Phil Royal, a native of Clearwater, Florida, began his career as a first responder, serving in Pasco County as a firefighter/paramedic in 1987. Subsequently moving to Citrus County in 1988, Phil would continue to serve Citrus in the same capacity. In 1990, Phil went on to further his career and was anointed Deputy Sheriff after attending the Law Enforcement Academy at Withlacoochee Technical College (WTC); the same academy where he would later serve as director.
Phil was an integral part of the Citrus County Sheriff’s department and operated throughout the agency in numerous roles, including; Patrol Deputy, School Resource Officer (SRO), SWAT Medic, Underwater Recovery Team Commander, SCUBA Diving Instructor, Crime Scene Technician, Sergeant and Lieutenant.