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News & Views: January-March 2022

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ISSUE 1: JANUARY - MARCH 2022

NEWSANDVIEWS


RECOGNITION

QUARTERLY BRIGHT STAR AWARDS DEPUTY TREVOR JOWELL, LAW ENFORCEMENT On November 17, 2021, Deputy Trevor Jowell conducted a routine traffic stop that, thanks to his exceptional work, resulted in the arrest of serial burglars. After stopping the vehicle for a tint violation, Deputy Jowell developed probable cause to search the vehicle and its occupants. In addition to a misdemeanor amount of marijuana, Deputy Jowell discovered tools including chains, slip hooks, and pry bars. These items were consistent with items utilized in a string of recent, ongoing ATM burglaries in Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. The occupants were similar in stature to the suspects listed in a bulletin about the burglaries. Deputy Jowell notified Investigative Operations who responded to the scene, along with the FBI. It was confirmed that the subjects were involved in organizing the burglaries. Deputy Jowell’s excellent police work likely prevented another ATM burglary from occurring.

CORPORAL KERI COLOSIMO, DETENTION Corporal Keri Colosimo is a leader who inspires, and who the other members of her squad actively try to emulate. She promotes teamwork and cooperation by setting an example that has become infectious. Corporal Colosimo is always asking, “What do you need?” and “How can I help you?” Personal accountability, a desire for genuine self-improvement, and the willingness to teach has become the norm in the squad, thanks to Corporal Colosimo. Squad efficiency has markedly improved on her watch. Despite the difficulties brought by COVID-19, classification changes within the jail, and other hurdles, the squad agrees that they have been able to succeed thanks to Corporal Colosimo’s leadership. The personal traits and leadership qualities shown by Corporal Colosimo will have a permanent and long lasting effect on the people in her squad. They feel privileged to have the chance to work not just “for” her but “with” her. SINCE BEING NOMINATED FOR A BRIGHT STAR AWARD, CORPORAL COLOSIMO WAS PROMOTED TO SERGEANT.

KELSIE NURY, SUPPORT Child Protective Investigator Kelsie Nury goes above and beyond to help both her coworkers and the children they strive to protect every day. CPI Nury is always willing to help her coworkers both in the office and in the field. She always puts child safety first and is a strong advocate for the children in every family she serves. She brings families supplies they may need. This past year, CPI Nury became a mentor and has been diligent and patient in teaching new CPIs to become skilled investigators. She is outstanding at her job, and fully deserves her Bright Star Award.

NEWS AND VIEWS IS A PUBLICATION OF THE COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC EDUCATION SECTION OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS BUREAU EDITOR RICKY BUTLER | ASSISTANT EDITOR/WRITER LAURA L. SULLIVAN DESIGN A ARON GRUDIS | PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN GORDON


RECOGNITION

COMMUNITY AWARDS SAFETY HARBOR VFW POST 10093 DEPUTY OF THE YEAR: DETECTIVE JERRY CREASER Detective Jerry Creaser’s diligence, thoroughness, and persistence over two and a half years led to an arrest in the murder of a 71 year old man. The deceased was found in his residence with multiple traumatic injuries. The victim’s daughter had a history of domestic altercations, including allegedly trying to smother the victim in his sleep once before. Initial investigative techniques were ineffective – the daughter’s DNA was already in the home because she has recently lived there – but Detective Creaser followed up with 56 interviews, 27 subpoena requests, and 22 search warrants. He even got the first geofence warrant in Pinellas County. He persevered, using confidential investigative techniques until he finally got information implicating the daughter in her father’s murder. She was arrested on May 1, 2021, and is currently in the Pinellas County Jail awaiting trial. Thanks to his indefatigable tenacity, the case was solved.

KAHANEK IS BACK IN THE SWIM AFTER 20 YEARS Inmate Records Specialist Jackie Kahanek knows it’s never too late to get back into something you used to love. Kahanek used to be an avid swimmer, but somehow 20 years had passed since she’d been involved in the swimming world. Recently, though, she decided to join a Masters swim team. Kahanek just competed in her first swim meet since rejoining the sport, and had a stellar performance. She placed either second or third in all of her individual events. Starting out that strong doesn’t give her much room for improvement, but she’s determined to win first place in the future. “Even though that’s a pretty high bar already, I’m looking forward to continually improving upon my skills and I’m happy to be back in the water,” Kahanek said.

PRIME – PINELLAS REGIONAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ENTERPRISE You may have heard about PRIME, but what is it? PRIME is a new organization that will help keep deputies and citizens safer by facilitating easy and efficient information sharing. PRIME will manage a new countywide Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS) used by Pinellas County law enforcement, 911, Fire, and EMS. With PRIME, agencies will receive real-time information from neighboring jurisdictions. PRIME will facilitate communication and records sharing, too. PRIME is an independent entity, but its office is located at the SAB in Room 230. It will be staffed by members from the PCSO and partner agencies. Contact Director Tom Lancto for more information.

