News & Views: October - December 2022

NEWS AND VIEWS

RECOGNITION

QUARTERLY BRIGHT STAR AWARDS

SERGEANT STEPHEN BERGSTROM, LAW ENFORCEMENT

Sergeant Bergstrom was recognized for taking life-saving action when a subject was shot. When he found the unresponsive subject he discovered a gunshot wound high on his thigh. He recognized this as likely an injury to the femoral artery which, without emergency care, could lead to death. When he realized the wound was too high on the thigh to apply a tourniquet, Sgt. Bergstrom inserted his thumb into the gunshot wound and applied pressure on the artery. While maintaining pressure he provided directions to deputies to secure the crime scene and reduce foot traffic, and sent a deputy to escort rescue personnel to his location in order to ensure prompt emergency medical care. Detectives later learned from hospital staff that the victim’s femoral artery was indeed perforated. The victim survived largely to Sergeant Begstrom’s quick actions in providing emergency care to the victim and effectively managing the scene.

DEPUTY SCHENIQUE HARRIS, DETENTION

While off duty and riding as a passenger in a vehicle, Deputy Schenique Harris was recognized for taking quick action and performing first aid on the driver who suffered a stroke while driving. Deputy Harris attempted to stop the vehicle, which was traveling at approximately 40 miles per hour, but the incapacitated driver was still pressing on the accelerator. Deputy Harris avoided five vehicles; three of which were in oncoming traffic. Deputy Harris was able to gain control of the vehicle and pull over, where she removed the driver from the vehicle and administered CPR until he began breathing again. EMS arrived and the driver was transported to the hospital.

CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATOR SAMANTHA MCCANN, CIVILIAN

Child Protective Investigator Samantha McCann was recognized for her investigation of a group home for teens. This investigation pertained specifically to three teenage males, who were permanently assigned to the group home. All three juveniles have severe mental health and behavior issues. There were concerns that all three juveniles were being physically abused by the staff. In addition, the staff at the group home had concerning criminal and DCF histories. CPI McCann acted quickly by contacting CPID Administration, law enforcement, DCF Licensing and case management. The juveniles were immediately taken away from the group home and placed in other facilities. At the conclusion of the investigation, CPID Administration and DCF Licensing closed the facility and did not renew its license. Due to CPI McCann’s work during this investigation, these children are now in a safer and stable environment.

COMMUNITY AWARDS

PALM HARBOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEO OF THE YEAR

The Greater Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce honored four Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies with the 2022 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. The winners were Corporal Claudio Dimundo, Deputy William Byrd, Deputy Cristian Miller, and Deputy Cameron Frame. The award included a plaque and a gift card.

PCSO MEMBERS SUPPORT RIDE & RUN WITH THE STARS

Every year, Ride & Run With The Stars raises funds for the Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project to help children have the joyous holiday season they deserve. This year we raised more than $85,000 to help 289 families and a total of 741 children. Deputies, civilian members, and other volunteers gathered at a local Walmart to shop for more than 450 children, while other kids were adopted by corporate or individual sponsors. Thanks to all PCSO members who participated to help the children of our community!

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.

PCSO LITTLE STARS IN ITB

ADELYNN VINEETA ANTONY Customer Support Technician Albin Antony and his wife Alyssa welcomed their daughter Adelynn Vineeta Antony on October 29, 2022. She weighed 6 pounds, nine ounces.

ETHAN MATTHEW MCWILLIAMS Information Technologist Brandon McWilliams and his wife Jennifer welcomed their son Ethan Matthew McWilliams on January 5, 2023. He weighed 9 pounds, 4 ounces.

Reviewing Your W-4 for the New Tax Year

While you do not have to fill out a new W-4 form if you already have one on file, the beginning of a new tax year is a good time to review your withholdings and make any changes to ensure taxes are correctly withheld for your tax situation. Some examples of life changes that might impact your tax situation are:

• Getting married or divorced

• Having a child

• Buying a home

• Experiencing a significant change in income

• Only working part of the year

• Having a lot of dividend income

• Doing any freelance work on the side

After any change to your W-4, please review your virtual check to ensure that the amount being withheld looks accurate and consult with your tax advisor if needed, as Payroll cannot provide recommendations on your withholdings.

