Issue 2: April - June 2021
Which Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office team spends most of their training talking on the phone? THE ANSWER IS ON PAGE 9.
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PCSO? DO YOU KNOW
A PUBLICATION OF THE COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC EDUCATION SEC TION OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS BUREAU PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE EDITOR RICK Y BUTLER
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10750 ULMERTON ROAD, LARGO, FL 33778
A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R / W R I T E R M I C H E L L E W H I T I N G
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727-582-6200 WWW.PCSOWEB.COM D E S I G N E R S R YA N G O R D O N , A A R O N G R U D I S
WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR NEWS&VIEWS. Please let us know what you think. Is there something you want to see? Is there something you want to share? Members are invited to submit articles and color photos for publication. Photos must be high resolution. Articles and photos are subject to editing. Please email your submissions to proud@pcsonet.com.
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Copay, Deductible, Coinsurance, and Out-of-Pocket Maximum
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Understanding health care can be confusing. That’s why it’s helpful to know the meaning of commonly used terms such as copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Knowing these important terms may help you understand when and how much you need to pay for your health care. Below are the definitions and general guidelines to these terms to better understand what they mean, how they work together, and how they are different.
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A copay is a fixed amount you pay for a health care service, usually collected at the time of the appointment. The amount may vary depending on the type of service. How it works: Your plan determines what your copay is for different types of services. You may have a copay before you’ve finished paying, which is applied toward your deductible. You may also have a copay after you pay your deductible and when you owe coinsurance.
WHAT IS A DEDUCTIBLE? A deductible is the amount you pay each year for certain medical expenses or medications before UnitedHealthcare begins to share in the cost of covered services. For example, the individual deductible for the Gold plan is $1,000. That means that you will be responsible for paying the first $1,000 of applicable medical expenses before UnitedHealthcare begins to pay for services.
WHAT IS COINSURANCE? Coinsurance is a portion of the medical cost you pay after your deductible has been met. Coinsurance is a way of saying that you and UnitedHealthcare each pay a share of eligible costs that add up to 100 percent.
WHAT IS AN OUT-OF-POCKET MAXIMUM AND HOW DOES IT WORK? An out-of-pocket maximum is a cap, or limit, on the amount of money you have to pay for covered health care services in a plan year. If you meet that limit, UnitedHealthcare will pay 100 percent of all covered health care costs for the rest of the plan year.
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WHAT IS A COPAY?
April - June 2021
QUARTERLY BRIGHT STAR AWARDS Elizabeth Trout, Support Elizabeth Trout received the Bright Star Award for going above and beyond her duties as a licensed practical nurse in the Medical Division of the Department of Detention and Corrections. She is an exceptionally caring and selfless person who ensures that the inmates under her care are receiving the best possible treatment at the Pinellas County Jail. She learns each inmate’s medical history and provides information about them to her team members efficiently. By following up with her patients, she makes sure orders are followed and everyone under her care is getting the proper attention they need. Deputy Lyndon Kirkland, Detention Deputy Lyndon Kirkland received the Bright Star Award for saving the lives of two victims in a car crash. On March 14, 2021 at about 6 p.m. while off duty, Deputy Kirkland was traveling north on Highway 301 in Zephyrhills. As he approached a traffic light, he heard a loud screeching and saw a big pickup truck pushing a car through the intersection. Deputy Kirkland jumped into action and ran to the vehicles to help the two occupants. He went to the car first and saw a woman unconscious inside. Since the door was jammed, he broke the window with his elbow, pulled her out, and placed her in a safe area away from the wreck. Then he helped the driver of the pickup truck move away from the accident scene. Deputy Kirkland stayed on the scene until medical assistance arrived. The driver of the pickup truck was later arrested for driving under the influence. If it had not been for Deputy Kirkland’s quick action, the outcome would have been very different. Deputy Deborah Cieglo and retired Deputy Thomas Stein (not pictured), Law Enforcement Deputy Deborah Cieglo and retired Deputy Thomas Stein received Bright Star Awards for helping save a man’s life by administering CPR. On January 18, 2021 at around 7 a.m., Deputy Cieglo received a report that there was a medical emergency at the front of Terminal B at the St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport. When she arrived, she found a 63-year-old man at the curb who was not breathing. Deputy Cieglo called 911 and performed CPR on the man until Deputy Stein arrived with an Airport Traffic Officer and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Both deputies continued doing CPR until a rescue team arrived. Paramedics advised them that if they had not treated the man in distress, he would not have survived.
