News & Views: July-September 2022

NEWS AND VIEWS

QUARTER 2 BRIGHT STAR AWARDS

DETECTIVE BRANDON LUNDY, LAW ENFORCEMENT

Detective Brandon Lundy was recognized for putting himself in personal danger to stop a fleeing suspect who had shot a Pinellas Park officer. During an authorized pursuit of the dangerous suspect, Detective Lundy was directly behind the vehicle as it neared a busy intersection. Believing that if he didn’t take immediate action the fleeing vehicle would put innocent civilians at risk, Detective Lundy attempted a PIT maneuver but the suspect vehicle abruptly slowed, bringing Detective Lundy’s vehicle side by side. With no time left before the intersection to set up an effective PIT, Detective Lundy crashed his vehicle into the suspect’s to prevent it from entering the intersection. The two vehicles became tangled and in breaking free Detective Lundy’s vehicle struck a tree. Detective Lundy’s actions in stopping the suspect’s vehicle allowed another deputy to hold the suspect at gunpoint. Detective Lundy prevented possible civilian injuries and a potential gun battle with a suspect who had shown he had no aversion to lethal violence.

CORPORAL NICOLE DORRELL, DETENTION

Corporal Nicole Dorrell was recognized for the way her work ethic motivates other members. Corporal Dorrell arrives early when her squad is inundated by a large workload and assists wherever she is needed: conducting an opening count, ensuring uniform and linen carts are on location, or providing security for medical personnel. Members can always rely on her knowledge and thorough understanding of SOPs and General Orders. She assists new corporals and shares her wisdom with recruits. Corporal Dorrell creates a congenial atmosphere, making others feel seen and appreciated. She is described as the kind of supervisor who inspires others and is an authentic morale booster.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ANALYST KRISTINA COLE, CIVILIAN

Law Enforcement Analyst Kristina Cole has been recognized for her work in keeping tips to the Intelligence Led Policing Unit up to date. ILP receives numerous tips that are essential in providing law enforcement with the most current information to do such things as locate subjects with active warrants or address general community concerns. Cole is always willing to process and disseminate these tips where they need to go in a timely manner. Her colleagues are grateful for her support, and for her willingness to step outside the daily duties of her own niche and help her fellow analysts.

QUARTER 3 BRIGHT STAR AWARDS

DEPUTY RYAN GRAVER, LAW ENFORCEMENT

Deputy Ryan Graver was recognized for his innovative and selfinitiated investigation of a vehicle which fled from him on a traffic stop. The tag had been used on several different vehicles that had also fled from stops. Using the FLOCK system, Deputy Graver found a travel pattern for that tag and determined a subject using that tag frequented a local business. He got video from the business and used the FACES program to identify a possible suspect. Looking at FLOCK footage, he found a new apartment decal on the car and used that to discover the complex, an apartment number, and a name. After bringing this to his supervisor he got permission for a special detail which resulted in the suspect being apprehended and charged with multiple felonies.

SERGEANT CASSIE NAYLOR, DETENTION

Sergeant Cassie Naylor was recognized for developing the new Security Specialists Unit from the ground up. She was given the assignment in October 2021 and had the unit mobilized by January 2022. Security Specialist is a unique pilot program consisting of Florida licensed security officers that hold both D (Security) and G (Firearm) licenses with the Department of Agriculture. The unit takes checkpoint and hospital details. Sergeant Naylor wrote the SOPs and General Orders for the unit, and currently oversees 21 Security Specialists, most of which were new to PCSO. Sergeant Naylor is always looking for ways to improve the unit, and it has thrived under her supervision.

CLINICAL SUPERVISOR VALERIE PHILLIPS AND CLINICAL SUPERVISOR WHITMORE PUCURICA, CIVILIAN

Clinical Supervisor Valerie Phillips and Clinical Supervisor Whitmore Pucurica were recognized by EIGHT members of their team not only for their ongoing leadership and dedication but in particular for their excellence during Hurricane Ian. Their good planning ensured that staff who had to stay at the jail were able to take care of their homes and families beforehand. During the hurricane, when members were stressed and worried, these two supervisors kept them feeling comfortable and safe. Whether it was meeting them at their cars in the pouring rain or making sure members had hot home-cooked meals when they were relieved from duty, this pair made a bad situation much better and kept the team running smoothly. Their supervision style of making members feel valued and appreciated as people, not just employees, leads to members being more fulfilled, productive, and loyal.

