News & Views: April-June 2022

ISSUE 2: APRIL - JUNE 2022

NEWSANDVIEWS

RECOGNITION

PCSO LITTLE STARS

QUARTERLY BRIGHT STAR AWARDS DEPUTY JONATHAN HARR, LAW ENFORCEMENT Deputy Johnathan Harr was recognized for an extensive search with K-9 Tyson that resulted in apprehending the suspect.

When a suspect fled on foot from a vehicle stop, Deputy Harr and Tyson tracked the suspect through mangroves and water for an extended time, ultimately locating the suspect under a dock. Deputy Harr has been called a model member of the unit by a fellow K-9 member.

ALIEYAH JANE WALSER

Alieyah Jane Walser was born June 27, 2022 at3:39 p.m. to Deputy Robert Walser and his wife Hannah. She weighed 7 pounds exactly, and was 19 inches long.

We’re here to help lessen the learning curve and keep you in the know.

So, if there’s a specific topic you’d like to see featured in a future edition of News & Views, submit your suggestions to proud@pcsonet.com.

CORPORAL FRITZ SUTTER, DETENTION Corporal Fritz Sutter was recognized for her empathy and dedication as a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. As a member of this team, Corporal Sutter dedicates hours to speaking with members during highly stressful times. Members seek her out for confidential, personal talks relating to stress management.

JACQUELINE DANZIG, SUPPORT was recognized for playing a pivotal role in the planning and creation of the Threat Management Section. She is responsible for the flow of information that helps identify persons of concern, and has been instrumental in many aspects of the agency that investigate offenders, including IOB and the Intelligence Led Policing Unit.

Overall, she exemplifies the crucial role an analyst plays in identifying serious threats and solving crimes to keep citizens safe.

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 FISCAL KUDOS Recently, Financial Reporting Manager Brenda Lightfoot passed the examination to earn the Certified Internal Auditor credential. This certification from the Institute of Internal Auditors sets the standard for excellence within the internal auditing profession, and involves a three-part examination. Brenda says she looks forward to applying her new knowledge here at the PCSO.

FORENSIC SPECIALIST MAIA WATSON EARNS HER JURIS MASTER’S DEGREE Forensic Science Specialist Maia Watson graduated from the Florida State University College of Law with her Juris Master’s Degree on May 1, 2022. She completed her degree online while working fulltime.

Congratulations on your academic achievement!

Also, Assistant Fiscal Director Lyn Katare recently passed the very difficult Certified Government Finance Officer exams, which consists of five tests. The CGFO program is intended to encourage a level of knowledge and professionalism in the field of government finance. The intent is also to encourage development and maintenance of professional competence for practicing government finance officers. This certification provides support that the finance professional has the advanced financial expertise and knowledge in government finance and accounting.

Fiscal Supervisor Linda Eastridge and Fiscal Technician Diana Perez have both completed the Institute of Finance and Management course and passed the exam to become an Accredited Accounts Payable Specialist. They studied internal controls, tax and regulatory requirements, vendor master files, invoices, payments, travel reimbursements, and the latest in accounts payable technology and automation to pass this course.

Congratulations to the dedicated and talented members of the Fiscal Affairs Bureau!

In Partnership with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Pinellas Chapter HELP RAISE FUNDS TO SUPPORT CADETS UNIT #900 HOW DOES IT WORK? Diners purchase Dine-Out Day Dollars in $5.00 increments. On Wednesday, August 31st, these dollars are used as payment at participating restaurants.

After Dine-Out Day, restaurants are reimbursed $2.50 for every $5.00 of Dine-Out Day Dollars spent by participants.

For a list of participating restaurants, go to: www.pcsoweb.com/dineoutday

WHO BENEFITS? Funds raised support activities and enrichment events for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Cadets Unit #900 which provides young people the opportunity to gain valuable life experience while learning about law enforcement.

For more information please contact:

YOUTH EDUCATION SECTION at (727) 453-7461 APRIL - JUNE 2022 | PAGE 3

OPEN ENROLLMENT

FISCAL / HUMAN RESOURCES

Thinking About Retirement Open Enrollment is available for members from July 11th until July 24th. Members should have received their Open Enrollment packets in the mail. If you did not receive your packet, please contact HR Benefits.

