News & Views: July - September 2023

ISSUE 3: JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023

NEWSANDVIEWS

REGISTER NOW! 30th Annual Ride & Run With The Stars 25-Mile Bike Ride 10K Family Ride 5K Chipped RUN 1 Mile Fun Walk For sponsorship opportunities, registration, and giveaways, call Sandra Garcia-Olivares at 727-582-6465

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER go to rideandrunwiththestars.com NEWS AND VIEWS IS A PUBLICATION OF THE COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC EDUCATION SECTION OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS BUREAU EDITOR RICKY BUTLER | ASSISTANT EDITOR/WRITER LAURA L. SULLIVAN DESIGN A ARON GRUDIS | PHOTOGRAPHY ELLISON HERNANDEZ

RECOGNITION

QUARTERLY BRIGHT STAR AWARDS DEPUTY JAMISON RALEY, LAW ENFORCEMENT Deputy Jamison Raley was recognized for his dedicated follow-up after responding to a catastrophic pedestrian injury. Deputy Raley assisted a person who fell from an electric skateboard and suffered a major head injury. After the subject was transported to a hospital, Deputy Raley not only located the victim’s family to notify them, but continued to follow up with members of the family throughout multiple surgeries, for weeks after the incident until the victim was released from the hospital. The family expressed deep gratitude for the way he helped them and answered their questions even while off duty.

The ongoing concern he shows for the citizens he encounters is exemplary.

SERGEANT JIMMY FORTNER, DETENTION Sergeant Jimmy Fortner was recognized for his continuous and consistent service to others as well as a genuine longing for their improvement and success. Whether it be in the form guidance, support, advisement, an ear to listen, or simply someone to lighten a tense situation, Sergeant Fortner is frequently the one sought to fill these roles. His coworkers speak highly of him as a dependable leader and friend both inside and outside of the agency.

Sergeant Fortner will always step in to perform deputy or corporal duties if the jail is short staffed. His positive attitude makes the difficult environment of the jail better for everyone there. He treats inmates with respect and dignity and always uplifts their coworkers.

SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST ASHLEY COOLEY, CIVILIAN Social Media Communications Specialist Ashley Cooley was recognized for creating stellar social media content and causing explosive growth in the sheriff’s office social media following. As a result, the public is kept very well informed of crime trends and safety issues, increasing the overall safety of Pinellas County. She uses great creativity to make posts and short videos that are funny and engaging as well as informative. Her posts are so popular that local, national, and international media often share them, dramatically expanding the sheriff’s office’s reputation. Cooley has brought much-needed credibility and community engagement to a younger demographic that has historically not engaged with needed crime prevention messaging.

BLOOD DRIVE OCTOBER’S BLOOD DRIVE BROUGHT IN

18 DONORS

and successfully collected

15

UNITS OF BLOOD. Each pint of blood collected has the ability to impact

3

LIVES from our local community.

JUST FROM THIS BLOOD DRIVE, PCSO CAN IMPACT A TOTAL OF

45 LIVES.

OneBlood would like to thank you for participating and they look forward to seeing you at the next drive.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

PCSO’S NEXT BLOOD DRIVE IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 6.

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.

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023 | PAGE 3

FISCAL / HUMAN RESOURCES

Electronic Consent for W2 PCSO now offers employees the choice to opt into an electronic version of the Form W2 Wage and Tax Statement (W2) instead of a mailed copy. This option is approved by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and your consent to receive an electronic W2 will be valid for all subsequent tax years unless you decide to change it.

How do I opt into an electronic W2?

Under My Account go to My W2s. In the top right corner, click Electronic Consent. Check the box to receive form W2 electronically and hit Save. Enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number and hit Confirm.

What if I prefer a mailed W2?

If you prefer receiving your W2 by mail, no action is needed. You will receive a mailed copy of your W2 each year at the address listed in Member Gateway by the IRS deadline which is January 31 each year. If you have an address change in the future, update Member Gateway promptly with your new address to ensure that you receive your W2 in the mail.

How can I get my Electronic W2?

