News & Views April - June 2019

April - June 2019

In This Issue: PCSO’s Refurbished Memorial PCSO Goes Back To The Future Police Unity Tour DDC Member Appreciation Picnic

Which unit addresses issues related to wildlife, like hogs, deer, and coyotes?

The answer is on page 12.

April - June 2019

Statues of Honor and Bravery Stand Tall at PCSO’s Refurbished Memorial One man and one woman in uniform now stand tall in front of the Sheriff’s Administration Building, bringing attention to the 25 names on the Pinellas County Law Enforcement Memorial. But you may wonder, who are they, and how did they get there?

The two PCSO deputies made of bronze are not specific individuals, but represent the thousands of first responders who put their lives on the line every day to protect our citizens.

However, it did take two specific sworn personnel and a team of people to create these amazing works of art.

In June of 2018, staff in the Support Services Bureau began the process to procure the statues as part of the memorial renovation project. The agency had been looking into refurbishing the area for the past several years, and the Union City Police Department’s memorial served as inspiration.

Every year, the sheriff’s office invites the families who lost loved ones, the public, and officers all over Tampa Bay to partake in a special memorial ceremony, so making the display extra special and memorable was a primary focus. Sheriff Gualtieri decided on two statues, one male and one female, with one holding the flag and the other saluting.

“The biggest thing we considered was the stance of the statues,” Sergeant Knight iterated. “The site is right in front of our entrance, so we didn’t want it to appear too somber. We wanted it to portray honor; honor was the driving force. And, we wanted to include saluting the flag. So we had the female holding

PAGE

1

the flag, the male saluting the flag, and we had them facing each other. I think the statues really bring together the whole concept with the granite walls next to them. The sheriff really wanted to incorporate the different departments, so we have the different badges on display as well.”

Once Sergeant Knight had the design approved, it was time to bring the statues to life.

Sergeant Spencer Gross and Corporal Jessica Mackesy stepped in to be the models for the project. Brodin Studios used images of the two public information officers and incorporated them into a 3D model.

Then they made a clay model, created a mold with it, and then used it to form the statues. All of the small details, like the patches and buttons, were created separately and then attached later on.

After six months, the statues were driven here from Minnesota to be personally delivered to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Each 550-pound statue was installed in a matter of hours. Sergeant Knight says now that the project is done, and we have celebrated and honored the memories of our fallen officers at our annual event, she feels very satisfied with the results.

“This was a great project, and I’m hopeful it represents what we wanted it to,” she said. “This is dedicated to those who lost their lives, and it’s a special place where people can come, stop, and take a minute to think about what law enforcement represents as a whole.”

UnitedHealthcare offers tools to help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Are you taking advantage of these valuable resources?

When it comes to managing your health plan and making informed decisions about your care, simpler is always better. The website, myuhc.com, gives you personalized plan information, care choices, budgeting tools, and wellness tips all in one spot. You and your family have real-time access to all of your health benefits. The website makes it easy to: • Find a doctor •.Get estimates for treatments and procedures • Check plan coverage details • Access health and wellness tools • View claims and account balances • View or print health plan ID cards • View alternative drug cost comparisons • Mail-order prescriptions •.Find discounts on health and wellness products and services Are you constantly on the go? The UnitedHealthcare Health4Me® mobile app is a great tool for people on the go. You’ll have instant access to important information you need to know. Available for iPhone® and Android™, the app can be used to: • Find nearby network care options • Connect to a doctor 24/7 (Virtual Visits) •.See claim details and view progress toward your deductible • View and share health plan ID cards • Easily log in with Touch ID® In addition to visiting myuhc.com and using the mobile app, UnitedHealthcare Health4Me®, you can call HR Insurance Benefits at 727-582-2835 or email insurancebenefits@pcsonet.com with any questions.

PAGE

2

April April - June- June 2019 2019

Congratulations to the members who were recognized by community groups.

Detective Nicole Thompson, Deputy of the Year Award, American Legion Post 238, Safety Harbor Detective Nicole Thompson received the Deputy of the Year Award for her unwavering dedication to the communities she serves. Earlier this year, she successfully helped solve a case involving a burglary in Safety Harbor. Deputy Thompson worked hard to identify the person who stole two firearms from the female victim, as well as return the stolen items back to her. The suspect was arrested and taken to the Pinellas County Jail.

Deputy Eddie Martinez and Deputy Cindy Kakalow, Oldsmar Citizen of the Year, Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce On Friday, May 31, 2019, North District Station Community Policing Deputies Eddie Martinez and Cindy Kakalow received the Oldsmar Citizen of the Year Award at an awards banquet dinner hosted by the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. The awards were presented by the President of the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, Jerry Peruzzi. The deputies received the award, “For outstanding contributions to the chamber, the city, and the community.” Deputy Kakalow and Deputy Martinez have maintained a close working relationship with the Chamber of Commerce by assisting with setting up their sponsored events. Some of these events include the Oldsmar Days and Nights Festival, and the chamber’s Holiday Sharing Program. For the Holiday Sharing Program, Deputy Kakalow and Deputy Martinez located less fortunate families, provided a list of the families’ needs to the Chamber of Commerce, and then personally delivered the gifts to each family before Christmas.

Detective Walter Bonasoro, Detective Chris Lyons, and Sergeant John Suess IV, Commissioner’s Medal, Florida Department of Law Enforcement The Commissioner’s Medal is presented to individuals who are distinguished by a meritorious achievement, act, or service to the department or the state, in a manner substantially beyond normal expectations in similar circumstances. Detective Walter Bonasoro, Detective Chris Lyons, and Sergeant John Suess IV received this award for their work on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission team. Over the course of the last year, the team put in more than 25,000 hours of work in order to complete the official report on the high school shooting, implement the FortifyFL mobile application, and investigate the law enforcement response.