COMMUNITY AWARDS Sergeant Jason Schmittendorf, Allen L. Moore Memorial Gold Badge Award, Clearwater Bar Association This award recognizes an outstanding law enforcement officer in north Pinellas County who has demonstrated the ideals and objectives of our legal system and the U.S. Constitution by promoting a better understanding of the legal system, being a good example of upholding and respecting the law, stimulating a sense of community awareness and pride in the law, and emphasizing individual responsibility. Deputy Anthony Alimenti, Deputy of the Year Award, Safety Harbor VFW Post 10093 The Deputy of the Year Award goes to a deputy who has exhibited outstanding service and commitment to the community. Deputy Alimenti’s hard work serving with the Safety Harbor Diversity Council, as well as his dedication to keeping families safe, make him worthy of receiving this honor.
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PCSO MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS Sherry Nowotarski Completes Her First Ironman, Administrative Assistant, Community Policing Unit Back in 2018, Sherry Nowotarski “You never know what to expect in a race,” Sherry said. “The competed in her first half ironman weather is something you cannot control. The bicycle ride was in Augusta, Georgia. After finishing the most challenging part because it was windy. When I got a the long-distance triathlon, which tailwind, I just put my bike in gear and peddled faster to make included a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile up the time.” bike race, and a half-marathon, Sherry completed the Florida Ironman on November 7, 2020 she decided to reach another in 16 hours and 44 minutes and would consider doing another fitness milestone and train for a full one in the future. ironman. Completing an ironman is an incredible feat since competitors must finish a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle race, and a marathon in 17 hours or less.
Sherry started training for the Florida Ironman race in May 2020 and worked on her fitness outside until gyms reopened after the COVID-19 shutdowns. On race day, there was beautiful 70-degree weather and no rain. While Sherry said she could not swim two lengths of the pool when she started training, by race day, she completed swimming the 2.4 miles in the ocean in one hour and 59 minutes.
“My ironman was not about the medal, nor was it about ‘bragging rights,’” Sherry said. “My ironman was about finding my purpose in life. After raising my two daughters as a single mom, they moved out of the house and started lives of their own. I decided to take a leap, get outside of my comfort zone, and conquer my fears. Throughout my training, I met people who were handicapped and are not able to do things I can do every day. I realized that I am very blessed, and I am where I am supposed to be in life—enjoying every day to the fullest and making people smile.”
Deputy Nicole Agosto places first in the Mel Chancey Muscle Championship Bodybuilding Competition Department of Detention and Corrections, Central Division Deputy Nicole Agosto started powerlifting as a teenager and crossed over into bodybuilding in her 20s to stay lean. She competed for the first time in 2008 at the NPC Maryland/East Coast Classic, placing second, and then hit the stage again in 2018 for the NPC Mel Chancey Christmas Classic, again placing second.
powerlifter in the Army. I wanted to feel close to my dad, so I decided to enter another show.”
Following those competitions, Deputy Agosto had two children and took a break from bodybuilding. Then in November 2020, her dad passed away.
“I remember before going on stage that I felt my dad’s presence, and I performed my routine perfectly,” Deputy Agosto said. “When I heard my name announced as the winner of each division—the novice, open, and masters—I was shocked. I couldn’t contain myself and started crying. To not only start something, but see it through to the end, is the most invigorating experience there is.”
“I felt so lost when my dad died,” she said. “My dad is the one who got me interested in lifting when I was young. He was a
Deputy Agosto trained for 14 weeks and worked hard balancing a demanding work schedule, family life, and working out in the gym. Her husband David and her coach Shirley were very supportive and assisted her with nutrition and planning. On the day of the Mel Chancey Muscle Championship Bodybuilding Competition in Ybor City, Deputy Agosto was nervous, but she had her daughter Gabriella by her side and her dad on her mind.