Log into Payroll, under My Account select My W2s, click the Preview W2 button on the left of the year you want to download, and then What if I opt in and then change my mind? click the Download PDF button to save or print the electronic W2 file. You can withdraw consent at any time by returning to My W2s, clicking the Electronic Consent button once again and unselecting What are the advantages of an electronic W2? the box, then hitting save. If you change your election, it will be This format offers convenient 24-hour availability, early access (no effective the day you make the change in Payroll and will apply to need to wait for mail delivery), security (no chance of your W2 being future W2 statements only. lost or stolen), and environmental savings by eliminating the need to print and mail a paper form. You can print the electronic W2 if What if I leave PCSO employment? needed for your tax return.

No action is needed on your part. When you separate employment, you will automatically be mailed a paper copy of your last W2 the What happens after I opt into an electronic W2? next January.

You will no longer receive a copy of your W2 in the mail. Each January, you will be notified by email that your W2 is available for viewing What if I have questions related to my W2? in Payroll. You only need to complete the Electronic Consent steps Please contact Payroll at 582-5885 or email payroll@pcsonet.com. listed above once to give consent to receiving your W2 electronically from now on.

PAGE 4 | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023

FLEET

Fleet Changes for Maintenance, Speedometer Calibration Those who drive an agency vehicle should be aware of some changes in both maintenance procedures and garage schedules.

If you scheduled a PM appointment before these changes it will be cancelled by Fleet and you will have to reschedule based on the new guidelines If any additional or long-term issues are discovered at these appointments, Fleet Services will notify the member directly. Only the designated maintenance will be performed during a PM service. If the member needs any additional repair – other than a safety issue or something that renders the vehicle undriveable – they must make an additional repair appointment through SONET. When making the appointment, select the “Repairs” option from the dropdown menu.

Remember that scheduling an appointment will still require the member to complete a Vehicle Deadline Form or complete the request through the Dossier Mobile Light app rotation, and inspection. These appointments on your agency smart phone. This notifies New Hours The Central District Garage will be will be scheduled at 90-minute intervals so Fleet Services of the location where your operational seven days a week, from 5:00 a.m. the member can wait while the vehicle is vehicle has been dropped off to complete the to 6:00 p.m. The North District Garage will being serviced. required service. now be operational six days a week: Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., PM B is performed every 15,000 miles and Speedometer Calibrations and Saturday from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. includes everything listed in the PM A The agency has also purchased a Speedometer plus the replacement of tires and brakes as Calibration Machine which is located at (Closed Sunday). necessary. These appointments are expected County Fleet (Upfitting), 9685 Ulmerton to take approximately five and a half hours Road. Members will be notified via email Preventative Maintenance In addition, service appointments for to complete. Due to the time requirements, when their speedometer is due for calibration Preventative Maintenance (PM) will be members would need to transition to a pool in accordance with SOP POB-25, which is identified based upon the mileage of the vehicle while this service is being performed. every six months. Members can schedule an assigned vehicle or the date from the last PM appointment through SONET for Tuesdays service. When your assigned vehicle is due for PM C, which is performed every 30,000 miles, through Thursdays between 7:30 a.m. and service, you will receive an email notification includes everything in a PM A and PM B 4:30 p.m. indicating which of the three levels of service plus the replacement of any required filters, is due. This notification will include a link to belts, hoses, fluid exchange, and component If you have any questions call 582-6286 for the repairs associated with the specific model or SAB garage or 582-6972 for the NDS garage. schedule the service. manufacturer maintenance schedule. It takes PM A is performed every 5,000 miles. It about six and a half hours, so members need consists of an oil and filter change, tire to use a pool vehicle.

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023 | PAGE 5

SPOTLIGHT PAL

PCSO Members Can Be a Friend to PAL Kids

BY LAURA L. SULLIVAN

“We need you, we want you, we love you!” What the Pinellas Sheriff’s Police Athletic League (PAL) needs, wants, and loves is men. “We’re always looking for strong males.”

Deputy Arthur McSorley can be a positive influence to PAL kids simply by playing pool with them.

The new leadership at PAL is looking for increased engagement between PCSO deputies and PAL kids. In particular, they’re looking for strong male role models for the at-risk kids they serve. “Not that we say no to women,” says Executive Director Randi Meyer. “We absolutely welcome women.

