News & Views: January - March 2023

NEWS AND VIEWS

RECOGNITION

QUARTERLY BRIGHT STAR AWARDS

DEPUTY AMANDA EDDINGER, LAW ENFORCEMENT

Deputy Amanda Eddinger was the first on scene when a vehicle drove off the Dunedin Causeway, down a steep embankment, and into the Intracoastal Waterway. The driver was trapped inside the quickly submerging vehicle. It was a very cold, windy day and the waves and current were significant. Deputy Eddinger immediately realized the gravity of the situation, tied a rope around her waist, and jumped down several feet onto the trunk of the sinking vehicle. She was able to pull the incapacitated driver through the broken back window and stabilize the situation until the fire department arrived and used ropes and a ladder to get everyone safely back on shore. Her quick thinking, resourcefulness, and willingness to combat such hazardous conditions helped keep this single vehicle crash from turning into a tragedy.

CORPORAL JILL FERRIO AND DEPUTY MELISSA SILVA, DETENTION

During a routine booking and strip search Deputy Jill Ferrio and Deputy Melissa Silva observed suspicious behavior by an inmate. A security scan displayed a questionable image, and the deputies discussed the matter with the inmate, who said she had a medical/herbal item inserted within her person and the item was unremovable. With continuous prompting and discussion by Ferrio and Silva, the inmate voluntarily agreed to remove the item from her body. The deputies recovered three grams of Fentanyl and five grams of Methamphetamine. Deputy Ferrio’s and Deputy Silva’s intuitive response prevented the introduction of drugs into the facility, which could have led to a mass medical event. Further, if the narcotics ruptured in the inmate’s system it could have led to a potentially fatal medical emergency. The two deputies are recognized for their vigilant efforts to ensure the preservation of life and orderly running of the jail.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIST WESTON HILL, CIVILIAN

Information Technologist Weston Hill came in at 3 a.m. on multiple occasions to update the CAD and do server work at a time that would limit the impact on the agency and prevent the interruption of vital functions. He has also taken over the GIS mapping with little to no training. Co-workers describe Hill as a true asset to this agency.

In-Person Training Holds Value

“Unfortunately, everyone is kind of rooted at their desks since the pandemic and taking online courses and webinars.” All agency members are required to have a certain numbers of training hours annually depending on their position. Some classes are required, but for the remaining hours Samuels has some suggestions.

Soft Skills is open to anyone and consists of four classes of two hours each that deal with decision making, problem solving, communication, and interpersonal relations. “It’s all interactive, everything is experiential.” Members first learn the concepts. “Then I throw challenges at them and they see how they do. It’s a fun class.”

“The Happiness Advantage series is one I’m trying to push, because of the stress –everybody is working harder, there’s a lot of pressure.” She says this is a science-based approach to figuring out the skills needed to

get into a happy place, and then stay there. “I think it helps in work life and home life.”

One of the newest in-person classes is Real Colors. “This breaks personality types down into four colors – you do the questionnaires and inventories, you talk about how you respond to different things, how you communicate, and you learn about yourself and each other so that your interactions can be more positive and productive.”

Samuels offered a plethora of reasons why in-person live training is beneficial:

• The opportunity to network – our relationships with others are huge assets that. Partnership opportunities, referrals, and knowledge sharing abound.

• We are more focused on the topic when physically present.

• Learning is increasingly effective when

it is shared with others; eye contact and body language enhance the informationgathering component of learning.

• Being out of the office can be reinvigorating and inspiring.

• Learning is a method of self-care when the learner is invested and not just crossing it off the “to do list.”

• Engaging with others helps to learn material as “connections” have been found to improve recall.

• People tend to share experiences in live classes which creates opportunities for validation, tips and tricks, and other perspectives.

• It’s FUN!

“I would love to see people getting back in the classrooms,” Samuels said. “You tend to get more out of a class if you’re making human connections.”

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.

Training Coordinator Patti Samuels wants you back in the classroom. “We have about 40 classes that are offered at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and through the county consortium for non-sworn members, and many of them are live.

Q&A: Travel Expense Voucher (TEV) for Class C Travel

If you’re making a day trip for work-related business or training, you might qualify for a meal per diem.