EDITOR RICKY BUTLER | ASSISTANT EDITOR/WRITER LAURA L. SULLIVAN DESIGN AARON GRUDIS | PHOTOGRAPHY RYAN GORDON

Checking Bureau Expenses and Encumbering Funds:

Within Innoprise, the Authorized Spending Report (ASR) is a good way to quickly view an entire cost center’s budget vs. actual expense information. The ASR can help you see if there are budgeted funds to cover an expense and see where other funds may be available so you can reallocate money to cover an account that is short.

THE ASR DISPLAYS THE FOLLOWING

• Original Budget is the amount of budget that was originally adopted for that account.

• Total Budget is the amount of adopted budget plus any budget amendments or allocations that have been made throughout the year.

• Budget Transfers show the total amount of budget amendments or allocations that were made up as of when the ASR was run.

• MTD Exp is the month-to-date expense for that month as of when the ASR was run.

• YTD Exp is the year-to-date expense as of when the ASR was run.

• YTD PreEnc is the year-to-date preencumbrance totals. This is the amount of funds that have been reserved due to proposed requisitions and P-card transactions.

• YTD Enc is the year-to-date encumbrance totals. This is the amount of funds that have been reserved due to approved purchase orders and blanket purchase agreements.

• Total Avai is the amount of remaining funds available in the account after all actual and encumbered expenses are subtracted.

At the beginning of the fiscal year (October 1st) it is very important to encumber funds in your accounts so they cannot be used on something else that is not budgeted. Encumbering funds can be done with a regular Purchase Order or a Blanket Purchase Agreement. Items you plan on purchasing with a P-card should not be encumbered as well as any funds for miscellaneous vendors that you may or may not use like Amazon or Staples.

Use the regular Requisition/Purchase Order to purchase non-inventory or capital items. Fiscal will enter an invoice after goods and services are received by Purchasing. These are normally used when you will have one invoice, such as for a one-time repair.

Use the Blanket Purchase Agreement for maintenance agreements and other contracts. The department will enter these

invoices against the Blanket Purchase Agreement. These are normally used when there will be more than one invoice against the encumbrance, such as with fuel.

You may not know what you will end up using for a maintenance agreement or other expense, but you should still encumber the funds that you budgeted to set them aside at the beginning of the fiscal year.

You can always increase or decrease the amount of the encumbered funds during the fiscal year based on how much you actually use. You should enter another requisition request in Innoprise to increase the Blanket Purchase Agreement/Purchase Order. Decreases can be made by sending an email to Purchasing if you find you aren’t using as much of a maintenance agreement as you thought.

Refer a New Hire, Get a Day Off

The theme of this year’s Wellness Fair is “Let’s Rays awareness! Buc up and Bolt to our Wellness Fair and let’s get Rowdie!”

The Benefits area is in full swing preparing a fun-filled, corner kicking, power playing time that is sure to be a touchdown for all members. So remember to keep the month of March open and be ready to scramble on over to the PCSO Wellness Fair live and in person!

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.

Once the referred member reaches 90 days of employment, HR will begin the approval process for your day off. The time will be added to your vacation accrual bank. Most members are eligible for this benefit, but there are some exceptions: certain exempt staff, members of the Human Resources Bureau, members that participated in the recruiting event that resulted in the candidate’s application, or members that participate in the referred applicant’s oral board interview. If the applicant lists referrals by multiple members, only the first one listed will be eligible for a day off.

Do you know someone who would be a perfect fit for our agency? The PCSO gets some of its best new employees through referrals by current members. If they include your name as the primary referral you may be eligible for a day off. You get a vacation day and we get a new employee. It’s a win-win!

BY JUSTIN WALSH, FITNESS SPECIALIST

From Desk Job to Deputy Whatever your Fitness Goals, Justin Can Help

At the time I interviewed her, Anika Moody was a Research Specialist in the Strategic Planning Division. By the time you’re reading this, though, Anika will be a Deputy Recruit training hard at the St. Petersburg College Law Enforcement Academy for her new career here at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

The career change from a desk job to a physically challenging life as a deputy requires a whole new level of fitness and I feel privileged to have been able to help Anika achieve her goals with my fitness classes and workout plans.

