Paramedic, Christopher Norwood decided to switch careers and enter the world of law enforcement.

Born and raised in Clewiston, Chris graduated from Clewiston High School in 2009. He then received his EMT and Paramedic certification allowing him the ability to serve the public in times of medical need.

With a new baby on the way, this young father found that the schedule of a paramedic was hectic and challenging. Working 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty was a tough shift. Chris’ growing family helped him to solidify the decision that it was time for a career change.

He attended the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy and is now a Certified Law Enforcement Officer. Deputy Chris Norwood has been employed with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office since July of 2014, and stated that “he went into law enforcement because he has always had the desire to help others.”

A family man, Chris has a wife and two young children. He wanted to stay local so that they could be near his family and friends. He also wanted to give back to the community where he grew up and among those who helped raise him. Law enforcement still allows Chris to serve the public in a different capacity. Rather than responding mostly to medical emergencies, he now has the opportunity to engage in many more facets of public service. It also affords him the ability to have a more normal schedule for his family.

Chris is assigned to The Montura Ranch area where he serves the needs of the local residents. Most of his days are spent patrolling the roads, keeping an eye on the residents and their property, and staying actively involved in the community’s affairs. When needed, Chris also teaches first aid and CPR certification classes at the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office.

Mundane is not a way of life for Deputy Norwood. He likes the fact that all aspects of his job are different. Every situation he encounters always differs from the last. He stated that “I love that nothing is the same – monotony is a not for me.”

Chris enjoys spending time in the Montura community getting to know the people who call this area home. Even though there are many challenging days, he is honored to work for the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. He noted that “often people don’t see my face, they see the uniform.” He hopes that in time the public will realize that cops are not the enemy, and that they are simply people who are here to protect and to serve. No matter what situation is thrown his way, he is always ready to respond and help those in need.

With the ongoing news coverage of police shootings in this nation and the negative attitude toward the police nationwide, the staff of the Caloosa Belle has decided to show our support to the men and women of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Department who protect us every day. In the following weeks we will be introducing you to them and letting you know what they do to keep you safe every day.