Q: What is Class C Travel

A: Class C Travel is travel for day trips where the member is not required to be away from the agency overnight. See General Order 02-13, Authorized Travel for more information.

Q: May I request an advance for Class C Travel per diem?

A: No. A member should complete a Travel Expense Voucher (TEV) for Class C Travel per diem upon their return from training or travel. Complete the section under TRAVEL SCHEDULE and enter the number of meals that apply under the section for Class C Travel.

Q: Are Class C Travel meals allowed for travel within Pinellas or neighboring counties?

A: No. Subsistence for meals is not allowed for travel within Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk, Hernando, or Manatee counties.

Q: How do I determine which meals apply for Class C Travel?

A: If any portion of travel begins prior to 6:00 a.m. and extends beyond 8:00 a.m., you will qualify for breakfast per diem. If any portion of travel begins before noon and extends beyond 2:00 p.m., you will qualify for lunch per diem. If any portion of travel begins before 6:00 p.m. and extends beyond 8:00 p.m., you will qualify for dinner per diem.

Q: How is the daily meal per diem calculated for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

A: The daily meal rate is based on the per diem rate of the county you are traveling to. Remember there is no subsistence for travel to neighboring counties.

Pat the Stress Away by Visiting Adoptable Dogs

WELLNESS FAIR IS A SUCCESS

A SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM HR BENEFITS TO THOSE WHO WERE ABLE TO ATTEND OUR WELLNESS FAIR MARCH 15TH AND 16TH.

More than 500 members came out to visit with our vendors, get some of the free giveaways, pick up some tasty treats, and enter to win one of the raffle prizes. Thank you all for making it such a successful event!

Whatever your position here at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, you have a high stress job. Whether you are on the road or in an office, you are a vital part of the system that keeps our county safe and as such you may be subject to more stressors than many other workers. To help make your workday brighter and calmer – in the most adorable way possible – Pinellas County Animal Services will be bringing an adoptable dog to the SAB every two weeks so that PCSO members as well as Regional 911 and Emergency Management employees can take a moment to relax and maybe meet their new best friend.

Recently, Posy came by for a visit. She was turned in as a pregnant stray, but she obviously received a lot of love at some point in her life because she has an incredibly sweet and gentle

nature. Her puppies were all adopted, and now four-year-old Posy is ready to find her forever home. Dozens of members came to say hello and were charmed to find a Staffordshire/ pit mix with a great personality who calmly greeted every newcomer and made the rounds like the belle of the ball, getting ear scratches and belly rubs from everyone. You could see tensions melting away as members from detectives to records specialists sat down on blankets for a few minutes for some puppy therapy before returning to work.

If you are interested in adopting Posy or any of the other dogs or cats at Pinellas County Animal Services, you can call them at 727-582-2600. Keep an eye out for information on upcoming visits from other adoptable good girls and boys.

ANSWERING YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE QUESTIONS

United Healthcare Representative Pablo Bravo is now available at the SAB and DDC on select days.

Please contact his direct phone number 582-5955 or HR Benefits 582-2835.

SPOTLIGHT

Flight Mechanics Keep Our Eagle in the Air

BY LAURA L. SULLIVAN

If your car fails because of a lack of routine maintenance you might get stuck on the side of US 19. If your helicopter fails mid-flight, it’s another story entirely. Flight maintenance supervisor Brian Egnatuk, and flight mechanics Charles Galloza and Joshua Wells are responsible for the perpetual cycle of frequent inspections and repairs that keep our helicopters ready to support our deputies on the road.

There’s a reason the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has three helicopters – that’s the only way to make sure one is always available if a deputy needs air support. Their strict maintenance schedule can keep them out of commission for days or weeks at a time. “Typically we like to keep one aircraft as the duty aircraft,” Galloza said. “When you start flying two at the same time, or even on rare occasions three, you start running into inspection times colliding, and then you can end up having no aircraft available.” It takes a lot of planning to time the flight hours and repairs just the right way to ensure there’s always an aircraft ready.

Although it can vary, on a typical day a helicopter might be in the air for a total of four to six hours between day and night shifts. Mechanics check the helicopter every day in the morning, looking over the general condition, making sure nothing is leaking. “Then when the flight crew comes they look it over too,” Galloza said. “They have a checklist.” The helicopters undergo an inspection every week after 30 hours of flight time. That inspection is fairly quick, but the 100-hour inspection takes a day or two.

