About Eric Sherod Bolden

Sergeant Eric S. Bolden retired on September 21, 2020 as the Community Action Team sergeant with the Sarasota Police Department (SPD).  A native of Sarasota, Florida, and a product of the Newtown community, Sergeant Bolden is a 1988 graduate of Sarasota High School.  He previously attended Bethel College, ironically also named, "Newtown," which is located in Kansas.  Eric returned to Florida in 1990, due to the failing health of his mother. He later graduated from the Criminal Justice Academy at Lake City Community College in 1990.

After graduation, Sergeant Bolden pursued employment with SPD and was hired on July 18, 1990.  At the age of 19, he was one of the youngest officers ever hired.  His various assignments with SPD have included:  Patrol Division, Community Policing, Criminal Investigation Division - Narcotics Unit, and Internal Affairs.

He is very active in the community and is a member of Bethlehem Bible Church, where he is currently a youth department counselor and Vice President of the Usher’s Ministry. He is a former football coach with Sarasota and Booker High Schools.

In his spare time, Sergeant Bolden enjoys mentoring and speaking to youth groups in Sarasota County and working with diversity programs within Sarasota/Manatee Counties as a facilitator/trainer.

He is a BIG Pittsburgh Steelers fan and can't wait to travel to more football games.

Sergeant Bolden is married to Joanie and he is the parent of three sons, Darante, Herman and Eric II.