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FISCAL

Travel Tips: Per Diem and Travel Expense Vouchers

Whether you’re traveling for education, a conference, or other PCSO business, you need to know how to pay for – and get reimbursed for – your auxiliary expenses. Krause through your COC with details of the transaction (date, location, amount, and purpose). The approved memo may be used as TEV backup in place of a receipt.

When and how should travel for an agency purpose be approved? All travel must be authorized and approved in advance of the travel dates. If the travel is for training, a Training Registration Request is submitted to the member’s chain of command (COC) through SONET under myPCSO/Training Request. For nontraining travel, complete a Non-Training Authorization Form located on SONET under Agency Forms. What is per diem? Per diem is a daily allowance for meals while traveling on agency business. The amount of the allowance depends on the location of the travel. When members receive a daily per diem allowance, they are not required to produce receipts for their meals. May I request per diem, even if the conference I’m attending provides a meal, such as lunch or dinner? Yes. General Order 02-13, Authorized Travel, has recently been updated to allow per diem even when a conference provides a meal as part of the registration cost. May I use my p-card to purchase meals while traveling on agency business, instead of requesting per diem? No. Purchasing cards (p-cards) may be used to pay for other travel or training expenses, but should not be used to pay for meals when traveling. When should requests for advance per diem be submitted? Members requesting advance per diem should enter a check request in Innoprise at least two weeks in advance of the travel. PAGE 4 | JANUARY - MARCH 2022

Where should I send a completed Travel Expense Voucher? Send the completed packet (the TEV along with the Per Diem Calculator, receipts and other backup documentation) to Fiscal Affairs, Attention: Accounts Payable. If the member owes money to PCSO, a personal check should be attached. If money is owed to the member, a check will be sent through How do I know the correct per diem rate interoffice mail. Both the traveling member for the county to which I am traveling? and their supervisor must sign the TEV. Be sure to use the most current Per Diem Calculator and Travel Expense Voucher Who should I contact in Fiscal Affairs posted on SONET under Agency Forms. if I have questions regarding travel expenses? What type of backup documentation must Contact Fiscal Technicians Diana Perez, be attached to a per diem request? Stacey Lyons, or Tatyana Chizh. Be sure to attach a fully approved Training Registration Request, the completed Per How do I enter a time off request for a Diem Calculator form, and the conference or training class? training brochure. Log into payroll and click the “Request Time Off/Overtime” button on your dashboard. How and when should I complete a Travel For the time off type, choose “Training/ Expense Voucher (TEV)? Travel,” pick the day on the calendar below, The TEV is a snapshot of the total cost of your and press “Start Request.” Complete the travel or training, and should be completed as request with the class details and press soon as possible after returning to the office. “Submit Request.” Be sure to record ALL expenses related to your travel (hotel, flight, transportation, fuel, What is the difference between baggage fees, etc.), including any advance per “Training/Travel” and “Training Leave?” diem and any expenses paid using a p-card “Training/Travel” is used for the time spent or gas card. in the training class or traveling to your destination during your shift. These hours Where can I find detailed written are considered time worked. The time off instructions for how to complete a Travel type “Training Leave” is used by shifts other Expense Voucher? than 8 hours to fill the difference between an Please see Instructions for Completing 8 hour training class and the remainder of Travel Expense Voucher posted on SONET the shift. These hours are calculated as leave. under Agency Forms. They are NOT considered time worked and will not be included in the calculation of What type of backup documentation hours worked for overtime. must be attached to a Travel Expense Voucher? What is an example of a correctly coded Be sure to attach receipts for all expenses, training day for a 12 hour schedule and any other pertinent documentation of employee? the travel expenses. If an employee who works 12 hour shifts attends an 8 hour training class, the employee What should I do if a receipt did not print will submit a time off request for 8 hours or has been lost? of “Training/Travel” and 4 hours of “Training Forward a memo to Fiscal Director Susan Leave.”


HUMAN RESOURCES

Human Resources Tips and Changes

The PCSO offers some fantastic benefits. Let HR help you learn how to make the most of them.