Deputy Rocky Cooper comes here often – she’s amazing and probably does the most out of anyone for our kids. But like most nonprofits we’re a female dominated staff here – we women have the empathy chip like nobody’s business. So we need more men.”

PAGE 6 | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023

Though Randi emphasizes that the CPOs are coming by PAL as regularly as they can, she’d love to see more deputies visit with the kids. Just putting in an appearance between calls and having a short conversation can make a huge impression on the kids. And there’s a lot for them to do at PAL. Deputies can shoot a few hoops, play games, paint, or just talk with the kids. “They’re learning about law enforcement from social media, or what their friends are saying,” said Credentialed Director Natalie Peraza. “But if they meet a deputy in real life, they can

form an entirely new opinion. “Deputy involvement is at the top of my list.”

Director of Development Anasa Spaulding says that deputies shouldn’t worry about being perfect around the kids. Seeing deputies as relatable, accessible people is vital to the kids having a good impression of law enforcement.

“I come from a super extensive household background of law enforcement, so for me, what the deputies do resonates in my inner

SPOTLIGHT

core. I see them tired, I see them frustrated – and I think that it can be healthy for our kids to see that. They’re not supermodels or superheroes all the time. They’re real people doing a real job – they’re allowed to be tired.

Deputies don’t need to feel like they have to come here with an agenda. We just love them being here.”

Any PCSO employee, male or female, young or old, whatever their job description, is encouraged to get involved. One obstacle PAL has with getting volunteers is that they all have to go through the same rigorous, lengthy background investigation that PCSO members do before they’re hired. In fact, PCSO’s HR and detectives perform background investigations for all PAL employees and volunteers. That extensive process – which includes a polygraph – can be daunting. But all PCSO employees have already been vetted so they can come by without any further investigation. PAL welcomes detention deputies and civilians as much as patrol deputies. Every positive influence helps, and every PCSO member has something valuable to share, whether it is a skill or just their time.

You can change a kid’s perception of law enforcement just by spending time with them, like Deputy Charles Redinger.

“I think they have to realize how much of an impact that thirty minutes, or two hours means to the children,” Deputy Cooper said. “I try to get out to PAL once a day if time permits but it is extremely important to me to at least show my face on a busy day because the impact we have on their lives is important.” When she was a School Resource Officer, Deputy Cooper had the time to sit and have heart-to-heart conversations with the students. “It allowed the children to get to know me and see I’m human under the uniform and it’s not all bad. When I entered the CPO unit, I was able to do the same thing as in SRO but on a bigger platform and it has made a huge impact for the kids. Especially knowing they have a deputy who can do her job but be ‘cool’ and understand them.”

neighborhood, a traditionally underserved community where families frequently have economic challenges, and the kids may have a parent who is drug or alcohol addicted, or incarcerated. Their view of law enforcement may not be overly positive but getting to know a PCSO member can fix that. “It can change the narrative of what the kids think their relationship with law enforcement should be,” Natalie said.

Big PAL, at 3755 46th Avenue North in St. Petersburg, is for young people in middle school and high school. Kids are there from 2:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. They do a lot of the same things as Little PAL, plus computer labs, boxing, drumline, and dance. And of course, the most important thing is to talk with the kids and simply spend time with them. You can take a moment from work or on your way home to play a video game with a PAL kid… or even just watch them play.

Deputies and any other PCSO member The important thing is to let them know that who would like to get involved can stop by all of PCSO is invested in their future. whenever the kids are at one of PAL’s two locations. Elementary age kids are at Little “It’s important to get out, talk to, and play PAL at 6835 54th Avenue North, Building with the kids because you never know what F in St. Petersburg. The kids are there they’re going through and the experience Monday through Friday from 3:15 p.m. to with us could change a lot or make a 6:00 p.m. PCSO members can hang out huge impact,” says Deputy Cooper. “It’s These are kids who need as much with the little ones and do art projects, help surprising what kids will share with us understanding as they can get. Pinellas them with homework, play games, read, or when we actually put actions with words and humanize the badge.”

