Issue 1: January - March 2021
The answer is on page 12.
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Which division has a loud alarm that alerts members for calls for service?
January - March 2021
Pinellas County
Sheriff’s Office
A publication of the Communications & Public Education Section of the Public Relations Bureau Editor Ricky Butler Assistant Editor/Writer Michelle Whiting Designers Ryan Gordon, Aaron Grudis
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UnitedHealthcare Online MyUHC.com
• Find care and costs, including virtual care
• Review plan information, including deductibles and copays/co-insurance
• Access health and wellness programs and resources
• Check on claim status and pay bills
• Access and print explanation of benefits (EOBs) for our wellness program
• Manage prescriptions
• Contact UnitedHealthcare, including 24-7 support (live or chat)
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Members can use myuhc.com to:
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UnitedHealthcare helps members understand and use their health care benefits effectively by providing an online experience at myuhc.com that’s personalized and easy to use.
If you have any UnitedHealthcare questions, please contact Pablo Bravo at 727-582-5955 or pablo_bravo@uhc.com.
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Special Delivery PCSO Birth Announcements
Adriel Ezio Cano 8 pounds, 7 ounces, 20 ¾ inches long Born February 17, 2021 to Ariel Cano and his wife, Demerise Information Technologist, Information Technology Bureau
Leo Jackson 8 pounds, 9 ounces, 20.5 inches long Born October 7, 2020 to Detective Jason Jackson and his wife, Monica Detective, Investigative Operations Bureau
Julianna Paisley Ward Burgos 9 pounds, 21.5 inches long Born January 24, 2021 to Jessica Burgos Melendez and her wife, Nikole Criminal Justice Specialist, Department of Detention and Corrections
Eli James Sparks 9 pounds, 14 ounces, 21.5 inches long Born February 5, 2021 to Holly Sparks and her husband, Matthew Fiscal Specialist, Fiscal Affairs Bureau
Evelyn Grace Short 8 pounds, 4 ounces, 29.5 inches long Born February 23, 2021 to Corporal Joshua Short and his wife, Deputy Jaclyn Short Patrol Operations Bureau
If you would like to announce a new birth and be featured in News and Views, please email a picture and description to proud@pcsonet.com.
Detective Jason Montgomery, Law Enforcement
Deputy Terri Harrison, Detention
Detective Jason Montgomery is receiving the Bright Star Award for his hard work in assisting with a death investigation. On November 1, 2020, there was a tragic vessel accident that resulted in the death of a minor and injuries to several other passengers. Homicide Investigators were attempting to gather information from the damaged vessel, such as location, velocity, direction, speed, date, and time, to reconstruct the sequence of events of the accident. After multiple attempts, Det. Montgomery was able to figure out how to supply power to the boat with Fleet’s assistance. Using the power source, he extracted the log data from the GPS units and interpreted the code. This process was done manually without the aid of any automated, traditional forensic tools—a feat that very few forensic examiners can accomplish. Without Det. Montgomery’s persistence, expertise, and passion for his job, detectives would not have been able to obtain this vital information for their investigation.
Deputy Terri Harrison is receiving the Bright Star Award for helping a citizen who was in need while she was off duty. On December 22, 2020, at about 4:45 p.m., she was walking her dog on the Pinellas Trail when she saw a man who appeared to have fallen while riding his bike. He was laying in the grass and was unresponsive. Deputy Harrison immediately called 911 and started chest compressions on the man. A man and woman who were also on the trail assisted her and spoke with the Communications Center on the phone while Deputy Harrison continued to do chest compressions until medical and rescue personnel arrived. Due to Deputy Harrison’s quick actions and compassion, the man was able to receive emergency medical care at a dire moment.
Melissa Ketcham, Support Melissa Ketcham is receiving the Bright Star Award for her work at Pinellas Safe Harbor (PSH). She is always willing to take on special projects, regularly exceeds expectations, and comes to work cheerful, spreading a positive attitude among her team. During the initial COVID-19 response, Melissa took the lead on modifying procedures to limit face-to-face contact. Then in August of 2020, she helped a PSH resident connect with estranged family over social media. Melissa also assisted the resident with arranging airline tickets so he could reunite with them in Ohio and find a permanent home.