BENEFITS Q&A How do I add a family member to my health insurance? Members can be added to your health insurance when you have a qualifying life event or during open enrollment. If you have a qualifying life event, you can log into the Bentek portal at www.mybentek.com/pcso. If you forget your user name and password, there are prompts to assist you. Once you log in, you can click the tile for Life Event and then follow the prompts to add your family member. You can even add your supporting documentation when completing your request. Once you have completed your request, a member of our benefits team will let you know if it has been approved, or if there is something else that is required. medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same When is Open Enrollment? terms and conditions as if the employee had Keep an eye out! Open Enrollment not taken leave.” (www.dol.gov/agencies/ information will be going out in a couple whd/fmla). If you are out for an illness or of months. Just remember all elections will injury of your own, or that of a qualified family begin October 1, 2022. member, for more than three consecutive days, you must apply for FMLA. FMLA can I am retiring soon, what do I need to do? be reviewed for continuous blocks of leave or The first thing that all members should do intermittently. Please always reach out to our when preparing to retire is to reach out to the benefits line at 582-2835 with any questions Florida Retirement System (FRS) at 866-446- in regards to FMLA. You can also send an 9377 to see if you are eligible and also so that email to our inbox at FMLAMAILBOX@ FRS can provide you with any supporting pcsonet.com with any questions or concerns documents you might be required to and one of our HR specialists will get back to complete. After FRS has been contacted, you you within 24 hours. can call the benefits number at 582-2835 to schedule a retirement meeting with our HR I got hurt and I need to be on light duty. Is specialist approximately 2 months ahead of there anything I need to know or do? retirement. You can always reach out to the Whether the request for light duty is for benefits department at any time if you have personal or work related reasons you must additional questions or concerns. always reach out to us in Benefits at 582-2835. Next you are required to submit a detailed Do I need to request FMLA if I am going doctor’s note of what your restrictions are to just be out for a few days due to an so we can determine if the light duty can illness or injury? be accommodated. You can either email the FMLA, or the Family and Medical Leave Act, note to Insurancebenefits@pcsonet.com or allows eligible employees “to take unpaid, fax the note to 582-5893. A benefits specialist job-protected leave for specific family and will follow up with you.

DID YOU KNOW? A lot has been happening in the world of Human Resources here at the PCSO. Here are some additions and changes that HR thinks you should know about: The new HR system went live on September 26, 2021. HR is working hard on integrating the new benefits system to make the Member Gateway a future one-stopshop for all your HR needs. There is now a Work Details tile added to the Personal Details tab, where you can edit or update your office phone number or radio call sign. View the Organizational Charts for different areas by clicking on the My Organization drop-down in the Member Gateway, clicking the arrow next to a member’s name and clicking on Org Chart. It is also searchable for members outside of your unit. Supervisors can now get tips about evaluations. Access these documents by going to the Performance tab, Performance Training tile. There are examples of both good and poor performance reviews so supervisors can more comprehensively evaluate employees. The Employee Manual for using Member Gateway was recently updated. The Supervisor Manual is currently being updated and will be released within the next few weeks. All manual updates are posted on SONET and can be found by going to Support, Training Resources, and clicking on the Member Gateway tab.

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SPOTLIGHT MARINE AND ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS UNIT

To Protect and Serve... at Sea

When you live in a county that's almost surrounded by water, a dedicated PCSO fleet is vital to public safety. BY LAURA L. SULLIVAN

Members of the Marine and Environmental Lands Unit train for any number of contingencies: rough seas, high winds, scorching sun, oyster beds, and other things nature and the elements throw at them on patrol. One thing Sergeant Ron Blair didn’t train for – random catastrophic pelicans.

“I was en route to a sinking vessel with a family on board, including a little girl,” Sergeant Blair said. “I was running 10-18 under a bridge when suddenly a pelican was coming at me head-on.” You can guess who lost that game of chicken. Luckily Sergeant Blair’s instinct kicked in and he ducked. Brown pelicans are high-caliber birds, weighing about 8 pounds with a wingspan of 7 feet. Sergeant Blair’s windshield bore the brunt of the crash, sparing him serious injury.

He thinks she might have preferred to stay on her foundering boat. “When she saw all that mess her eyes went wide,” Sergeant Blair said. He moved her to the clean front of the boat and continued with the rescue. Sergeant Blair has gained a lot of experience very quickly. He had never captained a boat when he joined the Marine and Environmental Lands Unit as its sergeant. That may sound surprising, but it is fairly typical of unit members. “We’re not necessarily looking for boating experience,” Sergeant Blair said. “We want someone who’s willing to work hard, and who fits in with the group.” On the job training can build the necessary skills.

The pelican wasn’t so lucky. “My boat looked like a crime scene.” He paused just long enough to untangle the late bird from his stern and toss it overboard – no forensics needed – and continued with his Once they join the unit, training length urgent rescue. varies from two to four months. Members Sergeant Blair got to the sinking vessel in who don’t already have a US Coast Guard time, and helped the little girl to safety first. Boat Captain’s License will attend Sea

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School. Deputies apply for the Marine and Environmental Lands Unit, but most start out on the Marine side of the operation. Sergeant Blair said the Environmental Lands component of the unit needs even more knowledge beyond just driving a boat. Right now, the most experienced members only have a year or two in the marine unit. (The Environmental Lands Unit deputies have been on longer.) Many join with an idealized view of what the unit does, until they realize it’s not all beautiful balmy days and flat seas. Being out in a winter gale can send a deputy off a boat and back to the safety of their patrol car. Others may envision constant exciting high-speed chases. In actuality, most of the Marine and Environmental Lands Unit’s work on the water involves boater safety. There are far more warnings for life jacket and idle speed violations than chase scenes out of Miami Vice.