Special Delivery PCSO Birth Announcements
Bennett Allen Sznerch 7 pounds 5 ounces
Luna Stevens 7 pounds 4 ounces
Born April 21, 2021 to Deputy Nicholas Sznerch and his wife Kennedy
Born May 11, 2021 to Deputy Christopher Stevens and his wife Stacy
Department of Detention and Corrections
Department of Detention and Corrections
April - June 2021
HOW TO TRAIN FOR THE POLICE UNITY TOUR Q&A WITH DETECTIVE JASON JACKSON
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO TRAIN FOR THE POLICE UNITY TOUR AND WHAT DID YOU DO TO GET IN SHAPE? I started training in August 2020, but I took a break after my son was born in October. I was able to ride much more before the baby came, but my wife was very supportive. Many days, I would wake up at 4:30 a.m. to ride at 5:30 so I could get home early enough to help with the baby, do household chores, or attend family events. As the date of the ride approached, I rode more frequently. When I was not on call, I would ride to NDS and back from my home. The route is 15 ¾ miles each way, and it took me about an hour to do. On weekends, I set aside several hours to ride. The hardest part of training at first is getting used to the saddle soreness. I don’t know if you ever get fully used to it, but it gets easier. Then, it is making sure you have enough fuel for the training, like eating well beforehand, sleeping enough, and hydrating properly. Cycling burns a lot of calories, and eating during a long ride is important.
WHAT ARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PCSO MEMBERS TO START TRAINING? I suggest joining a cycling group like the St. Pete Bicycle Club or getting with an experienced rider and learning from them. My best advice is to stick to your guns. If you say to yourself or someone else you are going to ride, do it.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR WHICH BICYCLE TO USE? A road bicycle is the best option for long distances because there is less wind resistance. There are many good bicycles out there, but you may have to be patient finding one. I found mine through the Facebook group, “Florida, USA – Cycling Classifieds.” My bike is a 2012 Cannondale, but it was top-ofthe-line when it came out. I bought it in 2019 for about $1,500. I used Bicyclebluebook.com to check prices and read reviews of the bicycle before purchasing it. If you want a new one, you should check local bicycle shops. Twenty years ago, I rode a Trek 1200 across country. I bought the bicycle new back then and paid around $800. If you train with the bike and make your qualifying times, you will be able to ride even a cheap bicycle. But as they say, “You get what you pay for.” The ride is not a
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race, so unless you are looking to start racing, you don’t need a top-of-the line model, just a good solid bike.
HOW IMPORTANT IS THE GEAR/CLOTHING YOU WEAR AND WHY? There is a reason cyclists wear the spandex shorts with the chamois (the built in pad for your under region) because it makes the ride more tolerable. The shirt (jersey) is also good for riding because it is breathable, and they usually have pockets in the back, which helps with carrying supplies. Cycling shoes with clipless pedals are necessary. I also bring a saddle bag with a flat tire kit in it. Always ride with plenty of liquids and snacks. I use two water bottles, but some cyclists are not proficient with removing water bottles while riding and prefer a Camelbacktype drinking system. Having some salt before and during a ride can help too. When preparing my water, I mix some Himalayan salt and Gatorade to prevent mineral depletion. If I am only riding 25 to 30 miles, I just use water.
GIVE US THE TOP THREE THINGS YOU DO BEFORE GOING OUT ON A LONG RIDE. Before I go on a long ride, I drink lots of water, I eat well the night before, and I get my bike ready by making sure the tires are inflated properly, the lights on the bike are working, my helmet is ready, the water bottles are filled, and any necessities are inside my bag. The morning of the ride, I eat a small breakfast with carbs and protein (like peanut butter toast) and drink water. When I am leaving, I share my location with my wife and go!
If anyone is thinking about joining the Police Unity Tour, know why you are doing it and your limitations. If you are just doing it to get in shape, then you are doing it for the wrong reasons. If you want to make a sacrifice of time and money for your law enforcement brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and you have the ability to challenge yourself while remembering who you are riding for, then this is for you. The ride is not hard if you train. My goal was to train enough where I would be able to experience the ride in its fullest, and I did. I met many great people on the ride, including law enforcement officers from other agencies, spouses of law enforcement officers, survivors, and citizens supporting law enforcement. With the death of our brother, Deputy Magli, it is very important to honor him in the 2022 ride, but to do it with dignity and commitment. If you are new to cycling, you will have to invest in equipment, fundraise $2,000 for the Police Unity Tour, invest many hours to train, and meet your qualifying rides by the due dates while averaging 15 mph. It is a very rewarding experience,
and I highly recommend it to anyone willing to commit to the cause. It also provides healing for your own soul. You hear survivors speak about the loved ones they lost, you see the support from the public in the chaotic times we live in, and you experience the thin blue line at a different level. I did not know the Massachusetts State Police Officer I rode for this year, but I learned about him and watched his funeral. I remembered him throughout my ride and looked down at the memorial bracelet with his name on it during the ride. It was important for me to remember him and share my story with his family.