During this time all full-time and part-time members are able to make changes to their elections, such as adding or removing dependents and adding, changing, or removing coverage. The election choices that you make during this enrollment period will be effective October 1, 2022.

There will be no rate increases for members this year and both the Gold and Platinum health plans will have a lower deductible. Lab work and x-rays will be reduced from 30 percent after deductible to a $0 co-pay. In addition, advanced imaging is being reduced from 30 percent after deductible to a $100 flat co-pay.

Elections will be made through the Benefits Portal (Bentek) using the same login credentials as last year. If you have not created an account with Bentek you will need to create one.

Members who plan to retire between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023 must add all eligible dependents during this open enrollment period.

New dependents and new lines of coverage cannot be added at the time of or after retirement.

For any questions about enrollment or any other group benefits please contact a member of the HR Benefits team at 727-582-2835 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or attend one of the Open Enrollment sessions which will be announced at a later time.

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Plan Now for Your Financial Future If I am in the FRS pension plan, how is my retirement benefit calculated?

The monthly benefit payment you receive when you retire is based on your years of creditable service, your average final compensation, the percentage value you receive for each year of service, and the option you select, as described below.

Certain kinds of payments, such as lump-sum sick leave payments, retirement incentive bonuses, and lump-sum annual leave payments in excess of 500 hours, cannot be included in your AFC (see Rule 60S-6.001(6) Florida Administrative Code for a listing of excluded payments).

How long must I work before I am eligible Retirement Benefit Formula for a pension?

The formula for calculating a yearly Option 1 Eligibility for a pension depends on which benefit is: retirement plan an employee chooses.

Employees have two retirement plan options: Years of Creditable Service the pension plan or the investment plan. x Employees who enroll in the investment Percentage Value plan are vested after one year of FRS service. x Members who enrolled in the pension plan Average Final Compensation after July 1, 2011 are vested after eight years = of service.

Annual Option 1 Benefit at Normal Retirement Is it better to be in the FRS pension plan or the investment plan?

The answer depends on your individual situation such as age, FRS class, and number What are percentage values?

Percentage values are based on the class of years you expect to work for an FRS the member belonged to when service credit employer. FRS offers a number of resources to help you decide which plan is the best was earned. match for you.

Annual Option 1 Benefit ÷ 12 = Monthly Option 1 Benefit

Regular Class Members

Visit ChooseMyFRSplan.com. Watch the quick Retirement up to age 65 interactive video to see which plan might or up to 33 years of service....................... 1.60% be a better match for you, and access other helpful information.

Retirement at age 66 or with 34 years of service.........................1.63% Use the 1st Election Choice Service. Get a free, personalized estimate of the benefit Retirement at age 67 you’d receive under each plan. To register: or with 35 years of service.........................1.65% 1. Visit MyFRS.com and click the “Register” button in the “Login” section of the Retirement at age 68 home page. or with 36 years of service........................ 1.68% Special Risk Class

2.

Enter the requested information for all

8 steps.

Service on and after Oct. 1, 1974.............3.00% 3. Once you’re registered, select “Click here” at the bottom of the Confirmation page to What is the average final compensation? log in to MyFRS.com.

If you were enrolled in the FRS before July 1, 2011, average final compensation (AFC) is Call the MyFRS Financial Guidance Line. the average of the five highest fiscal years Speak with an unbiased financial planner of compensation you earned during your who can answer your questions and help you covered employment. choose your FRS plan.

If you were enrolled after July 1, 2011, it is the 1-866-446-9377 • Option 1 (TRS 711) average of the eight highest fiscal years of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET compensation.

Monday through Friday, except holidays

FISCAL / HUMAN RESOURCES

Will participating in accrual buybacks negatively affect my FRS pension plan benefit?

In most cases it will not. If you are close to retirement or entering DROP, you are limited to 500 hours of accrued leave payments in your AFC calculation. Please contact Payroll if you have questions regarding pensionable accrued leave hours.

Will participating in accrual buybacks negatively affect my FRS investment plan benefit?

Because the investment plan benefits are based on your account balance from contributions and not on a formula, your investment plan benefit is not negatively affected by participating in buybacks.

Can I contribute more than 3 percent to my FRS plan?

You are not able to contribute more to FRS, however the agency offers several 457 (b) retirement plans which you are able to enroll in and contribute to. Please contact HR for a current list of plan sponsors.