To review your current withholdings or submit a new W-4 form, go to SONET aMember Gateway a Payroll a Current Payroll Services and review the options under My Account.

HUMAN RESOURCES WELLNESS FAIR

This year, we’re hosting Wellness Fairs at both the Sheriff’s Administration Building and the jail. There will be giveaways, vendors, and fun things for members. The event at the SAB will be Wednesday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the back lawn and in Room 180. The event at the jail will be Thursday, March 16 in the North read-off room. This year’s Wellness Fair will have a sports theme with the slogan:

“LET’S RAYS AWARENESS! BUC UP AND BOLT TO OUR WELLNESS FAIR AND LET’S GET ROWDIE!”

A W-4 form, formally titled “Employee’s Withholding Certificate,” is an IRS form that tells employers how much tax to withhold from each paycheck. Employers use the W-4 to calculate payroll taxes and remit the taxes to the IRS on the behalf of employees.

How to Fill Out a W-4

Step 1: Personal information

Enter your name, address, Social Security number, and tax-filing status. When completing an electronic W-4 form, your personal information will be prefilled for you, and you only need to select a filing status.

Step 2: Account for multiple jobs

If you have more than one job or you file jointly and your spouse works, follow the instructions to get more accurate withholding.

If you’re married and filing jointly, and you both earn about the same amount, you can check a box indicating this. Both spouses must do that on their W-4s. Along with Step 1(c), this determines the tax table to use for calculating the amount of income tax withheld from your paycheck. It is

important to consider the instructions when completing this step to accurately withhold income tax. Leaving this box unchecked will usually REDUCE the amount of income tax withheld from your paycheck.

Step 3: Claim dependents, including children

If your total income is under $200,000 (or $400,000 if filing jointly), you can enter how many children and dependents you have and multiply them by the credit amount. Entering an amount in step 3 will REDUCE the amount of income tax withheld from your paycheck based on the amount entered in this section.

Step 4: Refine your withholdings

If you want extra tax withheld or expect to claim deductions other than the standard deduction when you do your taxes, you

can note that. Entering amounts in Step 4 (a) and 4 (c) will INCREASE the amount of taxes withheld.

Step 5: Sign and date your W-4

Once completed, press the submit button at the top right and enter the last four numbers of your SSN to digitally sign the W-4 form.

It’s also important to review your address in SONET as well as the address on your virtual checks in the payroll system to make sure your W-2 and 1095-C tax forms are sent to the right place. If you need to update your address, please follow the steps in Appendix 1A from the HR Employee Manual on SONET.

If you have any questions on entering a W-4 form, please contact Payroll at 582-5885 or email Payroll@pcsonet.com.

AUTOMATED RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ARMS)

To ARMS! Report Writing at the PCSO

BY LAURA L. SULLIVAN

Report writing is one of the most important skills that a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputy must master. Almost everything a deputy does in the course of their shift is documented in written form, from the simplest Miscellaneous Incident Report (MIR) that may just need a line or two, to the most complicated offense report narrative that may run dozens of pages. The Automated Records Management System (ARMS) is the team that enters law enforcement reports. It is an extension of the Augmented Criminal Investigative Support Systems (ACISS), the system manages most of the agency’s law enforcement records.

Doe was identified in part due to a photo attached to a Field Interview Report (FIR).

Next comes the narrative portion, which may be written by the deputy and emailed to ARMS, or may be dictated over the phone – it’s a matter of personal choice. “The only thing ARMS does in reference to the narratives is correct grammar and spelling,” Weschler said. “It’s the deputy’s name on the report, they’re the ones who are going to have to testify if it goes to court.” The reports are approved by the deputy’s sergeant.

