BOCA RATON — Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office announced the passing of former Sheriff Charles McCutcheon. He served as the 13th Sheriff of Palm Beach County from 1995 – 1996.
Sheriff McCutcheon was born in Washington, PA September 4, 1928. As a U.S. Army veteran, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from John Jay College, City University of New York and he was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the U.S. Secret Service School.
In 1968, Chief McCutcheon was one of nine officers chosen nationwide to study law enforcement for a year as a fellow of the U.S. Department of Justice under the Law Enforcement Act.
Sheriff McCutcheon began his career as a patrol officer at the Delray Beach Police Department from 1954 – 1955. He then went on to work as a deputy constable in Palm Beach County from 1955 – 1956. In October 1956, Sheriff McCutcheon continued his career in law enforcement at the Boca Raton Police Department. He served as a detective, detective sergeant, lieutenant and assistant chief before becoming chief in 1970, the city’s fifth police chief.
As chief, Sheriff McCutcheon developed and shaped a police culture defined by progressive thinking and innovation. He reorganized the department to be more efficient and effective. He fought for competitive wages and benefits and was a standard bearer for education in policing.
Sheriff McCutcheon was a stalwart supporter of the Police Athletic League and their annual golf tournament bears his name. He served as chief until 1980. Once his duties as chief were satisfied, he joined the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office as the undersheriff for Sheriff Richard Wille.
In February 1995, Governor Lawton Chiles appointed him to sheriff of Palm Beach County following Sheriff Wille’s retirement. Sheriff McCutcheon served as Sheriff of Palm Beach County until he retired on December 31, 1996.
Sheriff McCutcheon was adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Departments of the Palm Beach Community College and Florida Atlantic University. He was the past president of the Palm Beach County Police Chiefs Association and chairman of the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee at the Palm Beach Community College. He served as the vice president of Florida Atlantic University Alumni Association. He was also a member of Cities in Schools and American Society of Public Administration.
A viewing will be held Friday, June 22, from 5-8 p.m. at the Glick Family Funeral Home, 3600 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at St. Joan of Arc Church, 370 SW 3rd St., Boca Raton.