Am I able to contribute my accrual buyback or payouts to my 457 (b) plan?

Yes, you may include accrual buybacks and payouts in your 457 (b) plan contributions up to the current calendar year limit. Please contact Payroll for a contribution change form before the buyback or payout is processed.

rounded up to the next $10,000. You cannot add dependents to your insurance when you leave, but you are able to switch tiers on the health insurance (from Platinum to Gold for example). As a retiree you can always remove something or someone, but you can never add something or someone on once you retire.

I want to retire, what is the first thing I should do?

Members wishing to retire should reach out to FRS first. They will be able to answer any questions regarding retirement estimates and also send any documents that may be required for the member’s type of retirement (i.e. DROP exit, investment, or pension). Once you speak with FRS, you can reach out to our Benefits Department in HR at 582-2835 to schedule a meeting with our retirement coordinator. These meetings are usually held about a month before the member’s retirement date. At the meeting, the coordinator will go over all the documents required for retirement and then submit them for the member to FRS.

What if I want to switch from my existing retirement plan (pension) to another (investment) or vice versa?

All members are allowed a one-time second election that you can use during your FRS career to switch to the other FRS retirement plan, provided you are actively employed by an FRS-covered employer and earning retirement service credit at the time your What benefits do I get when I retire? election is received. You would need to call When you retire, you can take your current FRS at 866-446-9377 to initiate the request elections for health, dental, and vision and FRS will assist with the appropriate insurance, as well as your basic life insurance paperwork.

HEALTH INSURANCE QUESTIONS? PABLO BRAVO HAS ANSWERS.

Don’t forgot that the PCSO has a United HealthCare Onsite representative to assist with any issues or questions. Pablo Bravo has been our onsite United Healthcare representative for the past two years and has a wealth of knowledge. You can find him in the HR office at the SAB and in the medical building at the DDC. Contact Pablo at 727-582-5955 or email: pablo_bravo@uhc.com.

APRIL - JUNE 2022 | PAGE 5

SPOTLIGHT FLEET SERVICES DIVISION

Fleet Keeps the PCSO Firing on All Cylinders

BY LAURA L. SULLIVAN

When your office is on four wheels (and sometimes even more wheels) it is vital to have the support of a dedicated Fleet Services Division. “We work on anything with an asset number, from golf carts to MRAPs,” said Fleet Manager Scott Mueller. “We’re responsible for all rolling stock.” The number might change a bit from month to month, but right now that’s around 1,547 vehicles in the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. vehicles scarce in both the civilian and the law enforcement worlds. Mueller said they order parts ahead of time and have them grouped and ready on pallets, dedicated to a vehicle before it even arrives to expedite the upfitting process.

The primary PCSO patrol vehicle is the Chevy Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV).

Many agencies have moved away from sedans like the Ford Crown Victoria, which was the most widely used law enforcement vehicle here from the early 1990’s to 2012.

Right now, the Dodge Charger is the only sedan-style PPV in production.

The Fleet Services Division operates three separate facilities – one maintenance garage at the Sheriff’s Administration Building (SAB), another north county which is shared with the City of Dunedin, and an upfitting garage where new vehicles are given the specialized equipment they need for their specific task.

There’s nothing like getting a brand new vehicle – that new-car smell, the pristine interior, and the conveniently placed locks for your long guns. As the latest car models come out, members often ask when they can get a new vehicle. Every year, Mueller and his staff consider each vehicle based on five criteria: age, mileage, condition, maintenance costs, and user-defined needs. Though there are no hard and fast cutoffs, patrol vehicles are considered for retirement when they are more than six years old and have more

PAGE 6 | APRIL - JUNE 2022

“SUV designs provide more room for the variety of gear deputies have,” Mueller said.

“They’re also a lot safer.” Although about 12 vehicles are considered totaled every year, none of the deputies driving Tahoes sustained serious or life threatening injuries.

than 100,000 miles. Administrative vehicles may go to eight years with the same mileage criteria. If the vehicle’s exterior no longer fits the agency’s sharp image, or if it has a history of high-cost repairs it might make the list for replacement sooner.