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January - March 2021
A True Hero
Members Honor the Life & Legacy of Deputy Michael J. Magli
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February 23, 2021 will go down in PCSO
history as our darkest day. For 109 years, the sheriff’s office never experienced a line-of-duty death. For the first time, members grieved the loss of one of their own and took time to honor a true hero, Deputy Michael J. Magli. On February 17, 2021, Deputy Magli was working his normal day shift when he heard on the radio that there was a drunk driver barreling down East Lake Road. Without hesitation, he quickly drove to a median to deploy stop sticks. Right at that moment, the driver lost control of his truck and struck and killed Deputy Magli. Although his death may feel senseless, it is most certainly not meaningless. Deputy Magli died a true hero and saved countless lives that day, but in the weeks following, it became clear that he lived like a hero too. Deputy Magli had been working at a golf course when he decided he wanted a career in law enforcement. He was hired as a Criminal Justice Specialist in 2013 and worked at the Pinellas County Justice Center assisting with courthouse security. However, it wasn’t long before he was able to pursue his goal of becoming a deputy sheriff. That same year, he became a deputy recruit, and in 2014 he began working in the Patrol Operations Bureau. Deputy Magli quickly formed close friendships with members of his squad, including Deputy Nick Hunter, who said at the funeral service on February 23rd, “Michael is a
literal hero in every sense of the word...The biggest thing I remember about Michael is that he never backed down from a fight. He never hesitated.” Deputy Magli was more than just a brave deputy sheriff, he was also a friend to everyone he encountered. It was common to see him smile, wave at people passing by, and crack jokes when someone was having a hard day and needed encouragement. At home, Deputy Magli was a loving husband to his wife Stephanie and dedicated father to his two daughters, Maddie and Reagan. Sergeant Kevin Boulton, who often spent time with Magli's family, described him as a “true family man” who focused on being a good father to his girls and would do anything to make them happy. Though some people like to focus on awards and boast about their accomplishments, that was never Deputy Magli’s focus, and he didn’t like to make a big deal about himself as so many people recalled. He certainly did accomplish a lot in his career, but the legacy he left behind was not about special accolades of success. He loved people. Deputy Magli touched many lives and is an example of what it truly means to serve and protect, and love others. “Michael died fighting the good fight, fighting the evil among us, and saving others from harm’s way,” Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said. “And for that, we are eternally grateful.”
To all who assisted with the funeral service of Deputy Magli, paid special honors, or donated to the Deputy Michael J. Magli Memorial Fund, we are incredibly grateful for your support.
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January - March 2021
PCSO SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES BODY CAMERA PROGRAM
Twenty-twenty was a pivotal year for the nation, the world, and especially law enforcement. Although the sheriff’s office did not have formal plans to implement body-worn cameras, the sheriff made the decision to move forward with the program. Body-worn cameras are quickly becoming the standard in law enforcement, and additional video footage can be used to help solve cases, as well as provide a degree of transparency with the community and help build trust with the public. Following a 30-day trial, the sheriff’s office signed a contract with Axon and began inspecting and preparing thousands of pieces of equipment to initiate training. On February 22nd, training began, and as of March 5th, the sheriff’s office has been 100% trained and outfitted with body cameras. “I am very excited about the launch of the body camera program,” Lieutenant Bobby Osterland, who is overseeing the program, said. “All of the feedback I have received so far from the deputies and their supervisors has been favorable. Overall, I believe the implementation of this program has been a huge success.” The body camera begins recording when a deputy un-holsters his or her firearm, turns on the taser, or is within 30 feet of another law enforcement officer with an Axon body camera who does the same.
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In the future, Lt. Osterland said the sheriff’s office has plans to replace all of the COBAN video systems inside patrol vehicles with Axon’s Fleet 3 system so the body cameras and in-car cameras can interface with each other. Currently, COBAN and Axon cameras upload the videos to different data management systems, and having all of the technology performing on the same platform will simplify managing the acquired digital evidence.
Harper approached the car, identified himself, and noticed a handgun laying underneath Post’s leg. As Post picked up the weapon, Harper yelled, “Don’t do it!” Post then raised the .22 caliber pistol and pointed it at Harper. Harper pulled out his gun, and both men fired a shot within the short space of less than one foot. Amazingly, Harper’s bullet struck the door frame and caused an explosion of fragments that struck Post’s jugular vein and Harper’s hand. Post died, and Harper later had surgery to remove the bullet pieces lodged between his two fingers. The first person to arrive at the Sportsman’s Bar as backup was Deputy Steve Rasor, who had only been working patrol for two weeks. When Rasor pulled in, he saw two men talking to each other. Harper had not been wearing his uniform, and was not easily identifiable as law enforcement. As Rasor exited his cruiser, he heard the gunfire exchange, and his initial inclination was to point his weapon at Harper since he was not in uniform. Fortunately, Rasor had just met Harper the night before and recognized him.
