Ed Nathanson

Chief Nathanson founded the Children's Holiday Program to provide a special Christmas for needy families. His efforts to bring a Merry Christmas to needy families has brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars in gifts over the past quarter century. The gifts for these families have filled an entire school auditorium.

He is a founding board member of Operation Home Bound and the Christian Food Pantry. These charities began in 1998. He is also a board member for the Lake County Children's Foundation, as well as, a member of the Lake County Children's Services Council.

Locally, the Chief is an honorary member of Boy Scout Troop #244, Girl Scout Troop #710, Lady Lake Little League, and the Lady Lake Soccer League. He also assists with The Villages Elementary PTA and Chorus.

He is an honorary member of American Legion Post #347 and The Villages Veteran's Organization. He is responsible for bringing the Adopt-A-Vet Program to The Villages Elementary. The Chief has assisted the Disabled American Veterans with many community service projects. In 1992 he was awarded the Forty and Eight Officer of the Year Award for Florida from the American Legion.

He works with the Lady Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Lady Lake Business Leaders Association. In 1992 he was presented with The Good Egg Award from the Leesburg Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, the Chief has spearheaded a fundraiser to get enough money for an electric wheelchair for a disabled little girl, whose family would never have been able to afford the wheelchair on their own.

In 2005, Chief was awarded the Community Service Eagle Award from the Lake County League of Cities, Leadership Lake County Alumni Association, and the Daily Commercial.

He is a member of the West Central Florida Police Chief's Association and was the secretary/treasurer from 2002-2005. He is also a member of the International Police Chief's Association. From 1986-1988 he served as President of the West Central Florida Crime Prevention Association.

He was a founding member and past President of Drug Free, Inc. This organization presented him with the By George Award in 1993. Through his many hours of charitable work with Truckers Love Children, Inc. he was presented the Sword of Justice Award in 1994.