The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) is endorsing Jim DeNiro’s bid to unseat District 4 Sarasota County Commissioner Joe Neunder during the GOP Primary.
Founded in 1978, NAPO represents more than 1,000 police units and associations, amounting to over 241,000 sworn officers nationwide. NAPO President Michael “Mick” McHale said DeNiro’s leadership was forged during decadeslong law enforcement career.
“Jim DeNiro has spent a lifetime serving others and protecting the people of Sarasota County,” McHale said in a press release. “His deep public safety background, tireless work ethic, and willingness to step into difficult situations without hesitation make him exactly the kind of leader voters can trust on the County Commission.”
DeNiro, a retired Sarasota Police Department sergeant, spent 30 years with the agency working across criminal investigations, narcotics enforcement, patrol, traffic and marine units, and emergency management. He also served as a team leader for the department’s Underwater Search and Recovery Unit and held supervisory roles overseeing budgets, personnel deployment and training.
During his law enforcement career, DeNiro received multiple commendations, including a Distinguished Service Award in 2002 for apprehending a bank robbery suspect while off duty and a Chief’s Award in 2016 tied to efforts combating human trafficking alongside community partners.
The NAPO endorsement follows earlier backing from the Florida Police Benevolent Association, the state’s largest police union, further consolidating DeNiro’s support among law enforcement groups.
“I’m honored to have the support of the National Association of Police Organizations,” DeNiro said. “I’ve spent my career stepping up, solving problems, and working to keep Sarasota County families safe. I’ll bring that same determination, sense of duty, and commitment to public safety to the County Commission.”
