Paul Uravich

10th Reunion
Paul Uravich                    Married: Sally Fields
1900 Dawsey                  Occupation: Graduate Student/Investigator campus sec.
Tallahassee, Florida
Since “CHS”
Graduated from FSU in 1964. Entered graduate school in 1966. Entered U.S. Army, stationed at Ft. Knox, Ft. Gordon, Ft.
Hood. At present in graduate school taking 13 hours to complete Master’s Degree in Criminology & Corrections.

50th Reunion
Upon graduation from Columbia HS, this energetic. albeit naïve, Lake City novice embarked upon an education at THE Florida State University. I was determined to save the world; first by becoming a psychologist who would help everyone who had a special need. Failing this, I would become a counselor working with juvenile delinquents. Surely my background would ensure success in this endeavor. Little did I realize at the time that my number was coming up in the local draft board and that I had a decision to make- Be drafted as a private E-l or sign up for officers candidate school. I chose the latter and the rest is history.

While enrolled at FSU, I held a student position with the FSU Police Department. Surely with this background and experience I would be suited for a related law enforcement position with my new military employer. How wrong I was!!! Even after promises from my primary recruiter, I ended up as a candidate in the Armored Corp. Only after many letters, phone calls, and prayer was I commissioned in the Military Police Corps.

I began my official law enforcement career as a Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps of the United States Army where I served as the Commanding Officer of a Criminal Investigative Detachment (CID) during the Viet Nam conflict. There were great times to be had during these years as Sally and I enjoyed the many new friends and acquaintances that we had. A career in the military was attractive and we gave it brief thought but realized we really wanted a different life style.

In 1968 I returned to the Florida State University (FSU) to finish my Masters of Science degree and accepted a position as a criminal investigator with the FSUPD. I worked my way up the ranks and was appointed Assistant Chief of Police. In 1971 I accepted the position as Chief of Police at the University of West Florida where I remained until 1973. In 1973 I accepted the position of Chief of Police at the University of South Florida where I remained until retirement in October of 2002.

September 8, 1942 – August 22, 2023

Paul Uravich, aged 80 years, went to his heavenly home on August 22, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Sally, his children, Brett (Maria) and Keri, and granddaughter Emily.

Paul Uravich was born in 1942 in Springfield, Vermont and spent his early years in West Bridgewater Massachusetts. In 1957, Paul and his family moved to Lake City, Florida, where he met Sally Ann Fields in their 9th grade Latin class at Columbia High School. They forged an instant connection that would last a lifetime.

Family and Faith

Paul and Sally married in 1967 and had two children, Brett and Keri. Paul and Sally’s life together epitomized the values of a loving, faith-filled family; they celebrated 56 years of marriage on June 3, 2023.

He was a generous parent, always available to lend an ear or to dispense wisdom. His interactions were filled with love, faith, and humor. He was generous with his time and talents, coaching youth soccer for more than a decade. His passion for sports was also evident in his enthusiastic support for college football, particularly his beloved alma mater, Florida State University (FSU).

In all things, his faith was foremost: Paul lived his life to honor Jesus Christ. The Uravich Family attend First Baptist Church of Brandon, where Paul taught a Sunday school class for individuals with special needs. This work later grew to include his leadership at New Horizons Group Home.

Education and Military Service

Paul attended Florida State University (FSU), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology in 1964. He was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

After his undergraduate studies, Paul enlisted to serve his country in the United States Army. He attended Officer Candidate School (OCS), and began his law enforcement career as a Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps, and later as Commanding Officer of a Criminal Investigative Detachment (CID) during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he returned to FSU to finish his Master of Science degree in Police Administration.

Professional Life

In 1969, Paul accepted a position as a criminal investigator with the FSUPD; he worked his way up the ranks and was appointed Assistant Chief in 1970. In 1971, he accepted the position as Chief of Police at the University of West Florida, where he remained until 1973. In 1973, he accepted the position of Chief of Police at the University of South Florida (USF), where he remained until his retirement in November of 2002.

Throughout his law-enforcement career, Chief Uravich continually sought opportunities to bring about improvements and professionalism within the campus and local law enforcement agencies. He was an active and involved member of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Florida Police Chief’s Association (FPCA), as well as the Tampa Bay Chief’s Association. He served on and chaired various committees for IACLEA while also serving three consecutive terms as Regional Director.

Chief Uravich served the FPCA as Parliamentarian, Chair of the Training and Education Committee (3 years), and Chair of the committee that rewrote the by-laws for that organization. He served as a member of the Tampa Bay Chief’s Association Board of Directors for more than 25 years.

A highlight among many in his long career was his selection to represent the FPCA as a charter member of the Florida Police Accreditation Committee. This committee was responsible for developing and evaluating standards that would be used to determine an agency’s readiness for accreditation by the State of Florida. In this role, he had an opportunity to be part of a group that would have a major impact on the current and future delivery of professional police services within the State of Florida.

Throughout his professional life, Paul continued to serve his community. For decades, he combined his love of sports and his commitment to service by coaching little league baseball, youth soccer, and club soccer. Notably, he coached his son Brett’s club soccer teams for many years, culminating in a trip to Brazil for a series of friendly international matches; in addition, he fielded the first USF Women’s Club Soccer team, which later became the USF NCAA Women’s Soccer team.

Post-Professional Life

Paul did not slow down after retiring from the USF Police Department in 2002. His focus shifted to serving his community, particularly those with special needs, with the same steadfast dedication he had for public safety. He served as Vice President of the Board for New Horizons Group Homes, which provides a home living environment for adults with disabilities. He also volunteered for ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization) of Brandon, an organization that provides food and clothing for unhoused individuals and others having special needs for immediate assistance.

After retirement, he also enjoyed the opportunity to travel around North America with Sally. In 2008, he was overjoyed to become a doting “Geep” as they welcomed their granddaughter, Emily. In his later years, he faced numerous health challenges head-on, with Sally by his side as his real MVP. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership in service, in mentorship, and in overcoming, by faith, to his family and friends alike.

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

The Uravich Family would greatly enjoy learning about your connection with Paul through any stories that you would be willing to share.

A Celebration of Life will be planned, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests contributions, in honor of Paul Uravich, to: New Horizons Group Homes, Inc., 109 E. Clay Avenue, Brandon, FL 33510 www.newhorizonshomes.org

https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/palm-harbor-fl/paul-uravich-11419499