PAL primarily serves the Lealman play outside.

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023 | PAGE 7

HEALTH & FITNESS

BY JUSTIN WALSH, FITNESS SPECIALIST

Maintaining Good Habits During the Holidays As the holiday season approaches, the tantalizing aroma of festive treats and the allure of family gatherings can make it challenging to maintain a healthy weight.

However, prioritizing your health and wellness during this time is not only possible but essential. This article will explore strategies to help you enjoy the holiday season without compromising your hard-earned progress.

To maintain your weight during the holidays you should practice mindful eating. This involves paying attention to what and how much you eat – the opposite of mindless eating. Savor the flavors of your favorite holiday dishes, but also be conscious of portion sizes. Choose healthier versions of traditional recipes, incorporating more vegetables and lean proteins, and avoid overindulging in calorie-dense options.

your daily routine, even if it means taking a brisk walk after a big meal or engaging in fun family activities like dancing. Exercise not only helps burn off those extra holiday calories but also contributes to overall wellbeing. You’ll digest your holiday meal better with a little activity afterward.

Don’t be afraid to enjoy yourself during the holidays – food is a big part of social celebrations and you shouldn’t feel like you have to deprive yourself. But you also don’t want to undo a year of hard work in a few extravagant weeks. Remember to practice mindful eating, stay active, and seek support from friends and family.

Prioritizing your health and wellness doesn’t mean missing out on the joys of Staying active is another key component for the season; it’s about finding a balance that maintaining health and wellness during the allows you to enjoy the festivities while still holidays. Incorporate physical activity into taking care of your body.

PAGE 8 | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023

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.

The SAB and Jail gyms are both open 24 hours a day.

Check SONET for updates on bootcamp, cardio, and stregnth classes.

CLASSROOM TRAINING

Real Colors Class Helps Unlock Your Personality Type

Explore your core personality traits and those of your coworkers with Training Coordinator Patti Samuels in the Real Colors class.

No matter what job you have at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office there’s always one common denominator: you have to interact with people. Your job may not be public facing, but even if you can avoid the public you can’t avoid your coworkers.

No matter what job you have at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office there’s always one common denominator: you have to interact with people. Your job may not be public facing, but even if you can avoid the public, you can’t avoid your coworkers. Whether you’re in IT guiding members through their computer problems, a member of Fleet explaining to a deputy why they can’t have a brand-new Tahoe, or just asking your manager for a few days off, your day is full of human interaction. Real Colors, a new course for support staff taught by Patti Samuels, can help you understand core personality types and use that knowledge to better understand not only yourself but also have more successful interactions.

Through a process of self-evaluation, participants score themselves on a variety of variables and learn their relative affinity for certain personality types that are identified by colors: Green, Blue, Orange, and Gold.

One color usually dominates, but Samuels emphasizes that people aren’t just one type.

You could score the highest in the color that focuses on facts and logic, but still have a strong score in the one that values empathy and feelings. Then participants divide into groups and take a deeper dive into their own color, then role play to learn the best way to interact with people who are strongest in other colors. Participants came away from the class with an enhanced understanding of their coworkers, and many reported

continuing the discussion in their office long after the class was over.

Other classes for support staff help them learn to address challenges in the workplace.

A Kick in the Attitude, next offered in 2024, presents fresh, inspiring ways of adapting and adjusting your perspective. Who Put a Lizard in My Lasagna, offered November 16, helps you invite success into your life by using your unique personal gifts. When Change Happens, Adjust Your Sails, offered December 14, shows how attitude can help you navigate challenges and change.