Even though she was already physically fit, Anika wanted to up her game in preparation for the 22-week academy, which in addition to classroom time includes a lot of physical training – running, pushups, crunches – as well as intense defensive tactics training. “Even as someone who has actively participated in sports and fitness my whole life, I’ve learned new and better ways to exercise,” Anika said. “Justin customizes the workouts depending on my goals. The style of workouts has changed from when I was preparing for a half marathon to wanting to gain more strength to preparing for the academy.”

Anika has been taking my classes for two years and she’s seen the improvement in her strength. Even better, she has scientific evidence in the change. “During my recent LifeScan, I was told that I’ve gained a lot of muscle in the last two years. I noticed the changes, but it was great to hear there was evidence.”

With a gym at the Sheriff’s Administration Building, one at the jail, and a third north county, the sheriff’s office makes it easy to maintain or improve your physical fitness. Members can access these gyms 24-hours a day so they are available to meet any schedule from day shift to night shift. “I’m able to schedule time to exercise during my lunch break on a regular basis mainly due to the convenience of having a gym onsite,” Anika said. “This leaves little room for excuses and allows me to incorporate a quick but effective workout into my everyday routine, making it a habit.”

If you’re having trouble getting motivated, bring a friend to your workouts. The camaraderie – and the ribbing you’d get for skipping a workout – might be enough to keep you exercising. “Most days I complete the workouts with other members which makes it more enjoyable,” Anika said.

Now, Anika feels ready for whatever the Law Enforcement Academy might throw at her. “I’ve gained more confidence in my strength and abilities, she said. “I now feel as prepared as I can be for the academy. The fitness program has allowed me to learn

proper exercise techniques and forms that I will use throughout the academy.”

Let me help you reach your goals, whether it is a career change that requires increased physical fitness, a plan to compete in the next Ride And Run With The Stars, or a desire to not feel quite as stiff every time you stand up from your desk. I have classes at convenient times and I’m available for gym orientations or one-on-one personal training sessions.

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.

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.

CRT: 30 Years as the Final Authority

BY LAURA L. SULLIVAN

The year was 1992, a banner year for our country. Crystal Pepsi hit the shelves, Cartoon Network made its debut, Dr. Dre released The Chronic, and we saw the first PGA appearance of a 16-year-old golf prodigy named Tiger Woods. Among these cultural milestones, 1992 also saw the introduction of the Corrections Response Team (CRT) at the Pinellas County Jail. As the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office celebrates 30 years of CRT we look at the history and present-day achievements of the highly trained tactical unit known as the “SWAT of the jail.”

“Before 1992 there wasn’t a formalized process,” said CRT member Corporal Kevin Fey. “If something happened they just sent a couple of the biggest guys in. People were getting injured, both inmates and deputies.” Jail staff realized there had to be a safer, more effective way. “They decided, let’s train our people, put gear on them, let them go in in an organized fashion to make sure no one gets hurt.”

Their intentions were good, but resources were lacking in the early years. The team

started with just a box of surplus military supplies. “It served its purpose at the time,” Corporal Fey said. “But it was basically spare parts. The gear didn’t always fit well.” Today, however, each CRT member has their own equipment specifically sized for them.

Some of the equipment has remained essentially unchanged over the years. They still use the Emergency Response Belt (ERB) – a strap with Velcro that will secure a violent or non-compliant inmate and allow CRT members to pick them up

like a suitcase and carry them safely. The notorious Stomp has been around since 1992 as well. Loud, synchronized, and psychologically intimidating, the stomping sound of CRT approaching can be heard throughout the building and that alone is often enough to convince inmates to be compliant. “It’s like the Jaws theme,” Corporal Fey said. “They know what’s coming.” The intention of CRT is to do their job without any fighting or injuries, so it’s ideal if they can achieve their goals with just sound effects.

There are five team members on any activation. The Team Leader is the voice of the team, responsible for audible instruction to both the team members and the inmate. This is necessary because the inmate needs to receive clear instructions if they are expected to comply. Having five people shouting at them would lead to confusion. Inmates are told what will happen if they don’t comply. “We do everything we can before we go into the cell,” Corporal Fey said. “They are given every chance to comply.”