HOW DOES A PERSON JOIN? You can sign up starting September 1, 2021. You must register as a PCSO member first before you sign up for the ride online. The cost to register as a member is $25.00. Once you are approved by your chain of command, you can then go on the official website and sign up at www.policeunitytourviii. org. The cost for that is $100, but that money goes towards the $2,000 each rider has to raise. This year, Team Pinellas raised $17,562 for the Fallen Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. You can learn more about the Police Unity Tour on their website, policeunitytour.com.
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WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR TRIP IN 2021, AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT YEAR? WHY WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE A MEMBER TO JOIN THE TEAM ON THE POLICE UNITY TOUR?
April - June 2021
2021 FIRST RESPONDER GAMES Agency members joined together in Palm Beach Gardens, FL at this year’s First Responder Games to have fun, build comradery, and practice teamwork. Teams played softball, hockey, and cornhole among others. They kept their MVP of the year, Deputy Michael J. Magli, in mind throughout the week and displayed a memorial t-shirt at some of their games.
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sheriff’s spotlight: N E G O T I AT O R R E S P O N S E T E A M
The Negotiator Response Team responds to calls that involve suicidal individuals, suspects who barricade themselves after committing a crime, and hostage situations. Their primary goal is to preserve life and do everything they can to keep everyone involved safe. Even though these members do not get calls often, they use their time training and developing their skills for that crisis moment. Sergeant Kannika Nimithkoune is the team supervisor and has been involved since 2009. She decided to apply for a position on the team while working at the Pinellas County Jail. “You definitely must have a craft for this type of work,” she said. “You need to have the gift of gab and empathy because you have to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. I learned a lot of these skills while I was working in the jail because a lot of times you need to talk to inmates and de-escalate them. Negotiation is de-escalation to the 10th degree.” When Sgt. Nimithkoune is looking for new team members, she makes sure that the person can bring something unique to the group because it can help during negotiations. Every member has experienced loss or trauma in some way. Each person can use their experiences to connect with the subject, build trust, and convince them to cooperate with law enforcement.
“We had a call out where a veteran was losing his house in Madeira Beach, so we knew right off the bat who we were going to choose to negotiate with him,” she said. “One of our team members had combat experience and understood the difficult transition process from being in the military to becoming a civilian.” When the Negotiator Response Team gets a call, they typically deploy seven people. One person talks to the subject on the phone, one person is the team lead and helps direct the process, one person is a scribe and takes notes, and the other members gather information and resources. Lieutenant Rusty Roberts has been on the team since 2007 and has seen how much things have changed since then. “The technology at our disposal has changed drastically over the years,” he said. “Our intelligence resources and our access to those resources are leaps and bounds better than they have been in the past. We are no longer bound to a corded throw phone. We mostly use cellular technology, and our base system has built-in Bluetooth capability, making it more useful for the members involved who are not on the phone.” When the Negotiator Response Team is not meeting for their monthly training or competing against other law enforcement negotiator teams for practice, they are building friendships with each other. “The benefit of being on this team is that we are very close,” Sgt. Nimithkoune said. “Our team is like family, and we check in on each other regularly. I know that if I ever needed anything, I could call one of them and they would be there for me.”
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There are many ways to take subjects into custody, but one method that is often overlooked is negotiation. The art of persuading a subject to do what law enforcement wants them to do is no easy task. Yet, 14 members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office are trained to do just that.
April - June 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.