“ARMS is a 24/7, 365 unit,” said Records Manager Tara Weschler. “So we, like the deputies, are here all the time. We never shut down.” ARMS has 26 members who work three shifts plus an overlapping Delta shift.

As soon as possible after completing a call (but more realistically, before the end of their shift) deputies call ARMS to build the report. There’s much more than a basic narrative of what happened – ARMS Records Technicians build the cover which contains multiple

layers of information that will fully capture as much detail as possible about each event. Every person involved in a call – including suspect, victim, and witnesses – has their contact and demographic information added to the report. All vehicles or property involved also get their own record. The report might include supplemental material too. Deputies could include receipts from an economic crime or a photo of a citizen contact. Even when a crime hasn’t occurred, adding photos to the report can prove useful down the road. Just recently a deceased John

Each deputy develops their own writing style. “Some are very brief and to the point; they get the facts and that’s it. But some of the deputies are natural storytellers.” Are any of them really creative and lyrical – it was a dark and stormy night? “No, but they will describe the weather conditions in detail of some crash reports.”

There may not be a lot of scope for literary flair in an ARMS report, but the narratives aren’t meant for entertainment. “This becomes a permanent public record that could be used in court. The public may request copies so it’s critical that the report is complete and accurate.” The reports are also used by other deputies to gather information on an address, subject, or old case. Before they head to a call they may pull

up any reports about the people involved and arrive on scene armed with valuable background information.

ARMS technicians like feeling connected to the exciting world of patrol, investigations, forensics, and other areas of the PCSO that write reports in ARMS. “You’re part of the law enforcement process without being on the scene,” Weschler said. “Unlike a dispatcher who is involved in the moment, in the middle of a crisis, we’re there afterward when things have calmed down.” ARMS technicians get the full story from beginning to end and who doesn’t like to hear exciting stories from Patrol? After tough calls on a challenging shift, deputies also appreciate having a sympathetic ear on the other end of the line. “It’s someone who understands the work of law enforcement to talk with about the hard cases.” As a result of this close connection, deputies tend to send the ARMS unit a lot of treats! Talking over cases can also help deputies clarify details in their head and the ARMS technicians have heard so many reports that they know what questions to ask to elicit all the most important facts for the record.

Almost everything in every report is public record. “Florida has the broadest public records law in the country,” Weschler said. “Absent a statutory exemption, the information goes out to anybody who requests it.” Citizens can request such things as incident and offense reports, crash reports, arrest affidavits, or booking photos by coming to the Sheriff’s Administration Building, North District Station, or by phone, fax, email, or on our web site.

Most requests are handled by Records, but there’s a second unit that also handles records requests: the Public Records Processing Unit (PRPU). PRPU handles requests that cover multiple areas of the agency such as Department of Detention and Corrections, contract bids, forensics photos, internal affairs, and employee files. Many PRPU requests come from the media.

There’s a mix of employees who work as ARMS technicians. Some have already retired from one career, while others are students who like the availability of different shifts so they can attend classes. The unit has good retention and of those who leave many go to other positions in the agency such as Information Technology, Property and Evidence, or Forensics. Working in ARMS gives them a lot of knowledge about the PCSO.

ARMS technicians have a lot to like about their job. Records Technician Holly Rushofsky enjoys the family feeling of the unit. “Everyone is so nice and we are treated with respect.” Senior Records Technician Connie Ashcom says, “I love talking with deputies and hearing different stories every night.”

Records Technician Karli Busch enjoys the way ARMS supports deputies. “Knowing I’m making the deputies’ day a little easier is my favorite part of my job. They have so much to do and keep track of on a day-to-day basis, so taking some of that stress off of them is rewarding.” She said that deputies who come here from other agencies always say how grateful they are for the PCSO’s ARMS unit. “Report writing takes up such a huge chunk of time, a lot of times hours after their shift is over, so having ARMS available makes it a lot faster and smoother than if they were doing everything on their own.”