Upfitting each Tahoe PPV to add law enforcement-specific equipment like light Most of the time they come up with around bars and sirens takes about 60 hours, 150-160 that are candidates for replacement. Mueller said. Fleet works in conjunction Once the list is compiled, Fleet meets with with the Information Technology Bureau bureau commanders and receives their to install radios and the Axon Fleet 3 system recommendation before the list is finalized. that integrates in-car cameras with bodyThere’s a long lead time for new vehicles – worn cameras. right now, Fleet is working on a list of vehicles that will be replaced with 2024 models.

New Tahoes are getting Havis consoles, which Mueller says are more ergonomically COVID and the many supply chain issues designed and less utilitarian than former over the last couple of years have meant models. Fleet pays close attention to the delays in getting both vehicles and parts. deputies’ needs. When a driver’s license With some 300 microchips in each vehicle, scanner was originally positioned so that the recent microchip shortage made many a deputy would have to turn in their seat,

SPOTLIGHT

Fleet devised a new way of attaching it so that the deputy can keep their eyes forward at all times during a traffic stop.

There are 27 staff members in the Fleet Services Division, including mechanics, parts technicians, and administrative staff. Some of the work is routine maintenance. They schedule seven services a day at the Sheriff’s Administration Building and four at the north county garage, performing oil changes as well as comprehensive checks of fluids, tires, lights, and other systems.

There are plenty of unscheduled incidents too, so one mechanic is dedicated to meeting members as soon as they roll into the garage and quickly diagnosing their vehicle’s problem. If it is a quick fix the deputy can wait, but if it is a more complex problem the deputy can check out a pool vehicle.

Although they take care of most problems inhouse, it is not cost effective to handle things like rebuilding transmissions or body work. These are outsourced to the dealer, as are some very long jobs that wouldn’t be an effective use of PCSO manpower.

Mueller makes sure his technicians rotate through different positions in the garages. “I evaluate new hires for about 30 days, then after that they always have their first rotation in upfitting.” They stay there for about a year, getting a good feel for all the particulars of law enforcement vehicles.

“Every build cycle I rotate new people through.

Then I’ll put them through again every few years so they are intimately familiar with the setups of different models. If they like it, though, they can usually stay in upfitting” The garages are clean, organized, bright… and reasonably cool and comfortable, even in the summer. At the SAB garage, huge fans rotate overhead to circulate the air, and the hot fluorescent lights were replaced with LEDs. Dangerous exhaust from running vehicles is captured and safely moved out of the garage.

Fleet Services Division functions like a well-oiled machine – and so do the PCSO vehicles they take care of.

“Our goal is to make sure that every vehicle a deputy or civilian in the agency drives is safe and efficient, and above all helps them do their job.”

APRIL - JUNE 2022 | PAGE 7

HEALTH & FITNESS

BY JUSTIN WALSH, FITNESS SPECIALIST

Work Out… For Better Work

Exercise Can Make You Happier at Your Job The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office employs a wide variety of people with a diverse array of responsibilities.

Whatever your position here, incorporating fitness into your lifestyle will make you do your job better – and feel better on and off the clock.

Deputies need to be in good shape, and not only for the reasons you may think. Fights and foot pursuits don’t happen every day.

But each shift, a deputy must spend hours sitting in their vehicle, or hours standing on a scene – both of which can lead to aching joints, sore muscles, and stiff backs. And not every deputy is in patrol – detectives may spend as many hours at their desk as an administrative assistant.

I can give you the tools you need to fight the aches and pains you get from your job – whatever your job at the PCSO may be!

Syeeta Robinson-Deberg is a deputy in the Strategic Planning Division who trains with me. I asked her about how the fitness regimen I designed for her improves her work. “Justin has armed me with a variety of ‘go to’ exercises and stretching positions,” she said. “I am confident that I am performing the moves correctly so as to not further strain the pain or discomfort.”

With a busy work schedule, how does Deputy Robinson-Deberg find the time to exercise? “I plan ahead. It took a while to get a rhythm, with more stops than starts, because I thought working out meant at least an hour, but now I’m able to get short Just wearing a heavy duty belt can cause workouts in 6 out of 7 days a week.” wear and tear on the body. “The amount of standing and walking coupled with the extra Deputy Robinson-Deberg sees value in the weight of the duty belt and vest is exhausting PCSO offering a personal trainer and fitness on my back, hips, and feet.” Regular exercise classes to all of its employees. “I am grateful helps her fight that effect. “That will always for Justin and the programs the PCSO be a problem. I just like the idea of not letting offers,” says Deputy Robinson-Deberg.