The next four members line up, with #1 steering the ship. There is a push-pull dynamic, with #4 in the rear pushing forward, #1 in the front leaning back into the CRT member behind them, and #2 and #3 stabilizing the formation. When they are ready and the door is open #1 stops leaning back and lets the gathered momentum from behind push the whole column ahead. As they engage with the inmate each member is responsible for securing one limb – #1 gets the right arm, #2 gets the left arm, #3 the right leg and #4 the left leg. Their movements as they secure and rotate the inmate are precise and coordinated, minimizing any chance of injury. A final member of each activation is the videographer. Although the entire jail has video and audio recording, the CRT team wants to make sure that their actions are transparent.

What started as a 36-member unit in 1992 has expanded to 50 members. Tryouts are highly competitive and begin with a fourhour physical evaluation, followed by an oral board. Prospective new members run, do push-ups, pull-ups, and must be able to bench press at least their own weight. There are also team-building exercises where applicants have the chance to demonstrate leadership and thinking skills. “Sometimes the one who isn’t the best physically but who can make decisions quickly, lead, and knows policy is the best candidate,” said Corporal Fey. If selected, new members go through an intense 80-hour academy.

“We are a very progressive team, aware of industry standards and always trying to stay on the forefront of training and tactics,” said CRT Coordinator Corporal Dominique Kilpatrick. CRT members train once a month. In 1992 there was no training facility, but today CRT has a dedicated training room with two cell mock-ups so they can practice their skills in realistic scenarios. They also practice donning their extensive gear, drilling until they can get everything on in under three minutes.

They train for every situation they can foresee, but also learn to make quick, safe decisions within policy. “We have members who can think on the fly,” said Corporal Kilpatrick. “Some things are mundane, but you also get peculiar situations. How do you restrain individuals with varying body types? Our response time is fast. We don’t have time to whiteboard – we have to brainstorm on the move.”

Safety for everyone is always their top priority. Medical staff is present at cell extractions and can clear inmates for certain kinds of restraints. Inmates may fight violently, but CRT is always judicious in its use of force. “We have the helmets and gear, so we’re the ones taking the hits and making sure the inmate isn’t injured,” said Corporal Kilpatrick. During a cell extraction they move the inmate where they want them “quickly and expeditiously, maintaining care, custody, and control.”

In 1992 CRT primarily did cell extractions, but the unit has evolved. Today, if an inmate threatens to hurt staff, self-harms, refuses to lockdown, or won’t go to court, CRT can activate. They also do a lot of highrisk transports for inmates with a violent history, psychiatric issues, or in other special circumstances such as a gang member or high-level drug dealer who could be at risk of ambush during transport.

Honoring a Fallen Hero: Deputy Michael Hartwick EOW 9-22-22

Deputy Michael Hartwick spent most of his adult life serving his community: in the U.S. Navy, as a detention deputy in the Pinellas County Jail, and finally as a patrol deputy. He died September 22, 2022 when he was struck by a front loader as he worked a detail protecting construction crews on I-275.

Deputy Hartwick wore his star with pride, and the people who worked with him respected his dedication and commitment to serving the public. Deputy Hartwick was a “traffic guy” who cared more about promoting driving safety than he did about writing tickets. He was a well-known presence along McMullen Booth Road, making everybody’s commute safer.

Deputy Hartwick loved riding his Indian motorcycle and planning for his retirement in Tennessee. Friends and co-workers describe him as a man with a tremendous work ethic who was always willing to share his knowledge. He had a smile that could light up a room, and a laugh you could hear from down the hall.

His death is a senseless tragedy, but his life will be remembered forever. He was the emblem of all that is good and noble in a deputy sheriff, and he will not be forgotten.

TRANSITIONS

CHANGES IN

LENGTH OF SERVICE

Deputy Bako Bakomihalis 10 Years

Corporal Ed Belvis Cuevas 10 Years

Deputy Jose Berrios 10 Years

Corporal Daniel Bindman 10 Years

Sergeant Kevin Boulton 10 Years Corporal Jeannie Delgardo 10 Years

Corporal Nicholas Dinkins

Deputy Dinah Doherty............

Buddie Emmons

Deputy Eric Ford

Joy Fuller

Dee Greening

Lieutenant Freddie Hayes

Deputy Anthony Henderson

Deputy Eli Karr.......................

Jen Luciano

Sergeant Jessica Mackesy

Sergeant John Moten

Deputy Victor Ortiz Jr.............

