Meet Cecil Pendergrass
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Personal

Cecil is a native Floridian born and raised in Fort Myers. He has been happily married to Jodi Nicolosi Pendergrass for 21 years and is completely devoted to his children, Brandan and Andrea. Cecil’s parents, C.L. and Margie Pendergrass, moved to Fort Myers from Cleveland, Tennessee in 1955. After being honorably discharged as a decorated veteran from the United States Army, C.L. continued his passion for public service as a City of Fort Myers Police Officer. C.L. and Margie were also proprietors serving Lee County in the Downtown Fort Myers area as restaurant owners. They later opened a children's clothing store, Young Royalty Fashions located in the original Edison Mall owned by George Sanders. Margie, who visits Fort Myers monthly, is an active resident of Apollo Beach, Florida. Cecil has a sister and many relatives who reside in Lee County.


Professional

Cecil has proudly dedicated his life to public service. His calling to law enforcement came after
working part-time while attending college under Joe D’Alessandro in the State Attorney’s Office.
He was sworn in as a City of Fort Myers Police Officer in 1984 and faithfully served for 25 years. During this time his focus was to improve the quality of life for those he encountered. His work
in the Community Affairs Division earned him numerous commendations based on his ability to
identify problems, seek solutions, and follow through by utilizing the resources necessary to get
the job done, no matter the magnitude. He served as Vice-Chairperson for six years on the Department of Justice Weed and Seed Board, a program that provided grant money to local non-profit organizations for the betterment of area youth. Cecil’s success throughout his law enforcement career is attributed to his unwavering work ethic and unique ability to bring together
the desires of the community with City and County resources. He retired from the City of Fort
Myers on December 31, 2008 and continues to serve as a volunteer reserve officer.

In 2005, Cecil was voted in office as President by the Gulf Coast Chapter Police Benevolent Association law enforcement community. He ran unopposed in 2008 and is currently serving a second term. As President, Cecil is the Chief Executive Officer for Lee, Hendry, and Collier County law enforcement members. In this capacity he promotes professionalism among law enforcement officers to: influence the youth of Florida in an effort to combat delinquency, further police-community relations, and represent officers and other public employees in legal, labor, legislative, and political matters. His continuous involvement with both State of Florida and local elected officials has been advantageous in promoting the cause for his members.

Cecil has been recognized for his unique abilities by state and local officials as well as numerous community groups, some of which include: Senator Burt Saunders Award recipient, Mayors Gold Key Award, Employee of the Year, Employee of the Month, Courtesy Officer of the Month, City of Fort Myers Proclamation recipient, East Fort Myers Rotary Officer of the Month, and Life Saving Award. He was highly decorated upon retiring from the Fort Myers Police Department with the following Medals of Honor: Croix De Negotiator Laurel, Distinguished Volunteer Service Cross, Exceptional Service (2), Good Conduct, Honorable Service (2), Officials Medal, The Triumphant,
and Unit Citation.