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023 | PAGE 9

TRANSITIONS CHANGES IN THE TROOPS LENGTH OF SERVICE Mary Amerson........................ 10 Years Deserae Anderson.................. 10 Years Corporal Mike Andrews .......... 10 Years Lisa Bardell............................ 10 Years Deputy Afram Bassous........... 10 Years Deputy Bo Bauman..................20 Years Detective Jason Beetz............ 10 Years Corporal Betty Belton.............20 Years Corporal Thomas Cassidy....... 10 Years Cheryl Compton...................... 10 Years Sheri Crawford....................... 10 Years Laiohna Cunningham.............. 10 Years Deputy Justin Denhard........... 10 Years Heather Driver........................ 10 Years Corporal Ryan Dunning........... 10 Years Deputy Alex Edge.................... 10 Years Detective Sean Fleming.......... 10 Years Deputy Vinny Galati................ 10 Years Elizabeth Guzowski................ 10 Years Tricia Harrell........................... 15 Years Wendie Holly.......................... 10 Years Deputy Denise Houghton........ 15 Years Deputy Jessica Hughey........... 10 Years Deputy Chris Jacobs............... 10 Years Ladonna Jenkins..................... 10 Years AJ Johnson............................. 10 Years Corporal Katie Kleypas........... 10 Years Mandi Legg............................. 10 Years Deputy Melanie Leib............... 10 Years Melissa Levine........................ 10 Years Deputy Jared Lewis................ 10 Years Sergeant Daniel Love.............. 10 Years Cherie Mainenti...................... 10 Years

Lieutenant AJ Scarpati........... 10 Years Deputy Hans Sembach............ 10 Years Rich Sheppard......................... 10 Years Corporal Angela Mcnealy Simmons.. 10 Years

Deputy Eugene Snitko............. 10 Years Deputy Angela Sookoonsingh... 10 Years

Corporal Nicholas Sznerch..... 10 Years Laura Van Swearingen............ 10 Years Deputy Jeffery Swisher.......... 10 Years Detective Logan Tromer.......... 10 Years Ronda Troupe.......................... 10 Years Justin Walsh........................... 10 Years Deputy Andre Walton.............. 10 Years Nicole Wedderburn................. 10 Years Colonel Paul Carey.................20 Years Deputy Joel Emley..................20 Years Terri Fields.............................20 Years Deputy Chris Hollin.................20 Years Corporal Paul Martin..............20 Years Captain Scott Matthews..........20 Years Angela Murin..........................20 Years Deputy Todd Nellenbach.........20 Years Lieutenant Michael Paniagua. 20 Years Deputy Eugene Paniccia III.....20 Years Deputy Thomas Sideris...........20 Years Shelly Walko...........................20 Years Deputy Brant Bickford............25 Years Corporal Rod Bisson...............25 Years Nichole Bordner.....................25 Years Lieutenant Paul Langlais........25 Years Deputy Eric Loveday...............25 Years Corporal Andrew Mclane........25 Years Kenneth Proctor.....................25 Years

Cory Mcbride.......................... 10 Years Deputy Howie Miller............... 10 Years Deputy Bryan Mitchell............ 10 Years Corporal Robert Mitchell........ 10 Years Judy Mobley............................ 10 Years Deputy Jeff Nelson................. 10 Years Detective Blake Norris........... 10 Years Corporal James Novak............ 10 Years Detective Kristen Paul............ 10 Years Lindsey Petruzzi..................... 10 Years Sergeant Adam Phelps............ 10 Years

Corporal Don Klase Investigative Operations Bureau Mental Health Unit

Marc Cognetti Department of Detention & Corrections Classification Section

Deputy Richard Landwehrmier Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division

Deputy Robert Corkum Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division

Deputy James Lavrinc Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division

Sheri Crawford Department of Detention & Corrections Classification Section

Joni Levea Department of Detention & Corrections Inmate Records

Corporal Aaron Curd Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division

Deputy Chris Lyons Investigative Operations Bureau Mental Health Unit

Deputy Tim Desmarais Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division

Cheri Mainenti Support Services Bureau Communications Division

Detective Steven Ealy Ingestigative Operations Bureau Crimes Against Children Unit

Deputy Aleksandar Maric Department of Detention and Corrections - Central Division

Deputy Jason Ellis Patrol Operations Bureau Central District

Corporal Daniel Miley Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division

Mary Ellis Investigative Operations Bureau Intelligence Led Policing

Tara Monroe Department of Detention & Corrections Inmate Records

Corporal Keith Felsman Department of Detention & Corrections North Division

Megan Nowakowski Investigative Operations Bureau Intelligence Led Policing

Deputy Jill Ferrio Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division

Corporal Desiree Peterson Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division

