From patrolling Polk County roads to leading one of the region’s most impactful nonprofits, Larry G. Williams, Jr. has spent his life answering the call to serve.
This December, Polk State College celebrated Williams as its Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, honoring a career that began right here at Polk Community College.
“When I walked the halls of this college, I was filled with ambition, curiosity and, if I’m being honest, a little uncertainty,” Williams said “But Polk State College gave me more than just an education. It gave me direction. It gave me confidence. And most importantly, it gave me values that have guided me every step of the way: integrity, leadership, and service.”
A Lake Gibson High School graduate, Williams earned his associate degree from Polk in 1988 before launching a 34-year career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. In 2022, Williams stepped into a new chapter as Chief Executive Officer and President of Peace River Center, a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals to reach their full potential by offering behavioral health and emotional wellness services.
“Larry’s story is a powerful example of how Polk State opens doors to opportunity,” said Steven S. Warner, Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the Polk State College Foundation. “His dedication to service, first in law enforcement and now in mental health, shows the ripple effect of a Polk State education in strengthening our community.”
Williams started as a part-time deputy and worked his way through every rank to become Chief of the Department of Law Enforcement, shaping public safety across the county.
His decades in law enforcement deepened his understanding of the critical need for mental health services. Under his guidance, Peace River Center has partnered with Polk County to expand access to life-changing care.
Williams also holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Warner University and a master’s in Public Administration from Troy University. His professional development includes the FBI National Academy, Florida State University’s Certified Public Manager Program, and other prestigious leadership programs.
“Serve with passion and never forget where you came from,” Williams shared with graduates at Polk State’s December commencement ceremony. “Polk State College doesn’t just prepare you for a job, it prepares you for a journey. I can tell you from experience that the journey can be extraordinary.”