“I could grab videos online and self-start, it take me down that fast.” but I appreciate learning the proper way Law enforcement can be extremely stressful to perform the movements and the added (and so can most jobs!) Exercise is a great value of seeing other members putting in way to reduce stress. Think you’re too tired work and sweating it out like me.” to work out after work? Exercise makes you a different kind of tired, in a way that Personal instruction, camaraderie, and no helps manage stress. “It takes all of my more aching back – what else could you energy, good and bad. It wipes me out. want? Contact me to learn more about how Which gives me space to refill – hopefully to take advantage of the health and fitness programs I offer. with positive energy.”

Our workouts have had a positive effect on Deputy Robinson-Deberg. “I stay active day to day, at work and at home, and I realize that I am much stronger and have more endurance since working out with Justin.”

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.

PAGE 8 | APRIL - JUNE 2022

HEALTH & FITNESS

CHICKEN HUMMUS NAAN WRAPS

DAILY MINDSET

“DON’T BUNT. AIM OUT OF THE BALLPARK.” - David Oglivy

One of the most dangerous things we can do in life is to dream too small.

When we dig to the root of what causes this, we find that it’s fear.

WE CAN CONVINCE OURSELVES THAT IT’S TOO BIG OF A GOAL. THAT IT’S OUT OF REACH. THAT IN AND OF ITSELF IS THE DEATH OF THE DREAM. A self-fulfilling prophecy from that point forward, as we can’t accomplish what we can’t believe.

INGREDIENTS For the Wraps: 4 pieces of naan | 1 cup of hummus | 4 cups of organic spring mix 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken | 2 cups of veggie mixture (see below) with dressing 4 tablespoons of feta or goat cheese Veggie Mixture: 1/2 cup of peeled, diced cucumber | 1 cup of quartered cherry tomatoes

SO IT STARTS WITH THAT: BELIEF. Belief that we can learn the skills, build the capacity, and hone the craft.

Having the dream is only a part of the equation, and it will only come second to having the belief. The belief that you deserve to step up to the plate, and put the ball over the fences.

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Set oven to LOW broil setting and put the naan pieces onto the middle rack. Warm and slightly toast each side for about 3-5 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t get too dark. Alternately, you can warm the naan in a skillet on the stove, or in a toaster oven.

2. Meanwhile, prep the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion and add the chopped veggies to a medium-sized bowl. Pour vinaigrette over the veggie mixture and toss until they’re well coated.

3. L ay the naan on a cutting board or baking sheet with the inside facing up (the side that’s less charred).

4. Prepare each naan wrap as follows: Spread 1/4 cup of hummus across the whole surface, place 1 cup of spring mix on half the naan, then the cooked shredded chicken on the other half. Scoop 1/2 cup of the veggie mixture on top of the salad mix, then crumble 1 tablespoon of feta or goat cheese over the veggies.

5. Drizzle an extra tablespoon of vinaigrette or juice from the bottom of the veggie bowl over the whole wrap, then finish with salt and pepper to taste, and a drizzle of olive oil.

BEGINNER CARDIO & STRENGTH JAIL GYM Tuesday & Thursday at 6 a.m.

BOOTCAMP SAB GYM 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.

6. Serve immediately while still flat (letting each person fold it themselves) or for a nice presentation, tie a small length of hemp cord around each wrap beforehand.

APRIL - JUNE 2022 | PAGE 9

TRANSITIONS CHANGES IN THE TROOPS LENGTH OF SERVICE Jessica Abernethy.................. 10 Years Detective Phil Antonio............ 10 Years Detective Aaron Bereznay...... 10 Years Corporal Stephanie Boswell... 10 Years Deputy Ashley Chilton............ 10 Years Samuel Cirincione................... 10 Years Corporal Matt Davidson.......... 10 Years Corporal Troy Desmarais........ 10 Years Deputy Amanda Eddinger....... 10 Years Detective Jason Evarts .......... 10 Years Fontaine Ferguson.................. 10 Years Deputy Justin Fineberg .......... 10 Years Sergeant Nick Forgione.......... 10 Years Lisha Goodrich........................ 10 Years Corporal Anela Hopovac......... 10 Years Deputy Larry Jacoby............... 10 Years Sergeant Shawn Livernois...... 10 Years Deputy Caleb Naylor............... 10 Years Sergeant Phil Pione................ 10 Years Deputy Christopher Pitcher.... 10 Years Corporal Jeremy Ragauckas... 10 Years Sharissa Reeves..................... 10 Years Paul Rozelle............................ 10 Years

