October 13th, 2012 – John D. Anderson Jr. was born in New Orleans, Louisiana May 18, 1963. Growing up in New Orleans, he attended a small catholic school with a graduating class of only 11. Ager graduation, he worked for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office until enlisting in the United States Marine Corps to serve his country. He left the Marine Corps as a Corporal in 1987 to begin a new life of service with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, West Palm Beach, Florida.
Over the past 25 years at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, John has worked the streets as a road deputy, held the position of K9 officer and was later recruited to join the S.W.A.T Team as well as the Tactical team. John earned the position of Corporal as Field Training Officer and is currently assigned to the training division where he and 9 other trainers are entrusted to keep the nearly 2000 deputies current in all aspects of law enforcement and to give them the tools to stay safe as they serve the public in potentially dangerous situations daily.
In 1999, he returned to the service of United States Marine Corps as a reservist with the 4th Anglico in West Palm Beach. He was promoted to Sergeant just prior to leaving the Marine Corps to begin a family. He is married to Linda Anderson, who also works for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Linda is a detective in the Special Investigations Division and investigates Crimes against Children and Sex crimes. They have one child, Miranda who was born in July, 2005. Miranda is a very active and enthusiastic 6 year old who competes on the local dive team, plays soccer and T–‐ball! Like her father, she is a ravenous sports fan who loves the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Braves.
In 2011, John was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patent averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cure for the disease but though donations and support researchers are getting closer to an answer. Providing the care for an ALS patent averages $200,000 per year for the most basic needs.
John Anderson is a dedicated law enforcement officer and has earned the respect and admiration from the citizens he serves and the deputies he has worked side by side with for 25 years. He is also a loving son, husband and father and is not deserving of the terrible toll this horrible disease will take on him and his family.