Twenty-one-year-old Charles Post was at the Sportsman’s Bar at Walsingham Road and Indian Rocks Road in Largo, waving his gun around inside of the business and firing multiple shots. Detective Harper heard about the disturbance on his way home and drove to the scene. Upon arrival, he observed Post sitting in the front passenger seat of a car parked in front of the business. The passenger door was open, and no one was in the driver’s seat.
The media falsely reported that both bullets had collided in the air, causing the explosion. Some of the headlines read, “Detective saved as bullets collide.” Sergeant Roland Hazzard determined that it was actually the doorframe that caused the shattered bullet. The press never made the retraction, and the folklore of this story was made about the incredible once-in-a-million chance that two bullets hit each other at the same time. But, the true amazement of this story is that one lucky detective was fortunate enough to have a backup deputy with a great memory!
Information/photos provided by PCSO Archive Historian Penny Cooke.
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Along with PCSO history, some great stories about interesting cases should be told as well. On March 4, 1976, PCSO Detective Jerry Harper made a one-in-a-million shot.
Post’s death was ruled a justifiable homicide by the Assistant State Attorney Myron Mensh and said, “Harper was a very lucky man.” Later, further examination revealed that Post had a very high blood alcohol level at the time of the shooting. Post’s father was there that night and had tried to get his son to leave the bar.
January - March 2021
PERSPECTIVE:
THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT W R I T T E N BY C A P TA I N M I K E L E I N E R
If you want to be a leader, and you’re willing to do the work, all that remains is the question, “What’s holding you back?” Recently, I’ve seen a resurgence of leadership courses in government. Numerous academic studies have led to the intense growth of this subject since the early days of motivational learning involving McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory. Today, these expanded works are some of the most successful ways for you to learn how to excel as a leader. With the development of cutting-edge leadership courses, now available at your fingertips, the only remaining barrier is the amount of work you are willing to do. However, true leaders know growth takes work. First, assess if you have difficulty with public speaking, writing, talking to coworkers, or multitasking. These are basic skills you need to be successful. There are many courses available that will get you to the level of a manager. However, being strong in these areas doesn’t make you a good leader. Once you have developed these managerial skills, then you can learn about how to be an effective leader. The sheriff’s office is offering a vast amount of instruction through the Sheriff’s Leadership Institute. Members who participate in supervisory developmental courses are receiving quality leadership training. My recommendation is to take as many courses as possible. Don’t limit yourself to only the ones you enjoy. Look for some that challenge you, some that you may not like, but could give you a different perspective. A true leader never stops learning, never stops growing, and understands he or she doesn’t know everything.
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All of this acquired knowledge will help develop you into a better leader, but it’s completely up to you to use it. You can go to all the leadership classes in the world, but if you don’t apply what you learned, you will never reach your fullest potential. I truly believe leadership is not measured through work output. Instead, it’s knowing whether or not your personnel will follow you. Ultimately, how you develop and treat your personnel every day will determine if they will follow you or not. You have reached the pinnacle of leadership when your team doesn’t question or hesitate to carry out your requests. They listen because you have applied everything you have learned and created a positive work environment. So, that leads us to the last question, “Why should I do all this work?” If you want to move up the ranks of any organization, being a manager only takes you so far. To have the best chance of getting where you want to go, you need to be a leader, and to be that leader, you need to do the work. The good thing is, once you’ve employed the solid leadership skills you’ve learned, and you know your people will follow you through thick and thin, it’s extremely satisfying. The opportunity to grow yourself is here. The opportunity to grow others is within your grasp. The opportunity to be a leader is now.
New Section in IOB Helps Prevent Crime In recent years the term “threat management” has been associated with preventing school shootings. In 2018, when Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Captain John Spoor was asked to examine how schools do threat assessments and how they could be improved.