Deputy Kent Snavely.............. 15 Years Deputy Kaitlin Somerville..... 15 Years Corporal Gary Wilson............ 15 Years Diane Baker............................20 Years Corporal Jim Castle................20 Years Kelli Cliff.................................20 Years Captain David Disano..............20 Years Deputy Brad Ferguson............20 Years Deputy Matt Harlan.................20 Years Sergeant Matt Ingoglia...........20 Years Lieutenant Chris Mantzanas...20 Years Deputy Rob Marsh...................20 Years Deputy Jeffery Martin.............20 Years Deputy Jonathan Mcmanis......20 Years Deputy Mike Pires...................20 Years Deputy Michael Smith.............20 Years Shirley Barrett........................25 Years Sergeant Jim Brueckner.........25 Years Deputy David Deangelo..........25 Years

Detective Nicole Thompson.... 10 Years David Villanueva..................... 10 Years Deputy Keion Waters.............. 10 Years Sergeant Jason Willis............. 10 Years Deputy Keith Baldwin............ 15 Years Deputy Jeffrey Baumgartner. 15 Years Lieutenant Gene Boman......... 15 Years Deputy Vito Calderone........... 15 Years Deputy Corinne Cesino.......... 15 Years Deputy Steven Cooke............. 15 Years Deputy Manuel Cox................ 15 Years Deputy Michael Darrow......... 15 Years Corporal Bryant Duncan........ 15 Years Kyle Forsyth.......................... 15 Years Sergeant Janet Groff.............. 15 Years Nicole Hadley........................ 15 Years Sergeant Bill Hartigan........... 15 Years Corporal Crystal Howsare..... 15 Years Detective Adel Kljajic............ 15 Years Sergeant Lisa Lancashire...... 15 Years Deputy Victor Martinez.......... 15 Years Elizabeth Martseller.............. 15 Years Amy Nicholson....................... 15 Years Andrea Paolilli....................... 15 Years Deputy David Petsch II........... 15 Years Deputy Randy Shepherd........ 15 Years Sergeant David Sivik.............. 15 Years

Deputy Gerry Thompson Judicial Operations Bureau Detention Court Squad

Deputy Darko Kalajdzic Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

Deputy Gary Torrey Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

Sergeant Lisa Lancashire Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

Deputy Ryan Turk Judicial Operations Bureau Civil Court Security

Lieutenant Chris Mantzanas Patrol Operations Bureau Youth Safety Section Lieutenant Matt Mclane Patrol Operations Bureau Central District Station Sergeant Al Ortiz Patrol Operations Bureau Community Policing Unit Pamela Piper Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

Kim Whitesell Support Services Bureau Forensic Science Division Jack Wisz Judicial Operations Bureau Criminal Court Security

RETIREMENTS Richard Piechowiak 4/1/2022, 5 years of service.

Isabel Orbita 4/29/2022, 6 years of service.

Regina Reuss General Counsel

Deputy Nicole Smith 4/29/2022, 8 years of service.

Deputy Steven Rollins Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

Selena King 5/2/2022, 25 years of service.

Johnny Walker........................35 Years

Ateka Sanford Support Services Bureau Forensic Science Division

Ruth Whiteley 5/13/2022, 28 years of service.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Corporal Stratos Savopoulos Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

Daniel Redemske....................25 Years Lieutenant Rusty Roberts.......25 Years Lieutenant Carl Vitro..............25 Years Arnold Niederhofer................35 Years

Deputy Troy Savetz................. 10 Years Deputy Alex Siem.................... 10 Years

Deputy Stephen Huckabee Patrol Operations Bureau Canine Unit

Detective Aaron Bereznay Investigative Operations Bureau Homicide & Robbery Unit Robert Briggs Support Services Bureau Forensic Science Division Deputy Michael Cieslak Jr .