The next level, which takes place after 150 hours of flight time, takes about a week.

“Our typical inspection is the 150,” Galloza said. “We clean the filters, change the oil in the tail rotor gear box. It’s just a little more in-depth maintenance – we’re taking things apart, greasing bearings, blade pins.”

The 600 hour inspection is even more intense. The landing gear is removed and

inspected, and the whole rotor head and tail rotor are taken apart. The engine or gear box may be sent out for overhaul. As FAA mechanics they have the know-how to do those overhauls themselves but, “When it comes to component overhauls we send that out because they have all the tooling, they have the way to test it once they put it back in.”

When the 600 hour inspection is in progress, “It looks like a different aircraft,” Wells said. “All the panels are gone.” This level of inspection and maintenance takes a couple of months. That’s a long time for a helicopter to be out of commission – which is why it is so vital that the PCSO has three helicopters. We provide law enforcement aviation support for the entire county so

Flight mechanic Joshua Wells works to keep PCSO’s three helicopters flying smoothly.

there always has to be a helicopter ready to take off at a moment’s notice.

Minor leaks are a common issue. “You can fly with some things leaking,” Galloza said. While that might not sound very reassuring, he says they never even get close to the level of leaks the manufacturer allows.

If a pilot reports a leak and the mechanics say they’ll take care of it, the pilots never tend to follow up. However, one repair job leads to constant queries. “In their preflight the pilots might miss something that would be obvious to a mechanic, but one thing they always catch is when the air conditioner doesn’t work. If the blower isn’t 100 percent, they report it. It’s not the most common problem, but it is definitely the thing they complain loudest about.” And no, the helicopter doesn’t get grounded for a broken air conditioner, even in the middle of August.

PCSO flight mechanics check everything so thoroughly because a failure could be catastrophic. Some things are very bad: “If you had an issue with the tail rotor at a certain speed they may be able to control it.” If you’re hovering and the tail rotor goes out the helicopter would start spinning in a circle, but there are maneuvers and techniques to possibly get out of that, with a lot of luck. Other things are disastrous: “An absolute catastrophic failure would be with a pitch change link in the blade. There are three of them and they work in unison. If one of those was to shear off then one blade would fly out of track and either create too much or not enough lift. The aircraft would go into a roll. There’s really no recovering from that because your whole movement is based on that rotor head.”

The rigorous maintenance schedule and the unit’s emphasis on safety will make sure that nothing preventable goes wrong with the helicopters. Everything is inspected on schedule, and some components are replaced after a certain length of time even if they appear to be in perfect shape. The twelve pieces that hold the rotor head on, for example, are changed every 3,000 flight

hours even if they still look brand new. Tools are calibrated every year and anything that expired is disposed of. Everything needs to be documented, even if it is just a filter or a lightbulb change. Galloza has been handling a lot of the paperwork lately. Wells, being newer, has been spared the worst of it.

Wells went through aviation school and then worked at a flight school before joining the PCSO. “I love it here… because I don’t have to do paperwork yet!” he joked. He always wanted to work on helicopters. “This is where I wanted to end up, working on an Airbus helicopter. I just think they’re fun to work on.” He considers himself lucky to be working with such knowledgeable professionals as Egnatuk and Galloza. “These guys know a lot, especially our supervisor, he’s been doing it for 30 years. It’s just crazy how much these guys know and how much I get to learn.”

“I always wanted to do avionics,” Galloza said, referring to the electrical components of the helicopter. He worked on planes at various places, including commercial airlines, but reached a point where he thought he wanted to get out of aviation so he applied with the PCSO as an automotive mechanic in 2014. Luckily they needed someone with an electrical background, and he started out in Fleet, doing installs for

the Tahoes. “It wasn’t avionics, but at least it was electrical work.” Later he checked out the Flight Unit and made the move there in 2018. “I always wanted to work with helicopters but it’s hard to get those jobs.”

Galloza now gets to work on the avionics, just as he always hoped. “It took me a little while to get the blessing from the director of maintenance,” he said. “Our director has to answer for what we do, so he has to make sure we’re spooled up and okay before he can set us free.” Also, Egnatuk enjoys working with avionics himself, and there’s always a little competition for the most enjoyable work.