Detective Tom Festa Investigative Operations Bureau Economic Crimes Unit Kyle Forsyth Department of Detention & Corrections Inmate Records Sergeant Jimmy Fortner Department of Detention & Corrections North Division Detective Cheryl Gimenez Investigative Operations Bureau Crimes Against Children Unit

Sandra Perez Department of Detention & Corrections Visitation Section Deputy Helene Poy-Kujawski Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division Deputy Tom Randall Judicial Operations Bureau Criminal Court Security Jeff Richarz Support Services Bureau Forensic Science Division

Ramona Schaefer....................30 Years

Sergeant Todd Greene Patrol Operations Bureau Community Policing Unit

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Jane Holler Department of Detention & Corrections Classification Section

Deputy Keith Baldwin Patrol Operations Bureau Community Policing Unit

Cathy Holloway Support Services Bureau Communications Division

Jessica Baraban Department of Detention & Corrections Commissary & Inmate Welfare

Josh Hughes Department of Detention & Corrections Visitation Section

Sergeant Tim Bley Investigative Operations Bureau Mass Casualty Planning Unit

Corporal Casey Hunter Support Services Bureau raining Division

April Bonnemann Support Services Bureau Communications Division

Deputy William Jordan Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division

Deanna Spencer Department of Detention & Corrections Classification Section

Detective Erik Brown Investigative Operations Bureau Burglary & Pawn Unit

Deputy Patrick Kane Department of Detention & Corrections South Division

Deputy Ryan Spencer Patrol Operations Bureau North District

Corporal Nick Mandakunis...... 10 Years Erik Marsteller....................... 10 Years

Frances Campbell Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division

David Rohr Department of Detention & Corrections Visitation Section Deputy Hector Ruiz Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division Annette Shapiro Investigative Operations Bureau Intelligence Led Policing Rich Sheppard Support Services Bureau Communications Division Detective Christopher Simmons Human Resources Bureau

Kerry Pucurica........................ 10 Years

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

PAGE 10 | JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023

Deputy Christopher Stevens Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division Deputy Selena Sweet Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division Sergeant Jacek Szymanski Patrol Operations Bureau Central District Marlene Taylor Department of Detention & Corrections Visitation Section Sergeant Steven Taylor Department of Detention and Corrections - Central Division James Tolan Department of Detention & Corrections Visitation Section Melissa Tolan Department of Detention & Corrections Visitation Section Sergeant Eric Vann Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division Deputy Dimitar Vasilev Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division Sergeant Jennifer Vieno Department of Detention & Corrections Central Division Wioletta Wisz Support Services Bureau Communications Division Deputy Thom Wright Department of Detention & Corrections South Division

RETIREMENTS David Disano 7/3/23, 21 years of service.

Thomas Anderson 7/7/23, 11 years of service.

Nancy Burgarella 7/10/23, 19 years of service.

Joseph Miner 7/13/23, 19 years of service.

Carolyn Hatt 7/28/23, 12 years of service.

Charles Reiter 8/1/23, 18 years of service.

Patricia Murphy 8/3/23, 24 years of service.

Kris Fratus 8/4/23, 23 years of service.

Janet C Curnutt 8/8/23, 14 years of service.

Carole J Martin 8/11/23, 7 years of service.

Arthur Cwiklinski 8/17/23, 18 years of service.

Jacon Moon 8/21/23, 28 years of service.

Kim Fields 8/28/23, 24 years of service.

Denise Letona 9/1/23, 20 years of service.

Sandra Marks 9/7/23, 15 years of service.