SPOTLIGHT

Of course, patrolling on the water can be as diverse as patrolling on land. Deputies make DUI – or BUI – stops. It’s legal (if illadvised) to drink while operating a boat, but it is illegal to be impaired while operating a boat. The unit works boat crashes, disabled vessels, and maritime traffic violations. And many of the same crimes that occur on land, such as battery, also happen on vessels. Deputies may have to board other boats for inspections, to render aid, or to make arrests. Arrests on the water can be tricky. The safety of both the deputies and the suspect must be ensured. Most of the time, the person being arrested has to be put in a personal floatation device before the handcuffs go on. (There are exceptions for combative subjects.) That one unfortunate pelican aside, the unit also protects our natural marine resources. They help ensure that bird sanctuary islands remain undisturbed, enforce the minimum wake and idle speed zones that protect our endangered manatees, and do their best to keep propellers from tearing up sensitive sea grass beds. There are 16 vessels in the fleet, from airboats and jon boats that can handle shallow flats, to the two big SAFE Boats that can tackle the roughest seas in open water. The Marine and Environmental Lands Unit covers waterways from Lake Tarpon to the Intracoastal to the Gulf of Mexico up to nine miles offshore, so it needs to be prepared for everything. Sergeant Blair loves his job, and feels lucky to have been selected for his position. There are down sides, of course – he’s lost five hats already. Still, it is an ideal job for Sergeant Blair. He remembers when he was a student at Admiral Farragut Academy he would sit in the study hall overlooking the water and daydream about being on a boat instead of doing his homework. Today, current Admiral Farragut students can watch him as he cruises past that building on a regular basis. His dream has come true.

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HEALTH & FITNESS BY JUSTIN WALSH, FITNESS SPECIALIST

The First Step to Fitness:

Overcoming obstacles to a healthier, fitter you. It is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. On the journey to fitness, it might be a step on the treadmill, or the elliptical… or just setting foot into a gym for the first time. Luckily, PCSO members have easy and free access to three gyms, boot camp classes, and the help of a personal trainer: me! There are plenty of obstacles to starting a fitness routine – time, motivation, and a fear of unfamiliar exercises and equipment. PCSO Administrative Assistant Tanya Hane has been taking my classes since January. She started out doing just the Wednesday afternoon class, but two months into her new fitness routine she added the 6 a.m. Monday and Friday classes as well. “I always found working out in a gym boring,” Hane said. “I also felt like I was never doing the right workouts to maximize my efforts.” But she was curious about the classes I offer to PCSO employees. “I’d been saying that I needed to get up and start doing something to improve my health,” Hane told me. “But I didn’t want to just walk on a treadmill or use the weight machines in

the gym. The boot camp seemed like a good weight. I’m sleeping better at night. I have alternative and I felt that working with a more energy during the day.” group of people would keep me motivated Hane feels a sense of accomplishment that to continue.” she’s kept up her new fitness routine. Are Now that she’s built good habits, she doesn’t my classes worthwhile? “The fact that two want to stop. I always make an effort to keep out of the three days I get up extra early to my classes fresh and interesting – boredom attend says something,” Hane says. is the enemy of a successful fitness regimen. “I actually enjoy the classes and I feel like I hope Tanya’s experience is a motivation I’ve accomplished something when we to you. Think about what obstacles are are done,” Hane said. “I like the variety of holding you back from reaching your fitness exercises each week and that the classes are goals – and then contact me to figure out how to overcome them. If you haven’t only like a half hour long.” tried my class, now is the time. If you’re After just a few months, Hane has noticed intimidated by our exercise equipment, I some definite changes. “I don’t get winded can teach you how to use it. My job is to help or tire as quickly when I’m doing everyday you take that first step toward a lifetime of activities anymore. I feel like I’ve lost some health and fitness.

Justin Walsh has been the PCSO’s fitness specialist for eight years. He has a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sport Science and certifications in Law Enforcement Fitness from the Cooper Institute and CrossFit Levels 1 and 2. To schedule a personal health and fitness consultation with Justin, send him an email at jwalsh1@pcsonet.com, or call him at 727-410-0025.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

BURRITO BOWL

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 9g

QUICK HITS

“IT’S NOT THE STRESS THAT KILLS US. IT’S OUR REACTION TO IT” - Hans Selye

There is no such thing as good or bad events.It’s our reaction that makes it feel so. THE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN LIFE ARE ABLE TO FRAME THEIR THOUGHTS TO SERVE THEM. If there is a single trait we must master to get to where we want to go, it’s this: to be able to control the story that we tell ourselves.