Some of the tasks are fun, others not so much. “I’m not a big fan of doing corrosion,” Wells said. With a hot humid climate and a hangar right next to the salty air of the bay, they fight a constant battle against the elements. The helicopters get frequent engine rinses with distilled water, and they get a wash every 150 flight hours with a special soap.

“We’re a repair station, so the FAA could come out at any time and look at our work orders,” Galloza said. “They come once a year for a surprise visit. Being a repair station makes us more transparent. We’ve always had the culture of taking pride in our work.”

Charles Galloza’s favorite part of being a flight mechanic is avionics - the electrical systems - but he can do it all.

BY JUSTIN WALSH, FITNESS SPECIALIST

Counting Calories for Better Health

Calories are a measure of the amount of energy contained in the foods and beverages we consume. They are essential for the body to operate, providing energy for basic bodily functions such as breathing, circulation, and digestion. That’s why you burn calories even when you are at rest. And of course calories also give you energy for physical activity.

The number of calories you need every day depends on various factors such as age, sex, height, weight, and activity level. On average, a sedentary adult needs around 2,000-2,500 calories per day, while an active adult may need 2,500-3,000 calories per day or more.

It is important to note that not all calories are created equal. The source of the calorie

and the nutrients that come with it can have a significant impact on overall health. For example, a 100-calorie apple provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while a 100-calorie donut provides mostly sugar and saturated fat. Choose the source of your calories wisely for optimal health.

Consuming more calories than the body needs can lead to weight gain, which can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Consuming fewer calories than the body needs can lead to weight loss, but it is important to ensure that the body still receives all the necessary nutrients.

It’s important to pay attention to portion sizes of food and drinks. Don’t fall into the trap of reading that serving of ice cream

is 200 calories… and then realizing the bowl you served it in holds five servings. You might want to count, measure, or weigh your food for a while to get a feel for how much is in a serving size so you can accurately calculate the calories. Reading nutrition labels can help identify the calorie content of packaged foods and drinks. Keeping track of food intake using a food diary or mobile app can also be helpful in managing calorie intake.

Paying attention to your calory intake is just a part of your overall nutritional health. If you are interested in finding out how many calories you need to meet your goals, as well as other tips on nutrition and exercise, email me at jwalsh1@pcsonet.com

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.

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

Reopening Soon.

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.

Open Mats Return

The pandemic disrupted a lot of things, among them the regular Open Mat sessions run by the Training Division to give certified members extra time to practice defensive tactics. Now Open Mats are back and should be a more regular feature. Although new deputies receive training in things like controlling a resisting subject, handcuffing procedures, and ground fighting techniques, and also have opportunities to further their knowledge during annual in-service, Sergeant Jeff Cuttitta believes that a deputy can’t have too much mat time. At any moment throughout their entire career, they could find themselves in the fight for their lives.

A recent Open Mat attracted a wide mix of deputies, from dedicated martial artists who

train Brazilian jiu jitsu on their own time, to members who are never on the mat outside of annual training. The session catered to the needs and wishes of our deputies. Some people knew what they wanted to drill and set up in a corner with a partner to work on it. Others came with specific questions for the redshirts to help them work through.

One deputy wanted to work on what to do when a subject throws a punch, while another looked for ways to escape if a subject had them pinned on their back. Deputy Zoe Gambel and Deputy Derrick Boateng wanted some tips for taking down a non-compliant subject in a way that would keep both them and the subject safe. Redshirts demonstrated an arm drag leading to a takedown that

would allow them to place the subject into handcuffs. As they practiced the technique trainers helped them fine-tune the move with one-on-one attention. They had the chance to get a lot of repetitions in and by the end of Open Mat they both felt confident in the maneuver.

Most Open Mats are aimed at certified members since they have the greatest chance of being in a physical altercation in their jobs. But Sergeant Cuttitta said that they have had classes for non-sworn members in the past and may revive those one day. Three curious civilians who came to check out the training expressed a hope that civilian classes would resume. Keep an eye out for information on upcoming Open Mats.

Trainers Deputy Ryan Gilmore and Deputy Melissa Van Swearingen teach techniques to Deputy Zoe Gambel and Deputy Derrick Boateng.