Weschler has been with the PCSO for 25 years. “I’m still having a great time here,” she said. “I’ve never been bored. There’s something different every day. That’s what everyone loves about this job.”

BY JUSTIN WALSH, FITNESS SPECIALIST

Personalized Training to Fit Your Fitness Needs

They say variety is the spice of life, so I guess my fitness classes are a little spicy! Just ask Alternative Sentencing Unit Technician Dorris Scharmer who has been participating in my workouts for more than a year now.

“We meet as a group three days a week and every session is different,” Dorris said.

“I guess you could say the variety is what I really enjoy – unlike when you go to the gym and the instructor only changes the workout every few months. The variety with Justin makes it fun and exciting.”

She finds that taking my class has had a positive effect on her work life. She’s sleeping better and during the day she’s more focused and has a lot more energy.

“My workouts are done first thing in the morning and because of this I’m much better throughout the day.” She likes that I offer the option of an early morning class because she wouldn’t be able to make herself go after a long day at work. “I’d come up with a thousand and one reasons not to.”

Working out is mental as well as physical. You have to overcome the mental barriers to starting a new routine and then psych yourself into continuing it. The exercises themselves have their own mental challenges too. “The hardest part has nothing to do with the exercises – it’s the mental aspect of pushing yourself through the most difficult parts of the session.” Dorris said the pushups, burpees, and situps are the hardest to do but also the best for her.”

I can tailor workouts to your specific needs and push you to try new things to maximize your fitness. “I LOVE cardio, such as running,” Dorris said, “but Justin has taught me that cardio is not enough. I needed to add strength training and more variety into my daily exercise routine. I’ve become stronger, leaner, and developed more endurance.” The only downside is that on leg day it can be hard for her to sit at a desk for eight hours!

My on-site classes make it easier to not give in to the temptation to slack. “Skipping is not an option,” Dorris said. “I have to come to work Monday through Friday so why not just continue my day-to-day routine? Trust me, there are days when I don’t go as hard as I should, but my thought is hey, I’m here, and that’s the first step. I only wish I was as disciplined on my weekends.”

I may not have weekend classes, but don’t forget that members have 24-hour access to our three gyms so if working out on a 2 a.m. lunch break fits your schedule, go for it! Dorris urges other members to try out my classes. “He offers personalized training specifically to meet each individual’s needs, and variety. And it’s free! Why would you not take advantage of that?”

To find out more about my classes or to schedule one on one training, contact me at jwalsh1@pcsonet.com.

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.

BUFFALO CHICKEN STUFFED SPAGHETTI SQUASH

INGREDIENTS

1 ¼ lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded | 1 medium spaghetti squash (2– 2 ½ lbs)

2 stalks (ribs) of celery, thinly sliced | ½ cup of diced red bell pepper

2 green onions with both the white and green parts thinly sliced | ½ cup of buffalo sauce

¼ cup of creamy ranch dressing | ¼ cup of crumbled blue cheese (optional)

TO COOK THE SQUASH

Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice both ends from squash and discard. Stand squash up on one of its cut ends and use a large knife to cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop seeds and stringy insides out using a large spoon. Place squash cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until squash is tender. Baking time will depend on the size of your squash. Allow to it cool slightly before using a fork to gently scrape the squash flesh into a large bowl. Reserve the squash shells.

Microwaving: Microwaving greatly reduces the cooking time but makes the squash strands a little softer and also makes the seeds a little harder to separate from the strands. Deeply pierce the squash several times so it doesn’t burst. (Pierce along the line where you will halve it later to avoid holes in your serving shell.) Place on a microwave safe dish and microwave in five-minute increments until the squash can be easily pierced with a knife. Depending on the size of the squash this should take 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and then cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and fibers, being careful not to discard the edible strands. Reserve the squash shells.

While preparing the squash, cook the chicken.