INGREDIENTS 1 pound lean ground beef | 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped | 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1/3 cup medium-spicy chunky salsa | 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained 15 ounce can corn, drained | 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes | 4 ounce can diced green chilis 1 cup uncooked long grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati | 1 tablespoon taco seasoning 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (use 1-2 tsp if you like more spice) 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth | 1 cup shredded cheddar or jack cheese salt and pepper to taste

THINGS WILL HAPPEN. There’s certainly no stopping that. But how we choose to respond, and what we make of it, is entirely on us. CONTROL YOUR PERSPECTIVE… control your world.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a large pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain the grease and reserve the meat in a bowl. In the fat that remains in the pan, sauté the onions and red peppers until just tender, about five minutes. 2. Return the ground beef to the pan and add the salsa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, green chilis, rice, taco seasoning, and chili powder. Pour in chicken stock and then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender. If the mixture gets too dry before the rice is cooked, add a small amount of water near the end. 3. When the rice is done, add salt and pepper to taste and serve. Top with shredded cheese and your favorite toppings such as sour cream or guacamole. 4. This can be served on its own, or on a bed of lettuce or spinach for extra nutrients. It pairs well with tortilla chips, and makes a great nacho topper.

BEGINNER CARDIO & STRENGTH JAIL GYM Tuesday & Thursday at 6 a.m. BOOTCAMP SAB MAT ROOM Monday & Friday at 6 a.m. Wednesday At 11:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. HEALTH & WELLNESS CONSULTATION SAB GYM Monday & Wednesday from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. JAIL GYM Tuesday & Thursday from 12 p.m.-1 p.m.

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TRANSITIONS CHANGES IN THE TROOPS LENGTH OF SERVICE Stephanie Ayer................................. 10 Years Deputy Felisha Barnes..................... 10 Years Keisha Burkhart............................... 10 Years Linda Cardenas................................. 10 Years Tammy Edwards................................ 10 Years Candice Ferguson............................. 10 Years Deputy Chris Georgatos................... 10 Years Michael Greene................................. 10 Years Deputy Martin Guzman..................... 10 Years Deputy Ian Haimes............................ 10 Years Deputy Alida Huckabee .................... 10 Years Sergeant Amanda Hyams.................. 10 Years Deputy Keith Jackson....................... 10 Years Sandy Jean-Jacques......................... 10 Years Corporal Damon Laney..................... 10 Years Tam Nguyen...................................... 10 Years Stephen O'boyle............................... 10 Years Arivett Ramsey................................. 10 Years Kit Reiter.......................................... 10 Years Deputy Syeeta Robinson-Deberg..... 10 Years Angela Sargent................................. 10 Years Deputy Marie Schmidt...................... 10 Years Deputy Tyler Schutz......................... 10 Years Barry Shoberg.................................. 10 Years Chantell Snipes-Booker................... 10 Years Sergeant Will Snyder Jr.................... 10 Years Deputy Cameron Stephenson........... 10 Years Corporal Steve Tellis........................ 10 Years Deputy Liz Temple............................ 10 Years Francis Wheelehan........................... 10 Years Deputy Christopher Yakes................ 10 Years Deputy Justin Baker......................... 15 Years Deputy James Bonanno.................... 15 Years Desiree Britt-Anderson.................... 15 Years Deputy Mark Connor......................... 15 Years Aileen Curada................................... 15 Years Deputy Claudio Dimundo.................. 15 Years Deputy Jason Ellis............................ 15 Years Deputy Greg Freeland....................... 15 Years Deputy Nicole Funk........................... 15 Years Deputy Matina Grafos....................... 15 Years Deputy Sarah Hall............................. 15 Years Deputy Robert Henderson................ 15 Years Deputy Shawn Heffner...................... 15 Years Deputy Jerry Jagoda......................... 15 Years Corporal Stephen Kaselak................ 15 Years Corporal Ryan Maglio....................... 15 Years Deputy Renee Marshall.................... 15 Years Sergeant Maurice McCloud............... 15 Years Deputy Carrie Mclellan.................... 15 Years Deputy Kevin Mcsweeney................. 15 Years Nelmida Nelmida.............................. 15 Years Deputy Greg Peck............................. 15 Years Jen Ricottilli..................................... 15 Years Steve Sitton...................................... 15 Years Sergeant Dawon Taylor.................... 15 Years Deputy Karl Traynor......................... 15 Years Sergeant Vicky Valentine................. 15 Years Deputy Adam Vincent....................... 15 Years Deputy Coretta Walker..................... 15 Years Deputy Bill Zazeckie......................... 15 Years Lori Atwater.....................................20 Years Deputy Keshia Bradford...................20 Years Sergeant Jim Campbell.....................20 Years Debi Emmons....................................20 Years Lieutenant Zach Haisch....................20 Years Lieutenant Kimon Koungras.............20 Years James Ladig......................................20 Years Tracey Mangold................................20 Years Nancy Marzi......................................20 Years Deputy Jerry Mason..........................20 Years Deputy Ryan Mullen.........................20 Years Sergeant Amy Plourde......................20 Years Deputy Eric Snowden........................20 Years Norma Watson..................................20 Years Po Ng................................................25 Years Deputy Keith Simmons.....................25 Years