CHANGES IN THE TROOPS TRANSITIONS

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Unit

Lori Atwater

Department of Detention & Corrections Commissary/Inmate Welfare

Lauren Ayers

Department of Detention & Corrections Safe Harbor Section

Sergeant JB Bahret Patrol Operations Bureau Central District

Robia Brown

Department of Detention & Corrections Classification Section

Tom Carroll

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Corporal Dawn Carter

Department of Detention & Corrections South Division

Felicia Davis

Department of Detention & Corrections Commissary/Inmate Welfare

Nicole Durkin Office of the Sheriff General Counsel

Lexi Floras

Department of Detention & Corrections Inmate Records Section

Corporal Christopher Fraser Investigative Operations Bureau Narcotics Investigation Section

Jay Futterman

Judicial Operations Bureau Criminal Court Squad

Lieutenant Michael Gattarello

Investigative Operations Bureau Property Crime Section

Stacey Golden

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Patricia Grand

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Karen Greul

Support Services Bureau

Forensic Science Division

Deputy Reginald Harris

Patrol Operations Bureau

Central District

Deputy Darius Hill

Patrol Operations Bureau

Airport Unit

Sergeant David Hawthorn

Department of Detention & Corrections

Classification Section

Deputy Robert Henderson

Judicial Operations Bureau

Criminal Court Squad

Katie Hook

Support Services Bureau

Forensic Science Division

Cher Horning

Department of Detention & Corrections

Inmate Records Section

Evan Huston

Department of Detention & Corrections Inmate Records Section

Deputy Jason Jackson

Investigative Operations Bureau

Burglary & Pawn Unit

Deputy Roody Jean-Baptiste

Department of Detention & Corrections South Division

Randi Jerkins

Department of Detention & Corrections Commissary/Inmate Welfare

Joy Jimenez

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Joel Johnson

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Sergeant Michael Johnson Patrol Operations Bureau Central District

Corporal Christopher Jowell

Department of Detention & Corrections South Division

Lori Katsouris

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Sergeant Noble Katzer Patrol Operations Bureau

Central District

Cathy Kemp

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Danielle Kuhn

Support Services Bureau

Forensic Science Division

Deputy David Lambird

Patrol Operations Bureau

North District

Ashley Levesque Support Services Bureau Forensic Science Division

Deputy Steven Lewis

Department of Detention & Corrections South Division

John Martinelli

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Nicole Morgan

Department of Detention & Corrections Inmate Records Section

Jewel Murphy

Department of Detention & Corrections Commissary/Inmate Welfare

Sergeant Meagan Nestor Patrol Operations Bureau Central District

Tam Nguyen

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Joe Oertly

Judicial Operations Bureau Criminal Court Squad

Deputy Martin Otano

Department of Detention & Corrections South Division

Lieutenant Michael Paniagua Patrol Operations Bureau

Body Worn Camera

Cora Payne

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Mary Powers

Department of Detention & Corrections Inmate Records Section

Lieutenant Tammy Richardson

Department of Detention & Corrections

Classification Section

Cynthia Robinson

Department of Detention & Corrections Inmate Records Section

Paul Rozelle Office of the Sheriff General Counsel

Michael Schiavo

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

David Sharpe

Department of Detention & Corrections

Classification Section

Kathy Smith

Department of Detention & Corrections

Safe Harbor Section

Sandra Smith

Department of Detention & Corrections

Medical Division

Deputy Amy Tenbieg

Department of Detention & Corrections

North Division

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 Angela Tisdale

Department of Detention & Corrections North Division

Tayloria Turner

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Crystal Widua

Department of Detention & Corrections Classification Section

Glenda Wise

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

Manuel Wolfe

Department of Detention & Corrections Commissary/Inmate Welfare

Sergeant Erik Zabik

Investigative Operations Bureau Digital Forensics Unit

Taras Zborovski

Department of Detention & Corrections Medical Division

RETIREMENTS

Doug Gettmann

1/3/2023, 22 years of service.

Tim Knight 1/3/2023, 26 years of service.

Kathleen Norris 1/3/2023, 23 years of service.

Liz Barba 1/5/2023, 8 years of service.

