Ex-Brevard deputy who was shot in line of duty to challenge Sheriff Ivey in GOP primary

Former Brevard County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Potters has announced plans to challenge three-term incumbent Sheriff Wayne Ivey in a Republican primary in 2024.

Potters was shot in the line of duty in August 2021 in an ambush-style shooting during a traffic stop along U.S. 192 near West Melbourne. The suspect in the shooting, 38-year-old Paris Wilder of Cocoa, was shot dead by another deputy who responded to the incident, Tyler Thoman. According to a dashcam video released at the time, Potters was shot in the lower leg after Wilder rushed out of a back seat with the rifle — and Wilder also struck Potters multiple times with the firearm.

Potters — who never returned to active duty after the shooting and "medically separated" from the BCSO in September 2022 ― criticized Ivey during a minute-long Facebook video announcing his candidacy, filmed outside the Brevard County Sheriff's Office's west precinct complex in Viera.

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"I'm running because I have grown increasingly concerned about the course of events that has occurred within our county," Potters said in the video. "In my opinion, the root of these problems lies here in the office of sheriff. Our sheriff's office has become a mecca of the good-old-boy system that functions largely for its own benefit ― increasingly insensitive to the needs of its employees and citizens."

Potters added that "I don't believe for one minute that four more years of the business as usual is the answer to our problems. I don't think the voters of Brevard County believe it, either. In January 2025, we will make a change into the 21st century."

In an interview Friday, Potters said he is running for Brevard sheriff on a platform that includes:

• Improving the morale among deputies.

• Increasing transparency within the department, including having a more open application process when management positions become available.

• Improving the protective equipment assigned to deputies.

• Reducing turnover among deputies who may leave the BCSO for a higher-paying job elsewhere.

"I just want it to be better for the troops," said Potters, a 38-year-old resident of Titusville.

Potters ended his Facebook video candidacy announcement by putting on a rifle-rated outer bulletproof vest, which Potters said in the interview was a signal to BCSO deputies that he placed a high priority on safety equipment improvements.

Ivey in August announced his campaign for reelection for a fourth four-year term, during a 6?-minute video on his "Constitutional Sheriff Wayne Ivey American Patriot" Facebook page.

In the video, Ivey cited his successes in bringing Brevard County's crime rate down, as well as the BCSO's added responsibilities during his tenure of overseeing Port Canaveral law enforcement operations and Brevard Public Schools security, and assuming control of the county's animal services operations.

Ivey said, with his staff of 1,700, "together, we are making a difference, and are a model for other communities to follow to keep their citizens safe. Brevard County is one of the safest places in the country to live, to work, to play, to raise a family. Crime will rise to the level a community will tolerate, and, in Brevard County, we have zero tolerance for crime. We are tough on crime and even tougher on criminals."

In a statement provided to FLORIDA TODAY on Friday, responding to Potters' candidacy, Ivey emphasized the more than four decades of experience he has in law enforcement, and its importance.

"Serving as sheriff of our agency requires vast experience in the field of law enforcement, corrections, budgeting, crime prevention and, most importantly, experienced leadership," Ivey said. "Our citizens also know that I’m tough on crime and even tougher on criminals, and that I am unwavering in my protection of our citizens, our cops, our pets and our Constitution."

Ivey said he has "absolute faith that our citizens recognize the level of proven leadership it takes to run an agency of our size, and I greatly appreciate their continued support for both me and the amazing men and women of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office."

Ivey was first elected sheriff in 2012, and was reelected in 2016 and 2020. Before becoming sheriff, Ivey was the local resident agent in charge for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Ivey's law enforcement experience includes various positions at the FDLE, the Clay County Sheriff's Office and the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.

Potters joined the BCSO in March 2020. He was assigned to North Precinct Patrol Services in Titusville at the time of the shooting.  Prior to his employment with the BCSO, Potters was employed by the Titusville Police Department and Fayette County Constable's Office in Kentucky. He served in the Marine Corps from 2003 through 2009, as a member of the military police, stationed in California, Hawaii and Virginia. He was honorably discharged in 2009 as a corporal.

This will be Potters' second run for public office. He ran as a Republican for sheriff of Fayette County, Kentucky, in 2014, against then-four-term incumbent Kathy Witt, a Democrat. Potters received 33.80% of the vote.

In early 2022, in recognition of their roles in the 2021 shooting, Potters and Thoman were named “Deputies of the Year” at the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Annual Awards Ceremony, then were named “Law Enforcement Officers of the Year” by the Brevard County Association of Chiefs of Police.

In discussing the shooting, Potters said: "We were looking for bad guys, and we found one." But Potters was not anticipating the outcome that left him hospitalized for five days.

Potters said he has received about 95% positive feedback about his candidacy since posting his video announcement. But he realizes it will be a difficult race against an incumbent with Ivey's name recognition and support among many Brevard County residents.

"I like a challenge, and this is going to be a fun challenge," Potters said.

Ivey alluded to the popularity of the BCSO within Brevard in his statement, saying: “Our citizens know and love the amazing job that our team has done in the past 12 years to protect our community and build incredible relationships with our citizens."

In the 2020 election, Ivey defeated Democrat Alton Edmond, an attorney, getting 66.05% of the vote.

There currently are no announced Democratic candidates for sheriff in the 2024 election.

Ivey was unopposed for reelection in 2016.

In 2012, Ivey defeated Todd Maddox in a Republican primary, getting 56.35% of the vote. He then defeated Democrat Adrian Moss-Beasley in the November general election, with 66.56% of the vote.

The salary of Brevard County sheriff is $209,860 a year.

Dave Berman is business editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Berman at [email protected], on X at @bydaveberman and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dave.berman.54

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard Sheriff Ivey faces challenge from ex-deputy in GOP primary