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25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 30 Years
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
RECOGNIZED APRIL 2021 Deputy Donald Appel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Dave Brenn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Walt Davis III. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Detective Meredith Dimundo . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Goodley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carey Graham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nate Gray. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Ronald Heck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darlene Hilery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janice Hulbert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebecca King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Corlis Moore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Joshua Skaggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tracy Sonnylal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Timothy Stevenson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandy Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthony Vaccaro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporal Matthew Aitken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Todd Amlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporal Corey Bailey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Detective Peter Bozarth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dar Carlson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Detective Quentin Collamore. . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Jason Crist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria Cruz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Captain Gregory Danzig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Mark Eastty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lieutenant Michael Gattarello Jr.. . . . . . . . . Bill Gerretz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Jonathan Gesualdo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporal Reginald Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Detective Jim Holden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debbie Huneke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Roody Jean-Baptiste. . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Joshua Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Jon Joyner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Guy Kirby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Chris Kohmann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regina Lazarchik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy John Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Jose Lopez II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy David Mancusi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Marc Messano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Roderick Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Jeffrey Naiman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lieutenant Jake Popkowski. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Garland Psilovikos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Melinda Stowell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Jesse Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporal Michelle Thompson. . . . . . . . . . . . . Lieutenant Jon Tobeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lieutenant Amy White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Jason Bahret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ricky Brennan Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Brown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Karl Gettmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant Michele Gibson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Derrick Jerome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dawn LyonsDeputy Chris Mari. . . . . . . . . . . . Tara Monroe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lieutenant Scott Peterson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Sibley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Casey Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Christine Amend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Felecia Chatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy John Fitzgerald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Greul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sergeant John Squillante. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy James Vickers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Charlie Tita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 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 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
RECOGNIZED APRIL 2021 Deputy Skyler Barela Department of Detention & Corrections: Central Division Corporal Matt Beery Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Deputy Zachary Campadore Department of Detention & Corrections: Central Division Greg Cynar Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Deputy Jan Dekeyser Judicial Operations Bureau: Detention Court Squad Detective Brian Diebold Investigative Operations Bureau: Tactical Investigations Section Sergeant Frank Felicetta III Patrol Operations Bureau: CDS Deputy Kristen Filipov Judicial Operations Bureau: Detention Court Squad Deputy Vic Goodrich Patrol Operations Bureau: Perimeter Unit Detective Bryan Grundmann Investigative Operations Bureau: Crimes Against Children Unit Detective Bianca Hanewinkel Investigative Operations Bureau: Narcotics Deputy Sarah Harlan Patrol Operations Bureau: Special Services Corporal Dee Harris-Brown Judicial Operations Bureau: Criminal Court Squad Deputy Terri Harrison Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Corporal Staycie Hawk-Cross Judicial Operations Bureau: Criminal Court Squad Corporal Cheri Hole Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Detective David Kavanagh Investigative Operations Bureau: Burglary and Pawn Unit Deputy Chiquita Khan Judicial Operations Bureau: Criminal Court Squad Deputy Sandra Law Department of Detention & Corrections: Central Division Deputy Jared Lewis Department of Detention & Corrections: Central Division Deputy David Mancusi Judicial Operations Bureau: Criminal Court Squad Sepelini Maile Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Deputy Kevin McSweeney Jr. Judicial Operations Bureau: Criminal Court Squad Deputy Christopher Noury Judicial Operations Bureau: Detention Court Squad
Deputy Russ Novak Patrol Operations Bureau: Perimeter Unit Deputy John Philbin Judicial Operations Bureau: Criminal Court Squad Sarah Pierce Investigative Operations Bureau: CPID Deputy Adam Przybysz Patrol Operations Bureau: Airport Unit Deputy Jeremiah Ragauckas Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Deputy Alex Robb Patrol Operations Bureau: NDS Corporal Frank Schiano Patrol Operations Bureau: Airport Unit Deputy Reanna Schutz Department of Detention & Corrections: South Division Lieutenant Michael Sherman Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Corporal Mark Smith Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Deputy Shane Stradley Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Sergeant Charles Street Patrol Operations Bureau: NDS Bill Sumner Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Deputy Nicholas Sznerch Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Deputy Nakieta Thornton Judicial Operations Bureau: Detention Court Squad Deputy Kurt Whiting Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Deputy Brandon Wilson Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division Deputy Danielle Zsido Patrol Operations Bureau: DUI Unit Deputy Michael Young Department of Detention & Corrections: North Division
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.