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Deputy Jordan Alonso Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Deputy Justin Baker Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Deputy Ricky Beary Investigative Operations Bureau Crimes Against Children

Deputy Trenton Blackmon Civil Court Security Section Clearwater Corporal Bill Bosser Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Deputy Daniel Burrows Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Deputy Jim Butterfield Civil Court Security Section Clearwater Deputy Kevin Carey Investigative Operations Bureau Threat Management Section Deputy Jennifer Cox Investigative Operations Bureau Burglary & Pawn Unit Corporal Jeannie Delgardo Department of Detention and Corrections North Division Deputy Chris Georgatos Judicial Operations Bureau Criminal Court Squad Deputy Jesse George Department of Detention and Corrections North Division Deputy Matina Grafos Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Corporal Kyle Griffin Patrol Operations Bureau Central District Deputy Martin Guzman Community Policing Section North District Corporal Crystal Howsare Department of Detention and Corrections Visitation Section Deputy Kelvin Hunter Judicial Operations Bureau Civil Court Squad Deputy Jerry Jagoda Patrol Operations Bureau North District Station Sergeant Keny Jenkins Judicial Operations Bureau Detention Court Squad Deputy Joseph Johnson Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Lieutenant Dean LaChance Patrol Operations Bureau North District James Ladig Information Technology Bureau IT Infrastructure & Operations Division Deputy Thomas Manley Civil Court Security Section Clearwater Deputy Victor Martinez Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Deputy John McGonigle Jr Patrol Operations Bureau School Resource Deputy Unit Corporal Richard Merritt Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Kyle Middlemas Judicial Operations Bureau Alternative Sentencing Unit Corporal Tywanda Moore Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Deputy Blake Norris Investigative Operations Bureau Tactical Investigative Section Deputy Nick Paden Investigative Operations Bureau Crimes Against Children Sergeant Carla Pecora Judicial Operations Bureau Detention Court Squad Deputy Miguel Pires Judicial Operations Bureau Detention Court Squad

Cindy Schaer Investigative Operations Bureau Threat Management Section Deputy Melissa Silva Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Deputy John Sisson Judicial Operations Bureau Detention Court Squad Deputy Roberto Sosa Investigative Operations Bureau Homicide and Robbery Unit Molly Suplee Investigative Operations Bureau Threat Management Section Corporal William Wiltse Patrol Operations Bureau North District Deputy Kina Russo Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Deputy Michael Wnek Civil Court Security Section Clearwater Donna Weatherwax Professional Standards Bureau Policy Development & Accreditation Division

RETIREMENTS Florence Ruscoe 1/1/2022, 8 years of service. Captain John Spoor 1/4/2022, 25 years of service. Charles Colbassani 1/7/2022, 5 years of service. Rosa Sanchez 1/13/2022, 8 years of service. Viven Puyot 1/14/2022, 26 years of service. Deputy Brian Patterson 1/27/2022, 25 years of service. Lieutenant Jeffrey Perrigo 1/28/2022, 19 years of service. Gail Rehka 1/28/2022, 33 years of service. Paul Hicks 1/31/2022, 19 years of service. Deputy Kevin Phillips 1/31/2022, 20 years of service. Sergeant Reginald Campbell 2/1/2022, 23 years of service. Corporal Brian Leibach 2/1/2022, 20 years of service. Deputy Margaret Abdurrahim 2/2/2022, 28 years of service. Pamela Schneider 2/2/2022, 22 years of service. Deputy Quisana Turner 2/2/2022, 18 years of service. Lesann Monahan 2/3/2022, 9 years of service. Kayley Tilney 2/4/2022, 24 years of service. Captain Scott Kremser 2/14/2022, 21 years of service. Karen McLaughlin 2/25/2022, 20 years of service. Lieutenant Ryan Jacobs 3/1/2022, 25 years of service. Deputy Diana Ali 3/15/2022, 22 years of service. Aileen Curada 3/15/2022, 15 years of service. Alan McHale 3/25/2022, 4 years of service. Sergeant Linda Willett 3/28/2022, 25 years of service. Siew Lung 3/31/2022, 14 years of service. Corporal Ginger Miller 3/31/2022, 31 years of service.

