Leaders throughout 33 Florida sheriffs’ offices graduated this week from the Florida Sheriffs Association’s prestigious Commanders Academy.
The Commanders Academy is an exceptionally informative and educational experience that is vital for public safety leaders of the next generation. The academy has become recognized as the premier course of executive study for mid to upper-level criminal justice leaders.
The core curriculum focuses on leadership, ethics, discipline, and additional subject matter areas related to upper-level leadership in law enforcement. The remaining curriculum is adjusted according to emerging trends and issues that have an impact on our sheriffs and recent high-profile events. Each topic is threaded with issues that are unique to the culture of the Office of Sheriff. Throughout the academy, the class learns from more than 50 presenters and panelists, many who are current sheriffs. No other criminal justice program in the state provides this level of executive training.
“We are excited to offer heartfelt congratulations to the Class 11 graduates who, thanks to the trainings and presentations from our partners, are equipped to be even better leaders,” said FSA President and Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum. “As a revered course study program for criminal justice professionals, the Commanders Academy prepares attendees to be most effective in leading modern policing and protecting their communities.”
Steve Casey, executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Association, said, “Florida’s Sheriffs offices are consistently looked to as the model of protecting, leading, and uniting. With the continuous training and innovative curriculum taught through the Commanders Academy, we can maintain this standard of excellence. We are proud to know our sheriffs and their commanders, deputies, and staff set the bar to the highest level.”
In addition to successfully completing this two-week training course, Commanders Academy Class 11 also raised $26,000 for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. This generous donation will help support the mission of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches in preventing delinquency and to develop lawful, resilient, and productive citizens.
- Director John Blanchard, Baker County
- Sergeant Steven Cook, Bay County
- Captain Josh Luke, Bradford County
- Lieutenant Rocco Casano, Charlotte County
- Assistant Chief Domenic Paniccia, Clay County
- Lieutenant Ronnie Daniels, Columbia County
- Lieutenant Jenny Cross, DeSoto County
- Commander Kenny Goncalves, Flagler County
- Lieutenant Kathy Palmer, Franklin County
- Lieutenant Keagon Weatherford, Gilchrist County
- Colonel James Roberts, Hardee County
- Lieutenant Scott Lamia, Hernando County
- Sergeant Barry Lee, Holmes County
- Captain Wesley Burch, Jackson County
- Chief Brian Kee, Jacksonville
- Captain Timothy Lalor, Lee County
- Chief Norman Mack, Leon County
- Lieutenant Jimmy Anderson, Levy County
- Major Yvonne Miller, Manatee County
- Captain Fredinal Chisholm, Marion County
- Chief Deputy John Budensiek, Martin County
- Lieutenant Charlie Johnson, Miami-Dade
- Major Shannon Tait, Okaloosa County
- Captain Scott Deloney, Okeechobee County
- Lieutenant Steven Moser, Osceola County
- Lieutenant Jose Camacho, Pinellas County
- Deputy Director Richard Schreck, Polk County
- Captain Ryan Dunn, Putnam County
- Captain Bryan Ivings, Sarasota County
- Lieutenant Tekitta Williams, Seminole County
- Captain Ryan Smith, St Johns County
- Captain Troy Norman, St Lucie County
- Lieutenant Steven “Taylor” Park, Walton County