The key factors he discovered were that while some police departments or sheriff’s offices had some form of threat assessment, it was mostly focused on the schools, and it significantly lacked follow-up on the management side. A comprehensive threat management team could help prevent crime in Pinellas County with the right structure and manpower. “I took the three concepts of identification, assessment, and management, and I started looking into how we could do it at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office,” Captain Spoor said. “Law enforcement hasn’t taken a proactive approach to identify people on the pathway to violence. They’ve done investigations to handle the situation at hand, but not an investigation that’s going to move past that.” Captain Spoor’s research has led to the creation of a new team, the Threat Management Section, which is within the Investigative Operations Bureau. The new section brought together a lot of different areas to manage threats in Pinellas County, and also absorbed the Intelligence Led
Policing (ILP) Unit so that analysts can work with detectives to help prevent crime. Captain Spoor developed specific identifiers that will trigger a threat assessment response. For example, if a person has been arrested for domestic violence more than once within 90 days, if a person has been baker acted multiple times, or if a person has been reported by an employer for threatening coworkers with violence, then the section will do an investigation and rank the threat to one of four levels: low, moderate, elevated, or critical. If a person is at a critical level, then deputies may need to evaluate their access to weapons, the Child Protection Investigation Division may need to get involved to protect the children who are living in the home, or mental health providers may meet with the individual to get them the help he or she needs. “This is really about bringing everyone together,” Captain Spoor said. “This is very exciting because it has never been done before in law enforcement. We have developed a process of analyzing all of the incoming reports, vetting them through an investigation, and developing a safety plan so that the individual can get off the path of violence and the potential victims can be protected.” The new section is located on the second floor of the SAB (formerly housed the Training Division) and includes 20 detectives and 15 analysts.
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As Captain Spoor researched the process of threat assessments in the school system, he asked himself the question, “Why do we limit them to schools only?” With Sheriff Gualtieri’s support, he began researching threat assessment and threat management systems throughout the country. After speaking with 50 different law enforcement agencies and attending a three-day conference on the subject, Captain Spoor presented his findings in January of 2020.
January - March 2021
TRANSITIONS
CHANGES IN THE TROOPS
LENGTH OF SERVICE The Fiscal Affairs Bureau records indicate the following members have reached anniversary milestones with the Sheriff’s Office. Members with questions about their Length of Service certificates or photos, please call 582-6221.
RECOGNIZED JANUARY 2021 Sarah Anthony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melissa Estep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deborah Harris. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sherry Nowotarski. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Virginia Connolly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Trischka. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Ayers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporal Kerilyn Peterson. . . . . . . . . . . Corporal Jimmy Fortner Jr. . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Randall Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jade Belcher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Dexter Sutherland . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Whittington Amyan. . . . . . . . . Lieutenant Chrissy Betsinger . . . . . . . . Corporal Cheri Hole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Patricia Wilbon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Armando Mirelez. . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Ian Rosado. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debra Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christopher Viaud. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Joseph Egger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judith Wirschint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy JB Biandudi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reagan Volpe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glenda Wise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy James Lavrinc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Arizona Cheedy. . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marina Williams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Joeskaylon Allen. . . . . . . . . . . . Mara Iocolano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jane Holler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sepelini Maile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Carla Pecora. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy James Upton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Bradley Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Jim Tanner Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Willie Jordan Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gregg Appel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporal Rob Richardson. . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Arbuckle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Steve Cox Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy James Doherty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy William Jordan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Kristine Hammack. . . . . . . . . Deputy Franklin Boggess Jr. . . . . . . . . . Captain Scott Kremser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Kenneth Barto. . . . . . . . . . . . . Rhonda Klein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Kristopher Mohr . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Jason Schein. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Jacob Viano. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Steven Tacia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patricia Schall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hugh Bibb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patricia Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna Weatherwax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stevan Ruvidich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years 20 Years
Mary Sullivan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Michael Papamichael. . . . . . Sergeant John Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Gerald Akins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Charles Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Patrick Krager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lieutenant William Byrd. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lieutenant Ryan Buckley. . . . . . . . . . . . Major Dennis Komar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Scott Murphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Jay Tenbieg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Robert Bianchet Jr. . . . . . . . . . Deputy Daniel Difrancesco. . . . . . . . . . Lieutenant Rob Obrien. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Jacob Moon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lieutenant Darrell Spiva. . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Randall Dorr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regina Aponte. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporal James Weigand. . . . . . . . . . . .