TO COOK THE CHICKEN

Using Instant Pot: Insert the rack into the inner pot. Add 1 cup of water or broth. Lay the chicken on the rack. Secure lid and select the ‘Poultry’ setting and increase time to 17 minutes (19 minutes if the breasts are very thick). At the end of the cooking time, allow pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes then flip the vent valve and release any remaining pressure. Move chicken to a cutting board to cool slightly before shredding with two forks.

Stovetop: Place a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon avocado oil, olive oil, or coconut oil and swirl the pan to coat with the oil. Add chicken and ½ cup water. Once the water begins to simmer, reduce heat and cover. Cook chicken for 15-18 minutes or until cooked through. Move chicken to a cutting board to cool slightly before shredding with two forks.

TO ASSEMBLE THE STUFFED SQUASH

In a large bowl, place squash strands, shredded chicken, celery, green onions, bell pepper, and buffalo sauce. Toss until well mixed. Spoon the squash-chicken mixture into the reserved squash shells. Place the stuffed shells on the baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Serve with drizzled ranch dressing and top with crumbled blue cheese

DAILY MINDSET

“WHAT LOOKS LIKE TALENT IS OFTEN CAREFUL PREPARATION. WHAT LOOKS LIKE SKILL IS OFTEN PERSISTENT REVISION.”

- James Clear

We won’t be fooled by how easy it can look for some.

AS VINCE LOMBARDI ONCE SAID, “THE MAN ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN DIDN’T FALL THERE”.

Our greatest achievements in life will not happen by accident, but through disciplined effort.

SOMETIMES WE’LL NEED ACTION. SOMETIMES WE’LL NEED PATIENCE.

Sometimes we’ll need to go back to the drawing board, and sometimes we’ll need to throw the Hail Mary.

But everything we do – every rep –has a reason behind it.

We may not control the outcome, but the manifestation in front of us is dominantly controlled by two things: where do we want to go (focus), and how hard do we want to work for it (effort).

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.