APRIL 2021 Captain Cynthia Gibson retired 4/5/2021 after 27 years of service. Sergeant Craig A. Chaisson retired 4/9/2021 after 33 years of service. Lieutenant Jeremy Nygren retired 4/9/2021 after 25 years of service. Deputy Phyllis Kahan Gaines retired 4/12/2021 after 11 years of service. Deputy Gary L. Johnson retired 4/19/2021 after 10 years of service. Sergeant Kelly Bush retired 4/22/2021 after 16 years of service. Deputy Thomas Stein retired 4/23/2021 after 14 years of service.
Colonel Sean Mc Gillen retired 4/23/2021 after 29 years of service. Deputy Jay Tenbieg retired 4/29/2021 after 26 years of service. Deputy Leo Plante retired 4/30/2021 after 24 years of service. Terri Dilcher retired 4/30/2021 after 27 years of service. Deputy Deonne Brazer retired 4/30/2021 after 23 years of service.
MAY 2021 Deputy Eugene Maye retired 5/3/2021 after 30 years of service. Deputy Michael Lyons retired 5/3/2021 after 16 years of service. Kevin King retired 5/4/2021 after 22 years of service. Deputy Shari Cosper retired 5/4/2021 after 23 years of service. Deputy Robert Richardson retired 5/14/2021 after 21 years of service. Debra Mixer retired 5/17/2021 after 16 years of service. Deputy Chris Volpe retired 5/18/2021 after 21 years of service. Deputy John Fitzgerald retired 5/21/2021 after 25 years of service. Yasmine Clark retired 5/27/2021 after 14 years of service. Major Stefanie J. Campbell retired 5/28/2021 after 35 years of service. Deputy Calvin Wright, Jr. retired 5/28/2021 after 28 years of service. Deputy Donald Wisman retired 5/28/2021 after 31 years of service. Deputy Daniel Baker retired 5/28/2021 after 20 years of service. Shelly Bansberg retired 5/28/2021 after 3 years of service. Renate Rueter retired 5/28/2021 after 15 years of service.
JUNE 2021 Allan Ioannou retired 6/1/2021 after 18 years of service. Rose Torres retired 6/9/2021 after 20 years of service. Virginia Adcock retired 6/9/2021 after 5 years of service. Goldie Behmyer retired 6/9/2021 after 8 years of service. Jeffrey Behmyer retired 6/9/2021 after 8 years of service. Donna Ahern retired 6/9/2021 after 17 years of service. Carolyn Kattenhorn retired 6/9/2021 after 4 years of service. Claire Hurtack retired 6/11/2021 after 22 years of service. Sharon Desmond retired 6/11/2021 after 7 years of service. Connie Russell retired 6/16/2021 after 22 years of service. Carl Harwell retired 6/17/2021 after 13 years of service. Linda Poynter retired 6/23/2021 after 10 years of service. Heather Arbuckle retired 6/25/2021 after 21 years of service. Robert Arbuckle retired 6/25/2021 after 15 years of service. Christine Bush, retired 6/25/2021 after 36 years of service. Deputy Chris Hollenbeck retired 6/25/2021 after 7 years of service. Deputy James Vickers retired 6/27/2021 after 25 years of service. Deputy Michael Foley retired 6/28/2021 after 22 years of service. David Lipesky retired 6/30/2021 after 15 years of service. Deputy Kellie Wickham retired 6/30/2021 after 19 years of service.
