TALLAHASSEE – LAWFUEL – Attorney General Bill McCollum was sworn into office
today as Florida’s 36th Attorney General. McCollum, a native Floridian,
joined Governor Charlie Crist, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and
Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson at today’s inaugural ceremony
in Tallahassee, where the members of the new state Cabinet assumed the
responsibilities of their offices.
“I am humbled to serve the people of Florida as their Attorney
General and will make the safety and security of our state and its citizens
my top priority,” said McCollum. “I look forward to the days and tasks
ahead as we work together for the good of this state.”
McCollum, of Orlando, served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from
1969 to 1972, retiring as a Commander after 23 years of service in the
Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He later represented the people of Central
Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives for 20 years, retiring in
2001. Today, as he begins his term as the state’s newest Attorney General,
McCollum pledged to continue to protect Florida’s communities, families and
children. One of his priorities will be the Attorney General’s Child
Predator CyberCrime Unit, which protects children from computer-facilitated
sexual exploitation. The unit has made 33 arrests since its inception in
October 2005.
The inaugural activities included an early-morning prayer breakfast,
the swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Old Capitol, a parade and a
street festival. McCollum and his family – wife Ingrid and sons Douglas,
Justin and Andrew – attended the festivities held throughout the day.