Judicial Operations Bureau Criminal Court Security Sergeant Alan Clark Patrol Operations Bureau Central District Station Deputy Mark Connor Patrol Operations Bureau North District Station Detective Jerry Creaser Investigative Operations Bureau Homicide & Robbery Unit Deputy Sharif Dorrell Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Detective Ed Feidt Investigative Operations Bureau Threat Management Section Sergeant Michele Gibson Judicial Operations Bureau Criminal Court Security

Corporal Crystal Schofield Investigative Operations Bureau Crimes Against Children Deputy Shyzzam Shackelford Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Deputy Jack Skipper Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Corporal Matt Smith Department of Detention and Corrections South Division Deputy Michael Smith Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

Marilyn Boada 5/13/2022, 19 years of service.

Corporal Jim Cooper 5/23/2022, 34 years of service.

Deputy Jim Wilhelm 5/23/2022, 18 years of service.

Wanda Grooms 5/24/2022, 26 years of service.

Frances Dorsey 5/26/2022, 11 years of service.

Jill Casey 6/1/2022, 31 years of service.

Deputy Anthony Roa 6/2/2022, 20 years of service.

Deputy Gary Pierce 6/27/2022, 23 years of service.

Deputy David Logsdon 6/30/2022, 19 years of service.

Deputy Roby Newport 6/30/2022, 19 years of service.

Lieutenant John Suess Investigative Operations Bureau Crimes Against Persons Corporal Fritz Sutter Department of Detention and Corrections South Division

Deputy Sean Gilroy Patrol Operations Bureau School Guardian Unit

Corporal Zach Sutter Department of Detention and Corrections South Division

Elizabeth Harrison Investigative Operations Bureau Crimes Against Persons

Deputy Theo Tate Jr Patrol Operations Bureau Central District Station

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.”

PAGE 10 | APRIL - JUNE 2022

NEW HIRES Lelia Adams Registered Nurse Medical Division Jeff Adkisson Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Jody Apostolu Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Mariana Barboza CPI Investigator (Trainee) Child Protection Investigation Division Victoria Barfield Administrative Assistant Commissary/Inmate Welfare Joseph Barnes Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Whitley Bays Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Division Maryse Belgrave CPI Investigator (Trainee) Child Protection Investigation Division Matthew Bellotte Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Tyler Bews Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Jennifer Black Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Division Matthew Bonferraro Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Dalia Brito Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Division Richard Burgess Jr. Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Richard Bynum Jr. Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Anna Campanella Latent Print Examiner Forensic Science Division Cicero Carr IV Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Malcolm Ceballos Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Shaiyena Cepeda Property & Evidence Technician Property and Evidence Division Shawn Clayton Criminal Justice Specialist Support Services Division

Seth Cromer Tactical Paramedic Special Operations Division

Max June Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Alexis Pindell Case Assignment Technician Child Protection Investigation Division

Averie Crutchfield Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Division

Taylor Kimberly Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Ramona Preston Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Division

Sylvia Dabrowski Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Tamyra Lahsangah Registered Nurse Medical Division

Joshua Ramos Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Joshua Enfinger CPI Investigator (Trainee) Child Protection Investigation Division

Rachel Lardizabal Administrative Assistant Threat Management Section

Lidia Remedios Criminal Justice Specialist Support Services Division

Olivier Lindemann Associate Counsel Support Services Division

Jonathan Reyes Registered Nurse Medical Division

Gabriella Lobaina CPI Investigator (Trainee) Child Protection Investigation Division

Stephnye Roberts-Jones CPI Investigator (Trainee) Child Protection Investigation Division

Tiffany Matheson CPI Investigator (Trainee) Child Protection Investigation Division

Matthew Rocha Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Nicholas Evangelous Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Christopher Flood Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Sabrina Garnand Classification Specialist Classification David Gerald Criminal Justice Specialist - P/T Support Services Division Sabrina Geyer Inmate Property Technician Inmate Property Rickey Glover Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Sean Godcharles Fleet Shop Assistant Fleet Services Division Yvette Gomez Registered Nurse Medical Division Kaleb Goodpaster Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Cortney Gray Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Julia Groff Public Safety Telecommunicator Communication Division Chelsea Hall Registered Nurse Medical Division Luke Hand Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Christopher Harkins Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Lacie Hastings Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Division Theresa Heckathorn Administrative Assistant Commissary/Inmate Welfare Nicole Henn Registered Nurse Medical Division