NEW HIRES Megan Adkins C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Christine Angier School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Lon Atkins Reserve Deputy Reserve Deputy Unit Dawn Bauer School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Lisa Bishop School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Jacob Bjurholm Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Lauren Bley Human Resources Specialist Human Resources Bureau Kimberly Bonislawsky Registered Nurse Medical Division Audra Bosler C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Saila Bradl Human Resources Manager Human Resources Bureau Patrick Brady Security Specialist Transportation Section Justin Butcher Patrol Operations Bureau Deputy Tragedy Cannon Security Specialist Transportation Section Juan Carrasco Security Specialist Transportation Section Leah Cauley C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Victor Chirio Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Tatyana Chizh Fiscal Technician Fiscal Affairs Bureau Robert Clayton Security Specialist Transportation Section Janneth Contreras Criminal Justice Specialist Criminal Court Security Anthony Corio Jr. Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Alexander Cox Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Hunter Craig Deputy Flight Unit Kevin Cryderman Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Brian Czenszak Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Stephanie Daniels Administrative Assistant North Division Michael Decker Security Specialist Transportation Section Christopher Delaney Criminal Justice Specialist Criminal Court Security Suzanne Dimasi School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section

Due to the changing number of entries in this edition, we apologize for any unintended omissions. For promotions, transfers, and new hires, go to SONET, “Administration,” “Human Resources,” “Changes in the Troops.”

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Jordan Dove Juvenile Electronic Monitoring Specialist HOME Emilie Embrey Records Data Technician Records Division Kathryn Errion School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Ashundrae Everett Inmate Records Specialist I Inmate Records Teresa Finley C.P.I. Investigator Child Protection Investigation Division Nigel Foster Security Specialist Transportation Section Jacob Fowler Criminal Justice Specialist Visitation Section Taylor Fluty Criminal Justice Specialist Criminal Court Security Katrina Gallardo Inmate Records Specialist III Inmate Records Johnny Garcia Security Specialist Transportation Section Joseph Gennarelli Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Trace George Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Wendy Gonzalez C.P.I. Family Support Worker Child Protection Investigation Division Roger Gorbet Case Assignment Technician Child Protection Investigation Division Robert Greenwood Jr Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Ashley Griffin Inmate Records Specialist I Inmate Records Jillian Gross Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Lauranna Hancock Administrative Assistant Communication Division Micheal Hanlon C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Nicole Hasson Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Daniela Hat C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Duane Hawk School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Nicholas Herd Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections Luis Hernandez Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Diedra Hery Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Ashly Hess Inmate Records Specialist I Inmate Records Kenshaydria Hill Court Processing Technician II Court Processing Crystal Houston Public Safety Telecommunicator Communication Division Breanna Hughes Major Administrative Assistant Community Policing Maurae Hunter Criminal Justice Specialist Visitation Section Samuel Jacomet Inmate Records Specialist III Inmate Records Matthew Jeffords Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections

Devin Jenkins Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Nya Johnson Classification Specialist Court Processing Unit Tashaunda Johnson C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Christine Johnston Administrative Assistant Patrol Operations Bureau Maria Karabekou Deputy- Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Carole Kindred Administrative Coordinator Human Resources Bureau Steve Klapka Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Denise Kreais Grant Specialist Grants Administration Eli Krebs Law Enforcement Analyst Intelligence Led Policing Kevin Krupa Deputy- Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Marchae Kyler-Dade C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Luz Labib Administrative Assistant Youth Administration Services Division Susan Lehman Registered Nurse Medical Division Joseph Lentz Marine and Environmental Technician Assistant Marine & Environmental Lands Unit Shane Lind Deputy- Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Doris Lindstrom Security Specialist Transportation Section Diane Long Inmate Records Specialist III Inmate Records Jasmine Lopez Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Dionis Lybeshari Fiscal Technician Fiscal Affairs Bureau Jerry Lynch Jr Security Specialist Transportation Section Ivan Mangual School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Matthew Mason Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau David Matson Deputy- Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Evan Mauck Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Jessica Mauck Forensic Science Specialist Forensic Science Division Felicia Mayes C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Jacquelyn McDaniel Records Data Technician Records Division Zoe McLane Alternative Sentencing Specialist Court Supervision Section Ryan Mearse Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Rochelle Mendoza Fiscal Specialist Fiscal Affairs Bureau Jeffrey Michaels Deputy- Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Renee Michaelis Security Specialist Transportation Section