Judy Pons

1/6/2023, 3 years of service.

Joe Wilson 1/6/2023, 5 years of service.

George Brotchi

1/12/2023, 28 years of service.

Rob Minor

1/12/2023, 8 years of service.

Andrell Robinson

1/12/2023, 16 years of service.

Karl Thompson 1/12/2023, 18 years of service.

Deon Bryant 1/31/2023, 16 years of service.

Carolyn Motsch

1/31/2023, 35 years of service.

David Cioffi

2/17/2023, 25 years of service.

Ted Thompson 2/17/2023, 25 years of service.

Desiree Britt-Anderson

2/23/2023, 16 years of service.

Jim Brueckner 2/23/2023, 25 years of service.

Laurel Conrad 2/24/2023, 22 years of service.

Tina Hussey

2/24/2023, 20 years of service.

Richard Daniels 2/28/2023, 20 years of service.

Nancy Duggan

2/28/2023, 10 years of service.

Craig Giovo

3/3/2023, 29 years of service.

Linda Scire

3/3/2023, 35 years of service.

Brett Earling

3/14/2023, 16 years of service.

Chessie Landrie

3/17/2023, 25 years of service.

Holly Tsanakaliotis

3/17/2023, 24 years of service.

NEW HIRES

Tiffany Back Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Antoinette Barnes Criminal Justice Specialist

Support & Health Services Bureau

Melissa Benoit Criminal Justice Specialist Support & Health Services Bureau

Katie Bly Deputy Recruit

Department of Detention & Corrections

Scott Bowerman Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Kayla Brittain Administrative Assistant Patrol Operations Bureau

Dena Brown School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Shai Brown Safe Harbor Technician Support & Health Services Bureau

Joshua Bryant Deputy

Department of Detention & Corrections

Marie Buckley Criminal Justice Specialist

Support & Health Services Bureau

Kory Buhlmaier

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Aneika Burrell

Licensed Practical Nurse

Support & Health Services Bureau

Peggy Caruso

School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Carla Collette

CPI Investigator (Trainee)

Investigative Operations Bureau

Christopher Conley Polygraph Examiner

Human Resources Bureau

David Dalton

Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Anthony Darnell

Criminal Justice Specialist

Department of Detention & Corrections

Craig Davie

Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau

Shelby Decelles

Deputy Recruit

Department of Detention & Corrections

Thomas Drunasky Jr.

Warehouse Operations Technician

Support Services Bureau

Vincent Freymann

Deputy

Department of Detention & Corrections

Andrew Hammock

Deputy Recruit

Patrol Operations Bureau

Sarah Harp

Law Enforcement Analyst

Investigative Operations Bureau

Ellison Hernandez

Graphics/Multimedia Specialist

Public Relations Bureau

Mariano III Hernandez

Deputy Recruit

Department of Detention & Corrections

Scott Hockney

Deputy

Judicial Operations Bureau

Arlin Hoxha

Court Processing Technician II

Judicial Operations Bureau

Tajvan Jackson

Deputy

Department of Detention & Corrections

Mirjana Kovacevic

Administrative Assistant

Investigative Operations Bureau

Pascale Lindemann

Registered Nurse

Support & Health Services Bureau

Cheyenne Livernois

Alternative Sentencing Specialist

Judicial Operations Bureau

Walter Martin

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Mike McCabe

CPI Investigator (Trainee)

Investigative Operations Bureau

Nancy Milks

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Derek Molloy

Warehouse Operations Technician

Support Services Bureau

Katherine Nichols

Deputy Recruit

Patrol Operations Bureau

Petronilo Noel

Registered Nurse

Support & Health Services Bureau

Edward Nunez Jr.