Years

Years

Years

Years

Years

Years

Years

Years

Years

Years

Years

Years

Years

Sandra Anderson

20 Years

Sergeant Samuel Decker........ 20 Years

Sergeant Chris Deg

20 Years

Deputy Michael Funk.............. 20 Years Dale Holbrook 20 Years Tina Hussey 20 Years

Frederick King 20 Years Deputy Stephanie Mann 20 Years Bert Mills 20 Years

Sergeant Bret Mowatt 20 Years Corporal Emmanuel Nomikos 20 Years

Sergeant Emily Robinson 20 Years Deputy Michael Smith 20 Years Deputy Kris Speelman 20 Years

Lieutenant Bronson Taylor 20 Years Sergeant Jennifer Vieno 20 Years

Sergeant Antuan Watkins 20 Years Julie Osborne 25 Years

Deputy Ron Douglas 30 Years

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Mara Iocolano Support Services Bureau AFIS Division Cherie Johnson Support Services Bureau Forensic Science Division

Deputy Christalyn Johnson Professional Standards Bureau Policy Development & Accreditation Division

Deputy Paul Johnson Judicial Operations Bureau Civil Court Security

Deputy Sharon Kalmykow Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Ciara Manns Investigative Operations Bureau Intelligence Led Policing

Deputy Robert Marsh Judicial Operations Bureau Criminal Court Security

Deputy Angela Messina Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

James Ahern 7/14/2022, 9 years of service.

Carl Vitro 7/15/2022, 25 years of service.

Oras Mcdonald 7/15/2022, 20 years of service.

Holly Grosshans 7/15/2022, 15 years of service.

James Haley 7/15/2022, 8 years of service.

Dawn Doncaster 7/20/2022, 14 years of service.

John Newman 7/21/2022, 16 years of service.

Paula Rogers 7/22/2022, 8 years of service.

Darlene Carlson 7/29/2022, 16 years of service.

Gregory Freeland 8/1/2022, 15 years of service.

Keith Simmons 8/1/2022, 25 years of service.

Bruce Radcliffe 8/1/2022, 9 years of service.

Deputy Damian Peyinghaus

Years

Years Julie Philbin

Dino Roumanis

Years

Years Amberly Savitski

Sergeant Crystal Schofield

Years Corporal Sarah (Fritz) Sutter

Years Corporal Zach Sutter 10 Years

Sergeant Nathan Terrell

Years

Ashley Anderson Investigative Operations Bureau Economic Crimes Unit Detective Jason Beetz Investigative Operations Bureau Economic Crimes Unit

Deputy Armando Mirelez Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

Ricky Brennan 8/9/2022, 21 years of service.

Donald Holman 8/11/2022, 6 years of service.

Yandy Perez 8/18/2022, 4 years of service.

Sergeant Yvonne Trubey

Eden Ubas

Deputy Melissa Van Swearingen

Deputy Dimitar Vasilev

Years

Years Marisa Turner

Years

Years

Years

Detective Brian Belcher Investigative Operations Bureau Threat Management Section Deputy Lorey Bosser Professional Standards Bureau Policy Development & Accreditation Division

Deputy Josh Boylorn Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

Vicki Norman Judicial Operations Bureau Criminal Court Security Julie Philbin Patrol Operations Bureau North District

Deputy Angelo Randazzo Jr Judicial Operations Bureau Detention Court Squad Deputy Travis Roberts Patrol Operations Bureau North District

Sergeant Amanda Sinni Public Relations Bureau Public Information Office

Michael Miller 8/23/2022, 26 years of service.

Ronald Douglas 8/23/2022, 30 years of service.

Sara Spiva 8/31/2022, 28 years of service.

Sandra Law 9/1/2022, 11 years of service.

Daunika Burge 9/1/2022, 25 years of service.

Deputy Jon Andrews

Years

Years Deputy April Bower

Deputy Daniel Burrows

Years Corporal Anthony Clark

Years Dawn Doncaster

Years Deserria Dover

Years Corporal Joey Durden

Years Diana Escobar

Years Deanna Hazatone

Johnson

Kristin Jones..........................

Kunz.............................

Deputy John McGonigle

Deputy Moose Muzaurieta

Deputy Jeanette

Christina Rodgers

Sergeant Robert Serrano

Kathy Smith

Deputy Crystal Summerlin

Deputy Shelly Whiteley

Corporal Joshua Wiley...........