CHANGES IN THE TROOPS TRANSITIONS

Medical Division

Corporal Lisa Archibald

Department of Detention & Corrections North Division

Corporal Betty Belton

Department of Detention & Corrections North Division

Kathy Bordner

Community Policing Section Central District

Sergeant Kevin Boulton

Investigative Operations Bureau Child Protection Investigation Division

Deputy Brian Camadeca

Community Policing Section North District

Christi Carter

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Michele Carter

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Tanya Carver

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Corporal Anthony Clark

Department of Detention & Corrections South Division

Annette Creedon

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Veronica Cruz

Department of Detention & Corrections Inmate Records Section

Mark Dailey

Support Services Bureau

Property & Evidence Division

Corporal Paul Deboy

Department of Detention & Corrections

South Division

Deputy Rosebert Ecxat

Department of Detention & Corrections

South Division

Les Emanuels

Department of Detention & Corrections

Classification Section

Stephanie Erwin

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Deputy Doreen Ferrio

Department of Detention & Corrections

North Division

Corporal Kim Fields

Department of Detention & Corrections

South Division

Giselle Fonte

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Kendra Ford

Department of Detention & Corrections

Inmate Records Section

Deputy Jason Frederick

Department of Detention & Corrections

South Division

Sergeant Doug Gettmann

Judicial Operations Bureau

Alternative Sentencing Unit

Giovani Gomez

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Mikiesha Green

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Dee Greening

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Deputy Shannon Grill

Investigative Operations Bureau

Crimes Against Children Unit

Elizabeth Guzowski

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Tricia Harrell

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Corporal Kevin Harritt

Department of Detention & Corrections

Central Division

Deputy Peggy Henderson

Department of Detention & Corrections

North Division

Darlene Hilery

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Alice Hyman

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Deputy Abraham Joseph

Department of Detention & Corrections

South Division

Lieutenant Kimon Koungras

Patrol Operations Bureau

Central District

Deputy Frank Kroll

Department of Detention & Corrections

South Division

Melissa Landry

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Sergeant Paul Langlais

Community Policing Section

North District

Teaundra Lee

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Melissa Levine

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Eileen Long

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Deputy Blaine Loring

Patrol Operations Bureau

Major Accident Investigation Team

Jen Luciano

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Corporal Ryan Maglio

Department of Detention & Corrections

South Division

Deputy Kris Mohr

Judicial Operations Bureau

Criminal Court Squad

Luda Moody

Office of the Sheriff

General Counsel

Captain Amy Moyer

Department of Detention & Corrections

Custody Management Division

Corporal John Mullins

Patrol Operations Bureau

North District

Deputy Robert Narzinsky

Department of Detention & Corrections

North Division

Deputy Christopher Nault

Investigative Operations Bureau

Threat Management Section

Maribeth Nelmida

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Deputy Brian Oakes

Department of Detention & Corrections

South Division

Ashley Pagan

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Edie Patrick

Department of Detention & Corrections

Inmate Records 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.”

Deputy Greg Peck

Department of Detention & Corrections

South Division

Janna Puig

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Arcelius Pulido

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Deputy Vassil Raytchev

Department of Detention & Corrections

North Division

Sharissa Reeves

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

May Reyes

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Deputy Torey Rhinehart

Department of Detention & Corrections

South Division

Tabatha Ribich

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Dave Richardson

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Christina Robinson

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Christina Rodgers

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Jeff Sanders

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Amy Sapanara

Investigative Operations Bureau

Economic Crimes Unit

Stacie Schwab

Support Services Bureau

Forensic Science Division

Deputy Michael Smith

Department of Detention & Corrections

North Division

Penny Smith

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Deputy Robert Smith

Investigative Operations Bureau

Crimes Against Children Unit

Jordana Standiford

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Sergeant Robert Staples

Investigative Operations Bureau

Burglary & Pawn Unit

Denise Thomas

Office of the Sheriff

General Counsel

Tara Trivinia

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Elizabeth Trout

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Ashleigh Troy

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Eden Ubas

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Christopher Viaud

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Deputy Meloney Washington

Department of Detention & Corrections

Central Division

Norma Watson

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Deputy Robert Weil

Investigative Operations Bureau

Threat Management Section

Jessica Werner

Department of Detention & Corrections

Inmate Records Section

Sergeant Keith Williams

Patrol Operations Bureau

North District

Deputy Johnny Willmore

Investigative Operations Bureau

Tactical Investigations Section

Sylvia Winrow

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Ethel Wright

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Laura Yale

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

RETIREMENTS

Eric Snowden

10/3/2022, 20 years of service.

Charley Street

10/4/2022, 27 years of service.

Brad Byers 10/4/2022, 21 years of service.

Archibald Cowans

10/17/2022, 3 years of service.

Gregg Appel

10/31/2022, 22 years of service.

Susan Smith 11/21/2022, 8 years of service.

Jimmy Nettles

11/28/2022, 6 years of service.

Shirley Tippit

12/9/2022, 8 years of service.

Dawn Gibney 12/16/2022, 35 years of service.

Nelvy Kenny 12/22/2022, 24 years of service.

Karen Cole 12/22/2022, 3 years of service.

NEW HIRES

Madison Ackermann

CPI Case Assignment Technician

Investigative Operations Bureau

Joshua Adams

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Ryan Anderson

Registered Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau

Anida Caca

Criminal Justice Specialist

Department of Detention & Corrections

Philip Benoit

Warehouse Operations Technician

Support Services Bureau

Charlotte Campbell

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

James Cohen

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Tina Eramo

Buyer

Support Services Bureau

Kathryn Fox

Registered Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau

Patricia Frankoski

Records Technician I Support Services Bureau

Pearl Gardner

Inmate Records Specialist I Support & Health Services Bureau

Vernon George

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Michael Golden

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Alicia Grann

Public Safety Telecommunicator Support Services Bureau

Vera Hancharova

Administrative Assistant

Judicial Operations Bureau

Jacob Holcomb

Deputy

Patrol Operations Bureau

Paul Kelly Jr.