Information Technologist

Information Technology Bureau

Elizabeth O'Brien

CPI Investigator (Trainee)

Investigative Operations Bureau

Scott Penney

Fingerprint Technician

Support Services Bureau

Angela Petrovska

Registered Nurse

Support & Health Services Bureau

Fernando Plata

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Patrick Polak

Deputy Recruit

Patrol Operations Bureau

Michelle Posewitz

Director - Human Resources

Human Resources Bureau

Stephanie Rawles

Crisis Response Specialist

Investigative Operations Bureau

Sarah Renew

Deputy Recruit

Department of Detention & Corrections

Leelee Rivera

Legal Secretary

General Counsel

Richard Robie

Chaplain

Support & Health Services Bureau

Rebecca Roman

Licensed Practical Nurse

Support & Health Services Bureau

Jennifer Ross

Administrative Assistant

Support Services Bureau

Garrett Ross-Johnson

Deputy Recruit

Patrol Operations Bureau

Jennifer Ruppert

Forensic Science Specialist

Support Services Bureau

Caleb Russo

Latent Print Examiner

Support Services Bureau

Kyle Schanfish

Deputy Recruit

Patrol Operations Bureau

Ethan Shoemake

Inmate Records Specialist I

Support & Health Services Bureau

Dakota Toppett

Deputy Recruit

Department of Detention & Corrections

Leslie Valembrun

Department of Detention & Corrections

Emily VanOosting Bollman

Associate Counsel

General Counsel

Joseph Vazquez

Deputy Recruit

Patrol Operations Bureau

Raymond Vigil

School Crossing Guard

Patrol Operations Bureau

Denise Wilks

Registered Nurse

Support & Health Services Bureau

Christopher Wylie

Deputy

Department of Detention & Corrections

Jonathan Yacso

Electronics Technician Information Technology Bureau

Michael Zellner

Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Fifty years ago, in 1973, the seeds of change at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office were planted. In an organization that only had male road deputies, the hiring of Connie Johnson-Smasal changed everything. She was initially hired as an auto theft investigator – females were not allowed to be in patrol due to it being too ‘dangerous.’ Connie had previously worked as an officer with Tampa International Airport Police and had life experience both as a bartender and a showgirl/dancer in the Royal American Carnival Shows.

The agency had other female ‘deputies’ but they were deputies in name only – either clerks or secretaries who were given that title so they could sign warrant paperwork etc. They had no academy training.

“I was hired on as an “Investigator” under civil service,” Connie said. “Not as a deputy. That way they didn’t need to hire any more women. I filled the one slot for a female investigator.” Then an incident happened that brought her to the attention of higher-ups. “Not long after I was out of the academy, I was out late and going home in my unmarked car. I was on Ulmerton Road. There was a vehicle in front of me weaving on and off the road. He went through several red lights almost hitting an ambulance and other cars. He was bad. I turned on my lights and siren and tried to stop him. I radioed for back-up. The nearest unit was way up north. I continued to try and stop him for several miles. Finally, I got him stopped not far from our department at the airport. That’s where the Sheriff’s Office was then.

“I got him out of the car and was making a DUI arrest when the marked unit got there.” That deputy told her that the captain wanted to see her. “I got reamed like you wouldn’t believe. I was not supposed to be making arrests on the street. I asked what I was supposed to do, let the guy kill someone? The captain explained I wasn’t supposed to get hurt.”

But when she left the captain’s office she passed a deputy who said, “Good job!” Connie said, “That made all the yelling worthwhile. The drunk I arrested even came in the next day and apologized to me. That has NEVER happened with all the DUIs I have arrested. I felt that was a pretty good start to my career in law enforcement.”

About a year later, the sheriff heard that Connie was applying to work at the Tampa Police Department. “He brought me into a meeting with him and others

wanting to know why. I told him Tampa was putting their first females on street patrol. I wanted to do that and work my way up to detective like any other deputy. He asked if I would stay if he did that. I said of course.” Soon she was working patrol.

The second woman who was on patrol was Kathy Dawson, who served in the Communications Center before going to patrol in 1976. They were the only two female deputies in patrol until 1978, when the next three were added to the ranks, they were Carol Wooten, Connie Neier (she left after a few years) and me! In my career I was fortunate to be the first in a few assignments, including Narcotics and Crime Prevention, the first to retire with more than 25 years of service, and the first female shift commander. The first black female hired as a deputy was Darlene Allen in 1980.

None of these positions in the 1970’s and early 1980’s were created because of recruitment. There was a federal mandate as well as Affirmative Action that required minority hiring or agencies would risk losing funding, so we were hired to satisfy those circumstances and most agencies resented that requirement. It was not easy back then and remained a struggle for many years. But we will always be grateful to Connie for taking that first step and proving that female deputies could do the job and would be an asset to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office