Full press conference: Sheriff Grady Judd on recent fatal crashes in Polk County

Sheriff Grady Judd discusses several fatal crashes in Polk County that claimed the lives of eight people in the span of two days.

The sheriff said his investigators had just returned from their break after Christmas and were "high-fiving" because there hadn't been a single traffic fatality over the holiday weekend.

"We were excited about that, but that was short-lived," the sheriff said, adding that many of the crashes involved alcohol or drugs, or were otherwise intentional.

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[makeapathpresents]

23:40 the dude is blunt and honest! Whether ppl want to hear the truth or not! I love it!

[JonnoPlays]

There should be a lifetime achievement award in police work and this man should earn the first one.

[ZZ_The_Boxing_Cat]

I don’t even live in Florida, but always watch sheriff Grady’s pressers. He’s a good ole common sense kind of guy.

[bubukittee]

I never get tired of watching his conferences.
He’s the father figure we all need.

[rjchavers]

Thank you for everything you do Sheriff Grady and everyone else that is instrumental in helping you.

[nicklager]

i dont get it im not a citizen of this county nor am i american but the openness with the community from sheriff Judd is exactly what i want to see from our men and women in the police. I cant get enough of his press conferences.

[diamondgirl]

You can easily tell that this Sheriff was born to do this job. So passionate about his career. It makes a difference.

[sparkleevenmore]

Conservative, liberal, doesn’t matter - we love our sheriff and we’re lucky to have him. Thank you Sheriff Judd.

[bVheh]

Grady Judd sounds tired, I cant blame him. Its tiring trying to understand people with no morality, then trying to explain their motivations to others

[scottwinkler]

From a Polk County Florida resident: Thank you Sheriff Judd for all you do. Our community is so far better off because of you and your passionate leadership and law enforcement team. Polk County’s got your back sir.

[walterstrahota]

Thank you for your service Sheriff Grady Judd. I can’t imagine the weight of responsibility you bear. Also thank you for your professionalism and transparency.

[Hafez]

it's so refreshing to see a public official talking with such sincerity and explaining events simply yet thoughtfully. Just hope we had more of him everywhere. An excellent example of a role model to follow.

[stephenzier]

The best informational Sheriff in the country.

[SliverQuick]

You know when Sheriff Grady Judd is speaking, you're getting the truth! He's exactly what all officers should aspire to be! The best of the best!

[danielslade]

This sheriff is a good man, so much passion and respect for his community. He speaks logic and common sense, all law enforcement should take a note out of his book.

[stevenweishaupt]

I wish we had a sheriff Judd for my town . He is a great guy who actually cares about his constituents.The woman whose boyfriend was beating the snot out of her . Should be ashamed of herself. She refused to help the police who were looking to help her . The waste of police resources spent on her is a disgrace.

[DeverVision]

Sad thing is, the people that need to hear this most likely won’t…

[brigittebeltran]

Excellent reporting by our dedicated Sheriff Grady! It's horrendous how drunk and/or reckless drivers cause such carnage! May the Lord comfort the grieving families.

[sassysarina]

I took that lecture to heart and I don't even live in Florida. Everyone be safe!

[albertlitts]

This sheriff is a great man, he loves his community and I can tell this hurts him, great man you are sheriff I wish we had you in NY. R.i.p to all who lost their lives.