James McFerrin Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Marsha Michel Registered Nurse Medical Division Cassandra Monnett Fingerprint Technician Forensic Science Division Kasey Moore-Cursey School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Shannon Myers Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Division Amanda Narum Administrative Support Specialist Office of the Sheriff Kelli Nelson Administrative Assistant Commissary/Inmate Welfare Rose Ngerem Registered Nurse Medical Division Kaitlin Nizer Registered Nurse Medical Division Derek Pacifico Manager of the Sheriff's Leadership Institute Human Resources Bureau Ashley Parlpyano Registered Nurse Medical Division Carline Paulin Registered Nurse Medical Division Adam Paulsen Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Ashley Personette Registered Nurse Medical Division

Elizabeth Constantine Associate Counsel P/T General Counsel

Darrell Hill School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section

James Cordelo Property & Evidence Technician Property and Evidence Division

Dylan Hoppe Classification Specialist Classification

Candace Petellat Inmate Records Specialist III Inmate Records

Vicki Cory Registered Nurse Medical Division

Jennifer Horstman Registered Nurse Medical Division

Mary Beth Petrosh Crisis Response Specialist Mental Health Unit

Zachary Cozart Inmate Records Specialist III Inmate Records

Candis Hoyte-Williams CPI Investigator (Trainee) Child Protection Investigation Division

Angela Petrovska Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Division

Diane Crandall Registered Nurse Medical Division

Amelia Hummel Associate Counsel P/T General Counsel

Winna Phomsopha Registered Nurse Medical Division

Kelsey Sawdy Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Division Candice Seay-Wagner Classification Specialist Classification Kevin Secrest CPI Investigator (Trainee) Child Protection Investigation Division James Serafini Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Anthony Sjollema Criminal Justice Specialist Support Services Division James Strong Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Uriah Sufana Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Vanessa Thomas Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Division Aaron Thompson Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Isabela Veras Criminal Justice Specialist Support Services Division Jason Whidby Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Desmond Wilson Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Ervin Winczewski School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Donald Wisman Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Nadier Yacoub Tactical Paramedic Special Operations Division Nicholas Young Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Mohammed Zainulabeddin Registered Nurse Medical Division Shayne Zappi Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

APRIL - JUNE 2022 | PAGE 11

During the 1990s, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) and surrounding counties participated in charity events called Top Cop races. It started in the Miami area in 1992 and local agencies soon became involved. The purpose was to raise money for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches and the Police Athletic League. Held at local speedways, they were open to any law enforcement agency in that county and included both certified and support staff.

The Pinellas location was at Sunshine Speedway.

The only entrance requirements were that you had to provide your own stock car and have an outside sponsor who funded any additional cost.

Departmental funds were not to be used.

The Top Cop organization sold advertising in a printed booklet that listed all of the participants.

It also listed each race category, including Command Staff, the Chief’s Race, Powderpuff and the Shield Race. The typical amount that the charity received from these races averaged $65,000 with more than 5,000 spectators per event! They also sold T-shirts and hats to help cover the cost of operations, and for donations.

These races were great fun and raised a lot of money for two good causes. However, law enforcement charity races came to a tragic end in October 2006. Lake County Sheriff Chris Daniels was participating in a similar event called Battle of the Badges at New Smyrna Speedway. It was Sheriff Daniels’ 47th birthday. One of the events was a school bus race with several area sheriffs and chiefs competing. On the 12th lap of a 15 lap event a collision occurred and Sheriff Daniels was ejected from the bus and killed.

This was a time before safety equipment like the HANS device was installed, and very few of the race cars were equipped with sufficient safety measures, other than helmets and seat belts. The tragedy of Sheriff Daniels’ death, as well as safety concerns in general, ended all future law enforcement stock car events.

Today, the PCSO participates in different events to raise money for charities. Every year there is a Charity Golf Tournament to raise funds for the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch. The popular Shoot with the Stars is a clay shooting competition that benefits the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Police Athletic League and every December, Ride and Run With the Stars raises money for the Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project. The days of Top Cop may be over, but for more than a decade the PCSO led the pack in charity stock car racing.

Information/photos provided by PCSO Archive Historian Penny Cooke.