NEW HIRES Daniel Arriza Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Robert Box School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau Margojean Bradley Criminal Justice Specialist Department of Detention & Corrections Josephine Brantley School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau Kevin Casey Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau Jerry Caldwell School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau Paige Christopher Licensed Practical Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau Diana Clawson Public Safety Telecommunicator Support Services Bureau Andrew Cobb Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Elizabeth Cruz Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau Karen Dedert School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau Ryan Dicus Licensed Practical Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau Jessica Dorr Court Processing Technician II Judicial Operations Bureau Madyson Fisher Inmate Records Specialist I Support & Health Services Bureau Diana Frenzel Paralegal General Counsel Christiane Geidt Administrative Assistant Department of Detention & Corrections

Mary Heinemann Licensed Practical Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau

Milouse Saint-Fleur Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Paulene Henry-Custeau Inmate Records Specialist I Support & Health Services Bureau

Annie Schneider Public Relations Specialist Public Relations Bureau

Maria Hiester Administrative Assistant Department of Detention & Corrections

Dylan Schultz Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau

Ruth Holmberg School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Wanda Stone School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Tatiana Johnson Inmate Property Technician Support & Health Services Bureau

Steve Tellis Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Susan Johnson-Cox School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Jason Thomas Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau

Nicholas Livengood Customer Support Technician I Information Technology Bureau

Lori Valdalez Registered Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau

Paul Lowe School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Cynthia Vessells Criminal Justice Specialist Judicial Operations Bureau

Harold Magby Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau

Dewey Woods School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Carlos Maldonado Senior Information Technologist Information Technology Bureau

Sandy Zufall Inmate Records Specialist I Support & Health Services Bureau

Nicole Marin Criminal Justice Specialist Support & Health Services Bureau Salvatore Mazza Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau Shelly Ann Mells Licensed Practical Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau Gus Miles School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau Ricardo Montelongo Jr Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Carolyn Pilkington School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau James Prescott School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau Sydney Rose Criminal Justice Specialist Department of Detention & Corrections Richard Rosier School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

James Gilmore School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Rob Richardson Reserve Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Daisy Gonzalez Licensed Practical Nurse Support & Health Services Bureau

Dana Rieger Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections

Tyler Haines Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

Roland Rivera Deputy Judicial Operations Bureau

Sherrie Hedge School Crossing Guard Patrol Operations Bureau

Corey Roberts Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2023 | PAGE 11

When Pinellas officially became a county on January 1, 1912, our first sheriff Marvel Whitehurst was appointed to the position by the governor. He served out his first term, but during his second one he was removed from office due to malfeasance. There are a variety of interesting stories attached to our past sheriffs. One was involved in a ballot dispute.

Another was the sheriff of two counties at the same time, at the governor’s request. Some Pinellas sheriffs won by election, while others were put in place when their predecessors left before their term ended. One, sadly, passed away during his term.

Our sheriffs’ tenures have lasted from one year to seventeen years. Some came up through the ranks at this agency, others came from neighboring agencies (the Largo, Clearwater, Dunedin, and St. Petersburg police departments), and one from the Railroad Police Department. Two of our sheriffs were lawyers. One came from a prominent pioneer family, and two of them were directly responsible for the formation of the Sheriffs Boys Ranch – one had the first cabin at the Ranch named in his honor. We even had one who was a pilot! Some won on an original ballot and came from outside the agency, and one lost as a former sheriff who attempted to run again.

We’ve had 14 Sheriffs in our 111 years. They are Marvel Whitehurst, Lorenzo Sloat, William Lindsey, Roy Booth, Gladstone Beattie, Ernest Cunningham, Todd

Tucker, Sid Saunders, Don Genung, Bill Roberts, Gerry Coleman, Everett Rice, Jim Coats, and our current Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. Nine were Democrats and five were Republicans.

Most of the time you see these sheriffs in their ‘official’ portrait, but I’ve included photos that were taken in a more casual setting or in their election notices. Most were in plain clothes. We did not have uniforms until the early 1960’s, so they dressed in the style of the era.

During all those terms, we have gone from using personal vehicles as cruisers to an enormous fleet of marked and unmarked cars. We used to have read off every day so that deputies could check out a fleet car, shotgun, and radio, but now deputies have takehome vehicles and their own assigned equipment. Once deputies carried revolvers in cross-draw holsters, now they have semi-automatic handguns carried on their strong side. At its origin, the sheriff’s office was only responsible for the operation of the jail, but it grew to have a uniform division and a multitude of specialty units. We’ve gone from not even having in-car radios to having laptops in every cruiser.

We’ve seen dramatic changes in 111 years and I can’t imagine what the next 100 years will look like!

Information/photos provided by PCSO Archive Historian Penny Cooke.