Crisis Response Specialist

Patrol Operations Bureau

Valerie Kernaghan

Inmate Records Specialist III

Support & Health Services Bureau

Barbara LaBarge

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Angelica Lainez

CPI Investigator (Trainee)

Investigative Operations Bureau

Richard Leist

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Kristine Lombardo

Senior Administrative Assistant

Information Technology Bureau

Axel Lugo-Rivera

Media Forensic Specialist

Investigative Operations Bureau

Colleen Mazzo

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Samantha Mendenhall

Research Specialist

Professional Standards Bureau

Stefanie Menendez

Administrative Assistant

Judicial Operations Bureau

Becky Plank

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Breanna Portugal

Law Enforcement Analyst

Investigative Operations Bureau

Michael Price Jr.

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Parker Ramos

CPI Case Assignment Technician

Investigative Operations Bureau

Robert Rathbun Jr.

Deputy

Department of Detention & Corrections

Reghan Resto

Court Processing Technician II

Judicial Operations Bureau

Ricardo Robalino

Criminal Justice Specialist

Department of Detention & Corrections

Colton Roland

Law Enforcement Analyst

Investigative Operations Bureau

Frank Rubin

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Christopher Sloane

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

John Stilwell

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Kelley Taman

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Carrie Valdes

Alternative Sentencing Specialist

Judicial Operations Bureau

Michael Valenti

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Sherry Valentine

Administrative Assistant

Judicial Operations Bureau

Bearry White

Criminal Justice Specialist

Support & Health Services Bureau

Mahaley Wixey

Inmate Property Technician

Support & Health Services Bureau

Michael Zimba

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Who would have known when I wrote two articles about our bloodhound legacy in 2018 and 2019, that we would actually acquire two new bloodhound pups to continue that tradition? Welcome Duke and Holmes!

Our first two bloodhounds were named Spotlight and Blackjack. They were born in Pinellas County at the ranch of Captain Carl McMullen. The father who sired them was named Bimbo and he was a champion tracker at a prison in North Florida. Bimbo was dognapped by two escaped inmates who had the bright idea that if they took the champion tracker with them, they’d never be found. They drove a stolen car to Pinellas County, then abandoned both the car and Bimbo. The bloodhound ended up at the McMullen ranch where he met Captain McMullen’s bloodhound Peggy and nature took its course. The resulting puppies were trained by Captain McMullen, his stepson Deputy Gary Stevenson, and Deputy Don Anderson. Most of the McMullen cousins remember being used as subjects to teach those dogs how to track and become the great resource that they were.

It is important to remember that Pinellas County looked a lot different in the 1960’s than it does today. There were orange groves, open areas, and lots of mangroves. The bloodhounds were the only K-9’s we had back then, and they were used alone or in conjunction with our Mounted Posse. If they were needed at a scene, a deputy had to go by Captain McMullen’s ranch on Whitney Road, retrieve the dog from the pen and put him in the cruiser to take him where he was needed. We don’t have many pictures of the dogs at an actual crime scene or in service, so we treasure the ones we have!

In an article in the Floridian magazine in 1967 titled “Master of the Manhunt” Captain McMullen said “at times, in deep water, muck, heavy palmettos, we pick Spot up and carry him. All 75 pounds of him. We don’t use commands, don’t need to. He doesn’t bark on the trail, doesn’t make a sound. It’s all a game to him.” He added that bloodhounds are by nature, friendly, affectionate, and even a little timid. “If he was loose, he’d probably walk right up and kiss him in the face.” Some criminals back then tried to disguise their scent with turpentine or black pepper, climb a tree or drop from a limb. But a bloodhound’s nose is hard to fool!

We can’t wait to see the training this new generation of PCSO “deputy dogs” encounter. They have a treasured history to follow and I’m sure we can’t wait to see them in action! Good luck to Duke and Holmes!