NEW HIRES German Anes School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Anthony Ashworth Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Catherine Baker Administrative Assistant Misdemeaner Probation Gordon Beardsley School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Andrew Bellucci Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Gerald Brown Deputy - Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Jarod Brown Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Ashlee Burge Deputy - Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Mariah Callahan-Stephens Inmate Records Specialist Inmate Records Anthony Capo School Crossing Guard School Crossing Guard Program Benjamin Caruthers Specialist Classification Section Darla Collamore Deputy - Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Deborah Cook School Crossing Guard Youth Safety Section Paige Crockett Public Records Specialist Public Records Processing Unit Jennifer De Jesus C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Julio De La Garza Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections Lisa DeLorey Buyer Purchasing Maggie Dennis Administrative Assistant Misdemeaner Probation Kelsie Fernandes RN Department of Detention & Corrections Crystal Ferreras Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections David Franco Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Margaret Genella School Crossing Guard School Crossing Guard Program Rachael Gergen Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Alejandra Goitia Rodriguez C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Roderick Glyder Deputy - Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Meredith Green C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Domonique Henderson Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections William Higginbotham III Deputy - Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Tammy Hill Pharmacy Technician Department of Detention & Corrections
Adam Hofmann Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Elizabeth Jamriska Public Safety Telecommuniator Communications Division Emily Kebarian Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections Brian Keener C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Donya Knapp Administartive Assistant Records Division Tenecia Lancioni Deputy Recruit Department of Detention & Corrections Jose Marquez Carillo Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Ramiel Martinez Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections Renee Massiwer C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Conner McCurdy C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Dritan Mecaj Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections Joanna Merhi Paralegal General Counsel Ezra Gottlieb Mernit Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Matthew Mobley Fleet Shop Assistant Fleet Maintenance Gabriella Molina C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Veronica Morphyades Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Megan Murray C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Richard Nordenbrook Deputy - Court Security Judicial Operations Bureau Marion Nuraj Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau George Pereira Deputy Recruit Patrol Operations Bureau Ashley Rowback Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Ren Saeteurn Deputy Department of Detention & Corrections Shannon Salliotte Administrative Assistant Secondary Employment Joellen Scarberry Public Safety Telecommuniator Communications Division James Sevostjanov Deputy Patrol Operations Bureau Maxwell Short Safe Harbor Technician Safe Harbor Makayla Thornton Inmate Property Technician Department of Detention & Corrections Kasandra Vallette C.P.I. Investigator Trainee Child Protection Investigation Division Derrick Wilson 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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extra ammunition. A gunfight started, and each deputy covered for the other while reloading. During the gunfight, the female suspect stepped out of the driver’s side of the car, got shot in the toe, and lost it. One suspect fired back and hit Deputy Lucas in the chest. He felt the impact but didn’t have time to evaluate the damage. The male suspect slid over to take control of the vehicle and rammed the deputies’ cruiser in another escape attempt. However, as more deputies arrived on the scene, more bullets were fired and the male suspect was hit in the shoulder and surrendered.
The “Lighthouse Restaurant Robbery” has all the elements of an exciting true crime story: a shooting, car chase, car crash, loss of a toe, and two very lucky deputies. On June 30, 1963, Deputy Charlie Lucas and Reserve Deputy David Chaisson responded to a shooting at the Lighthouse Restaurant at Tyrone Boulevard and Park Street. It was Reserve Deputy Chaisson’s second night working in the reserves (which used to be called the Mobile Posse) and a wanted man and his girlfriend had complained about not being served. A fight and shooting ensued. The other patrons disarmed the felon and held him for the police, but the girlfriend retrieved another gun from the car, forced his release, and the two suspects fled the scene. When Deputy Lucas and Reserve Deputy Chaisson arrived, they were met by a witness who had followed the suspects in his car. He had then returned to the restaurant and offered to show them where they went. The two deputies put the witness in the back of the cruiser and headed westbound on Tyrone Boulevard. After finding the car, they chased the suspects down and trapped them at a dead end. The witness got out of the cruiser to avoid any confrontation. Both deputies confronted the suspects, but the criminals responded with gunfire. Back then, before magazines and automatic rifles, deputies only carried revolvers and
While checking his wounds, Deputy Lucas discovered that the bullet had struck his tie bar, causing a dent in the metal. The only loss Deputy Lucas suffered was losing a shirt button! When Sheriff Don Genung heard about the remarkable events surrounding this gun battle, the bravery of his deputies, and the sheer luck of the placement of a tie bar that saved Deputy Lucas’s life, he decided to commemorate the occasion with a presentation. He had the tie bar encased in a Lucite block with the engraving: “Deputy Charles H. Lucas, Tie Bar Shot From Uniform, 12:10 a.m. June 30, 1963 on Assault with Deadly Weapons Case.”
Later, Deputy Lucas shared how he felt that Reserve Deputy Chaisson was never fully recognized for his valuable assistance as they both were shooting and providing cover for each other. After many years, Deputy Lucas and Deputy Chaisson were able to reconnect and express their gratitude to each other for that day, recounting the moment in time when they saved each other’s life.
Information/photos provided by PCSO Archive Historian Penny Cooke.