Diane Broehm Department of Detention and Corrections Detention Investigations Unit

Deputy Janice Chestnut Judicial Operations Bureau Civil Court Security

Deputy Robert Cipollini Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

Deputy Craig Davey Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division

Deputy David Deangelo Patrol Operations Bureau Central District

Deputy Kurt Goodwin Judicial Operations Bureau Detention Court Squad

Deputy Yashica Green Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Jessica Holland Investigative Operations Bureau Intelligence Led Policing

Sergeant Will Snyder Jr. Department of Detention and Corrections Detention Investigations Unit

Deputy Crystal Summerlin Department of Detention and Corrections Central Division Sergeant Roy Swiech Patrol Operations Bureau Central District

RETIREMENTS

Deborah Harris 7/1/2022, 11 years of service.

Ronald Barbetto 7/5/2022, 27 years of service.

Robert Moodie 7/5/2022, 16 years of service.

Michael Lannon 7/5/2022, 16 years of service.

Dennis Patitz 7/6/2022, 20 years of service.

Gregory Maldonado Jr. 7/8/2022, 23 years of service.

Corey Cephas 9/9/2022, 7 years of service.

Kristin Jones 9/21/2022, 15 years of service.

Ronald Heck 9/23/2022, 11 years of service.

Gilberto Perez Jr. 9/30/2022, 16 years of service.

NEW HIRES

Cristina Acevedo Law Enforcement Analyst

Investigative Operations Bureau

Piper Allen Public Safety Telecommunicator Support Services Bureau

Nicole Bednarek

Crisis Response Specialist Patrol Operations Bureau

Matthew Bellotte

Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections

Philip Benoit Warehouse Operations Technician Support Services Bureau

Tyler Bews

Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Richard Boudreau

School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Scott Bowerman

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Jeremiah Brown

Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections

Anida Caca

Criminal Justice Specialist Support & Health Services Bureau

Travis Capps

Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections

Judy Cleary Records Technician II Support Services Bureau

Vicki Cory

Registered Nurse - PRN/On Call Support & Health Services Bureau

Steve Cox Jr.

Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections

Diane Crandall

Registered Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau

Scott Cruz

Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections

Sylvia Dabrowski

Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Vien Dang

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Jonathan Dardini

Criminal Justice Specialist Support & Health Services Bureau

Daniel Delao

Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections

Karma Eckard Registered Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau

Tina Eramo Buyer Support Services Bureau

David Faucher Property & Evidence Technician Support Services Bureau

Spyridon Fletouris

CPI Investigator (Trainee)

Investigative Operations Bureau

Plouda Florexil

Licensed Practical Nurse - PRN/On Call Support & Health Services Bureau

Kathryn Fox

Registered Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau

Mari Fujimura Forensic Science Specialist Support Services Bureau

Jeffrey Gagnon Jr.

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Chad Gangadeen

Communications Teletype Technician Support Services Bureau

Sabrina Garnand

Classification Specialist Support & Health Services Bureau

Vernon George School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Eric Gibson Reserve Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Sean Godcharles

Fleet Shop Assistant Support Services Bureau

Joseph Gratt Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau

Patricia Haberberger

Registered Nurse - PRN/On Call Support & Health Services Bureau

Kelly Haedke Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Chelsea Hall

Registered Nurse - PRN/On Call Support & Health Services Bureau

James Harvey School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Theresa Heckathorn Administrative Assistant Support & Health Services Bureau

Suzanne Heller Registered Nurse - PRN/On Call Support & Health Services Bureau

Alexandria Hollwedel Crisis Response Specialist Patrol Operations Bureau

Candis Hoyte-Williams CPI Investigator (Trainee)

Investigative Operations Bureau

April Jack Criminal Justice Specialist Department of Detention & Corrections

Dion Johnson Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Paul Kelly Jr. Crisis Response Specialist Patrol Operations Bureau

Taylor Kimberly Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Viviana Kodhelaj Court Processing Technician II Judicial Operations Bureau

Richard Leist School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Stephanie Leontidis

Registered Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau

Kristine Lombardo Senior Administrative Assistant Information Technology Bureau

Channa Maddern Administrative Assistant Patrol Operations Bureau

Serena Martin Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Dixie Marty-Francy School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Patricia Masterson School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Tiffany Matheson

CPI Investigator (Trainee)

Investigative Operations Bureau

Colleen Mazzo School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Malik McCloud Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau Nicholas McDonough Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Geoffrey Moore Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Justin Musick Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections

Alyssa Musto-Addino Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections

Amanda Narum Administrative Support Specialist Office of the Sheriff

Madeline Nettles

CPI Investigator (Trainee) Investigative Operations Bureau

Julie Nikolov Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Adriane Pace

Administrative Assistant Judicial Operations Bureau

Jessica Parker Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections

Steven Patterson School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Corynne Paul

Inmate Records Specialist III Support & Health Services Bureau

Darwin Payne Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections Mary Beth Petrosh Crisis Response Specialist Patrol Operations Bureau

Alexis Pindell CPI Case Assignment Technician Investigative Operations Bureau

Marilee Pons-Basulto Law Enforcement Analyst Investigative Operations Bureau

Thomas Powers Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Kenna Prins Registered Nurse - PRN/On Call

Support & Health Services Bureau

Robert Rathbun Jr. Department of Detention & Corrections Analiese Resto Court Processing Technician II Judicial Operations Bureau

Denice Rigali School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Jason Rivera

Alternative Sentencing Specialist Judicial Operations Bureau Ricardo Robalino

Criminal Justice Specialist Department of Detention & Corrections

James Robinson Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau

Matthew Rocha

Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Jennifer Romano School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Frank Rubin School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Kelsey Sawdy Licensed Practical Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau

Gerry Shipley School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Haley Short Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Makeda Simmonds Forensic Science Specialist Support Services Bureau

Joni Snyder School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Oscar Soto

Juvenile Electronic Monitoring Specialist Patrol Operations Bureau

Ian Tannenbaum

Administrative Assistant Support & Health Services Bureau

Annette Templeton

Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections

Vanessa Thomas

Licensed Practical Nurse - PRN/On Call

Support & Health Services Bureau

Will Thomas Jr. Law Enforcement Analyst Investigative Operations Bureau

Penny Vaughan

Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau

Alexis Walker Court Processing Technician I Judicial Operations Bureau

LaTiere Wallace

Registered Nurse - PRN/On Call Support & Health Services Bureau

Stefani Wicks

Licensed Practical Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau

Desmond Wilson Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Donald Wisman

Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau

Mahaley Wixey

Inmate Property Technician Support & Health Services Bureau

Nicole Wolfson Human Resources Analyst Human Resources Bureau

Rebecca Wright

Inmate Records Specialist III Support & Health Services Bureau

Nicholas Young Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Shayne Zappi

Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

When Pinellas County was founded on January 1, 1912 after it seceded from Hillsborough, the governor appointed the first sheriff, Marvel Whitehurst. The newly built courthouse was located on Fort Harrison Avenue in Clearwater where Peace Memorial Presbyterian is now. It is said that the original office was on Cleveland Street above Tilley’s Jewelry store. There were only a few jail cells in the beginning and they were located inside the courthouse.

For the next 47 years the operation of the jail was the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office’s (PCSO) only function. PCSO handled some special investigations that might be ordered by a justice of the peace or a constable, such as rounding up a jury pool or hunting down a witness in a case, but the jail was its primary responsibility. In fact, through Sheriff Don Genung’s tenure (1958-1975) the sheriff’s only administrative office was inside the jail facility.

The jail cells inside that first courthouse only lasted six years. That building deteriorated due to construction flaws and a brand-new jail was built in 1918 and was used through 1949. There were also some city jails – both Clearwater and St. Petersburg had their own jails during that time. In fact, the Clearwater City Jail let all their inmates out on December 25, 1960 to celebrate Christmas. (It’s assumed they all returned on December 26th.)

Sadly, PCSO only has a sketch of the second facility. That building lasted until construction began in 1949 on a much larger, more modern building. The cost of this building was $600,000 and it opened in October 1950 with an initial inmate population of 115. The sheriff at that time was Todd Tucker who was truly the first progressive sheriff and had very strong opinions on gambling and liquor – both were illegal during his tenure, though gambling and illegal stills were common in Pinellas County then. While the old jail building still stands today, it is currently home to county administrative offices.

The final project took the jail facility from downtown Clearwater to the current 49th Street location. It was built in many phases, the first one opening in 1979, and the compound increased over the years to include both a maximum and medium security building, and female housing.

With the merger of the County Patrol in 1959, the PCSO added a uniform function to its responsibilities for the first time in addition to jail operations. From a few cells in the original courthouse to the huge complex that stands today, PCSO has certainly expanded its inmate population and it remains one of the primary responsibilities in its 110-year history.

by

PCSO Archive

Historian Penny Cooke.