20 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECOGNIZED JANUARY 2021 Deputy Paul Pantel Patrol Operations Bureau: Airport Unit Deputy Carolyn Tarsitano Patrol Operations Bureau: NDS Deputy Mark Ossian Jr. Patrol Operations Bureau: NDS Deputy Greg Goepfert Patrol Operations Bureau: NDS Sergeant Matt Wilkins Investigative Operations Bureau: SPOT Detective Tony Jurado Jr. Investigative Operations Bureau: Narcotics Lieutenant Keith Somers Patrol Operations Bureau: NDS John Morgan Department of Detention & Corrections: Support Services Deputy George Lehr Patrol Operations Bureau: NDS Dino Deane II Patrol Operations Bureau: DUI Unit Corporal Amy Plourde Patrol Operations Bureau: CDS Corporal Randy Hart Patrol Operations Bureau: Marine Deputy Michael Ficocelli Patrol Operations Bureau: Marine Deputy Jon Tenbieg Judicial Operations Bureau: Criminal Court Squad Deputy Victoria Henderson Judicial Operations Bureau: Criminal Court Squad Deputy Kara Geigle Patrol Operations Bureau: Mental Health Unit Deputy John Damian Judicial Operations Bureau: Criminal Court Squad Deputy Edward Jocelyn Judicial Operations Bureau: Criminal Court Squad Corporal Matthew Aitken Patrol Operations Bureau: Canine Unit Deputy Kate Lilley Patrol Operations Bureau: CDS
RETIREMENTS The following is a list of members and their official retirement dates. Some members opted to use accrued time and leave early, but their official retirement date is listed below.
JANUARY 2021 Ann Meyer retired 12/31/2020 after 5 years of service. Sergeant Michael Papamichael retired 1/4/2021 after 25 years of service. Major Bill Hagans retired 1/4/2021 after 31 years of service. Corporal James Weigand retired 1/5/2021 after 25 years of service. Corporal Chris White retired 1/5/2021 after 27 years of service. Lieutenant Traci Reid retired 1/14/2021 after 27 years of service. Sergeant Jim Serrano retired 1/14/2021 after 28 years of service. Mickie Havas retired 1/15/2021 after 35 years of service. Sergeant Erick Depalma retired 1/15/2021 after 30 years of service. Tony Anderson retired 1/19/2021 after 28 years of service. Deputy Lisa Barnes retired 1/21/2021 after 19 years of service. Scott Murphy retired 1/29/2021 after 27 years of service.
FEBRUARY 2021 Deputy Dave Schafer retired 2/5/2021 after 14 years of service. Deputy Janette Pulsipher retired 2/17/2021 after 21 years of service. Denice Rigali retired 2/19/2021 after 15 years of service. Gloria Shorter retired 2/26/2021 after 8 years of service. Deputy Paul Pavliscsak retired 2/26/2021 after 22 years of service. Beverly Capanna retired 2/28/2021 after 29 years of service.
MARCH 2021 Lyndon Brizendine retired 3/1/2021 after 13 years of service. Deputy Jim Landrie retired 3/12/2021 after 27 years of service. Katrina Ray retired 3/18/2021 after 21 years of service. Christine Saytor retired 3/19/2021 after 30 years of service. Judith Cleary retired 3/26/2021 after 17 years of service. Lieutenant Stacey Barrentine retired 3/26/2021 after 34 years of service. Deputy Toni Harris retired 3/30/2021 after 22 years of service. Captain Ray Whiteley retired 3/31/2021 after 32 years of service. Deputy Bill McMeekin retired 3/31/2021 after 14 years of service. Lieutenant Darrell Spiva retired 3/31/2021 after 26 years of service. Deputy John Decker retired 3/31/2021 after 31 years of service. Deputy Chris Maul retired 3/31/2021 after 12 years of service.