Roberto Montero Jr. Criminal Justice Specialist Visitation Section Sabrina Morris Inmate Records Specialist I Inmate Records Sarah Moss Registered Nurse - PRN/On Call Medical Division Taylor Nast C.P.I. Investigator Child Protection Investigation Division Louis Neal III Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Trisha Nieves Registered Nurse Medical Division Noel Obermeyer Registered Nurse Medical Division Alberto Ortiz Jr Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Zoe Pappas C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division David Parchment Security Specialist Transportation Section Allie Payne School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section James St. Pearre Deputy- Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Joshua Pinsker Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Guillermo Ramos Boria Security Specialist Transportation Section Jose Reyes Rodriguez Security Specialist Transportation Section Yanelly Rios-Polanco Public Safety Telecommunicator Communication Division Omar Rodriguez Montanez Security Specialist Transportation Section David Robbins School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Kathy Robbins School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Amy Rodgers Administrative Assistant Support Services Division Trenton Roediger Criminal Justice Specialist Visitation Section Miguel Rosario Droz Security Specialist Transportation Section Sydney Rose Criminal Justice Specialist Criminal Court Security Joshua Rosenberg Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau John Rossmann Fleet Technician II Fleet Services Division Timothy Sammetinger Deputy- Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Gabriel Santiago Alternative Sentencing Specialist Alternative Sentencing Unit Eric Schaade Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Robert Schiebner Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Joshua Schmenk Security Specialist Transportation Section Kari Scott Deputy- Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Nicholas Sicilian Criminal Justice Specialist Department of Detention & Corrections

Tami Skifstad I.T. Assistant Director Information Technololgy Bureau Thomas Smircic III Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Division Dana Snyder C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Jevgenijus Solomenko Security Specialist Transportation Section Mark Spencer Deputy Flight Unit Kathryn Stover Inmate Records Specialist III Inmate Records Cindy Stuhmer School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Laura L. Sullivan Public Relations Specialist Public Relations Bureau Elizabeth Suriel Cruz Medical Assistant Medical Division Steven Sutton Jr Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Lawrence Thibault School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Daniel Thibodeau Court Processing Technician II Judicial Operations Bureau Falanzo Townes Jr Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Rich Trump Reserve Deputy Reserve Deputy Unit Roy Tym School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Rina Ung Inmate Property Technician Inmate Property Joshua Valle Safe Harbor Technician Safe Harbor Rose Ward Human Resources Manager Human Resources Bureau Ryan Webb Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Joni Welke Administrative Assistant North Division Joshua Wells Flight Mechanic II Flight Unit Kenneth White School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Brian Whitsett Deputy- Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Taylor Woosley C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Shannon Wright Gayden C.P.I. Investigator Child Protection Investigation Division William Wright Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Nicole Wrobel Chaplain Commissary/Inmate Welfare James Volpe Security Specialist Transportation Section Aden Youssouf Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections

JANUARY - MARCH 2022 | PAGE 11


Did you know that a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) sporting achievement was once in the Guinness Book of World Records? Team sports were very popular at the PCSO during the 1970s and 1980s. We had a wide variety, including softball, football, bowling, hockey, and even stock cars! In the next edition I’ll cover the Top Cop events, but for now, here are some classic pictures and great information about the history of sports at the PCSO. Organized football teams started during Sheriff Roberts’ term and lasted from 1975 to 1977. They played for charity against other local teams, including the Seminole Fire Department. Even though I can’t find any official documentation about why the teams disbanded, I imagine it was a combination of injuries that come with tackle football and the excuses on Monday morning about why they couldn’t report for duty! Both men’s and women’s softball teams were also very popular over the years. Many of the teams formed specifically to compete in the Police Olympics. In fact, one of our PCSO teams won a Bronze Medal in the Police Olympics. There was also a group of female employees – mostly from the Communications Center – that played softball regularly and did charity games as well. And PSCO hockey isn’t a recent phenomenon. We had a team long before the PCSO Stars won gold at the 2021 First Responder Games.

I think the prevalence of team sports in the ole days is partly explained by the fact that we were a smaller agency back then. We had fleet cars, not takehome cars, and deputies reported to readoff every day. Almost everyone at the agency spent time together each day. It was easier to find common sporting interests, and to organize teams and practices. And how did we end up in the Guinness Book of World Records? It was for the world’s longest softball game! On May 12, 1987 the PCSO played an amazing 305 innings for 102 hours, 57 minutes. The equally remarkable score was 432-402! It was played in Safety Harbor and we had local reporters and TV crews attending, as well as many volunteers (including me!) Sadly, that record has since been broken (115 hours by a Canadian team in 2009) but we proudly held the record for more than two decades. Our team probably could have played longer but a Florida thunderstorm threatened the safety of the players and it was stopped. The bonding that exists during team sports certainly was a way to relieve stress and create lifelong friendships that continue to this day.

Information/photos provided by PCSO Archive Historian Penny Cooke.


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News & Views: January-March 2022 by Pinellas County Sheriff's Office - Issuu