Janet Aden School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Shannon Augustin Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Kelsey Borg Administrative Assistant Records Division Samantha Bratt Crisis Response Specialist Mental Health Unit Pamela Breda Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Connor Brennan Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Paige Christopher Licensed Practitioner Nurse Medical Division Kim Coppersmith School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Timothy Coyle Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Erica Crawford-Green Crisis Response Specialist Mental Health Unit Jamie Cunningham Information Technologist Information Technology Services Conner Davis Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Brittany Defiore Crisis Response Specialist Mental Health Unit Tyler Desena Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Hannah Driscoll C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Denzel Drumright Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Kevin Dubard C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Donald Eubanks III Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Carla Ewald Administrative Assistant Classification Section Michael Faul Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Jennifer Fogler-Tortora Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau
Dominique Fortson Jordan Crisis Response Specialist Mental Health Unit Alejanro Garcia Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Dante Ginn-Davis Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Deangelo Graham Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau David Grether Licensed Practitioner Nurse Medical Division Aaron Grudis Graphics/Multimedia Specialist Communications & Public Education Judy Harris School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Megan Hillis Administrative Assistant Classification Section Ashley Hughes Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Wendy Hulme Human Resources Specialist Human Resources Bureau Gage Hume Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Christopher Jainandan Crisis Response Specialist Mental Health Unit James Jones Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections Nicole Jones Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Sandra Kahle Administrative Assistant Youth Education & Administrative Services Division Michaela Kopecki C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Alex Kowalski Assistant Manager Public Information Office Kasandra Lempert Criminal Justice Specialist Department of Detention & Corrections Nojah Link Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Ashlee Lopez C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Cain Martin Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Mike Maxwell School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section
Gary Mcvicker School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Amanda Mercer C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Phyllis Nigro C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Gina Nunziata Crisis Response Specialist Mental Health Unit Lea Oliver Licensed Practitioner Nurse Medical Division Kara Pellin Crisis Response Specialist Mental Health Unit Jason Plumb Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Katherine Pfefferman Program Services Specialist Commissary/Inmate Welfare Harry Porta School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Michael Proude Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections Justin Radder Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Jamison Raley Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Giancarlo Revilla Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau William Richards III Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Anton Rrogomi Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Simone Rose Administrative Assistant Classification Section Mark Russell Inmate Records Specialist Inmate Records Amantia Sacco Human Resources Manager Human Resources Bureau Jennifer Swope Alternative Sentencing Specialist Alternative Sentencing Unit Jennifer Terry Administrative Assistant Alternative Sentencing Unit Aristea Wessler School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Jack Workman Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections
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.”
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NEW HIRES
D
NT TME R A EP
SPOTLIGHT
In the Forensic Sciences Division, all 28 specialists follow one main principle: evidence doesn’t lie. Every DNA swab, fingerprint lift, and photograph reveals the truth about the crime that was committed and brings the perpetrator one step closer to justice. Forensic science specialists wear a uniform, are considere d essential workers, and are at high risk, yet they are not certified law enforcement, nor are they simply support workers. They fall into a different category that requires them to be on call, work long shifts, and dive into some unpleasant places. Specialists Craig Giovo and Cherie Johnson remember when they brought measuring tape to crime scenes to take measurements. Today, they have the FARO--a 3D scanner that can capture millions of points in a crime scene and measure them down to 10 centimeters. Not only has the technology increased dramatically from the days of the O.J. Simpson trial, but the educational opportunities have improved and the interest from the public has risen. Specialist Giovo came to the sheriff’s office in 1993 when most training was on the job. Today, members of the division can get certified in different specialties. Specialist Johnson, for example, is a certified senior crime scene analyst, which helps the evidence she presents in court hold even more weight. “You have to put a lot of energy and thought into arresting people, but you also have to think long-term in order to secure a successful prosecution,” Specialist Johnson said.
Not only does the Forensic Sciences Division work on crime scenes for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, but it also has contracts with 10 law enforcement agencies in the county, and assists forensic science units throughout the country as well. As the largest forensic sciences team in the Southeast United States, and one of the few groups that have earned national accreditation, PCSO specialists are highly sought after for assistance with many kinds of cases. Recently, Specialist Giovo assisted the Fort Myers Police Department by using our vacuum metal deposition chamber (one of two in the entire state) to find a fingerprint on a trash bag. Even though the shooting happened years ago, Specialist Giovo was able to use this unique piece of technology to reveal the fingerprint, and just a few months later, detectives were able to make an arrest. “Two teenagers died in this shooting, so it was a big deal to them,” Specialist Giovo said. “Now the families can actually face the killers of their children and get closure. Helping bring people to justice is why I do this job, and that’s where I get my satisfaction. That’s why we all do what we do.” While the work of a forensic science specialist is rewarding, it can also be challenging as members of the team are regularly exposed to traumatic events and graphic crime scenes. Specialists Giovo and Johnson affirm that they are a tight-knit family out there and lean on each other for support when times get tough. “Even with all of the bad stuff we see, what a privilege it is to be able to be woven into the fabric of people’s lives,” Specialist Johnson said. “We are a support to them in giving them some resolution in such a personal way.”
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Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office PAGE
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