Detective Bonasoro, Detective Lyons, and Sergeant Suess IV received the Commissioner’s Medal for their level of expertise and professionalism while working under very challenging circumstances.

Their dedication, not only to the work, but to the victims of one of the worst shootings in history, speaks volumes of their character and will be remembered for years to come. These three men also received the Military Order of the World Wars Law Day Award for their accomplishments on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission team.

Captain Timothy Pupke, Graduate of the 2019 Florida Sheriff’s Association Commanders Academy The Commanders Academy is an exceptionally informative and educational experience that is vital for public safety leaders of the next generation. The Commanders Academy has become recognized as the premier course of executive study for mid to upper level criminal justice leaders.

Deputy Mark Cahoon and Detective Adam Przybysz, Rotary Club of Palm Harbor Deputy Mark Cahoon and Detective Adam Przybysz were recognized for their exemplary service to the citizens of Pinellas County at a Rotary Club luncheon on April 24, 2019.

PAGE

3

Detective Derek McDowell, Officer of the Year, Elks Lodge #1525, Dunedin/Clearwater Detective Derek McDowell received the Officer of the Year Award for his outstanding work in identifying the perpetrator of a burglary in Dunedin. On October 12, 2018, an individual entered the Grand Villa of Dunedin—a senior living center—and took personal belongings and valuables while the residents slept. Forensic Technicians were able to capture the person’s DNA from the facility. Days after, Detective McDowell arrested an individual for an unrelated incident, which led him to believe the person may be responsible for the burglary in Dunedin. After DNA sampling and testing, he was able to identify and arrest the individual for grand theft. If not for Detective McDowell’s situational awareness of criminal offenses occurring within his assigned area, combined with his commitment and initiative to follow through with obtaining and submitting additional forensic evidence from the suspect in another case, the burglary at the Grand Villa of Dunedin would not have been solved.

This self-initiated act contributed to a valuable law enforcement accomplishment and an outstanding arrest.

Deputy Blake Norris, Law Enforcement Commendation Award, Sons of the American Revolution St. Petersburg Chapter Deputy Blake Norris received the Law Enforcement Commendation Award for helping stop a suicide attempt. In August 2018, a man named Rick called 911 threatening to commit suicide and then hung up on the dispatcher. When Deputy Norris received the information, he called Rick back while looking for his location, and tried to console him since he was in distress about losing his marriage and home of 30 years.

While talking to Rick on the phone, Deputy Norris identified his approximate location. After turning on a nearby street, he observed a parked car, and as he approached it, he noticed the driver holding a gun to his head. Deputy Norris calmly gave Rick verbal commands to put down the gun while his back-up deputy assisted him. Rick eventually placed the gun on the dashboard. When he exited the vehicle, he immediately hugged Deputy Norris’s back-up deputy. Deputy Norris was recognized by the Sons of the American Revolution for his professionalism, empathy, and exemplary action, which ultimately saved Rick’s life.

Deputy Brad Byers, K-9 Achievement Award, ASIS International Florida West Coast Chapter On April 30, 2018, Deputy Brad Byers was driving on U.S. Highway 19 when he saw two cars brake abruptly and swerve on the roadway. He turned on his patrol vehicle lights to conduct a pedestrian stop since there was a man (named Shuford) standing in the middle of the highway, but the suspect immediately ran into a wooded area. When Deputy Byers’ K-9, Hector, found him, he bit him on his lower leg. Shuford screamed and began punching Hector in the face and head. Then, Deputy Byers engaged in the fight to defend his K-9. Eventually, Shuford stopped hitting Hector. When backup units arrived, they arrested Shuford and transported him to Mease Countryside Hospital to be treated for his bite injuries. During the struggle, K-9 Hector never relinquished his bite, even while being struck violently in the face and head. He displayed courage and determination in his efforts to protect Deputy Byers and apprehend the suspect. Deputy Byers and K-9 Hector received the K-9 Achievement Award for their strength, bravery, and determination during this case.

Deputy Christopher Yakes, Community Policing Deputy of the Year, Knights of Columbus Father Lopez Council #5737, Pinellas Park On April 24, 2019, Deputy Christopher Yakes received the Community Policing Deputy of the Year Award for his outstanding work in 2018.

County Commissioners Charlie Justice and Kathleen Peters, as well as representatives from the Knights of Columbus, were present for the ceremony.

4

PAGE

Deputy Kyle Lange, 2018 Law Enforcement Public Servant Citation, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #10093, Safety Harbor Deputy Kyle Lange received the 2018 Law Enforcement Public Servant Citation award for his response to an incident at Safety Harbor Middle School involving two students who were in possession of firearms on school grounds. Deputy Lange did due diligence in investigating the situation by going to the suspect’s home, talking to the parent, and searching his clothes and bags. As a result, the case was closed with two arrests. The students were charged with Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds and with Disruption of an Educational Institute due the school being put into lockdown. Deputy Lange’s thorough work protected many students’ lives.

April - June 2019

PCSO Goes

We’re going back to the future! For years, we’ve been stuck in the 80s. The year was 1989, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office purchased the revolutionary AS-400 system, which had debuted just one year prior. It allowed the Human Resources Bureau, the Fleet Division, and the Fiscal Affairs Bureau to keep track of important data, like payroll, new hires, and employee vehicle maintenance. While this technology was viewed as incredible for its time, and we’ve done some minor upgrades along the way, it stopped being sold in the year 2008. It’s been 31 years since its debut, and it is time to move on and pull the plug on the AS-400.

So what does this mean for the PCSO employees who have relied on this computer system for decades? How are we going to request time off? How will the fleet technicians fill out tickets for repairs? And how will the payroll staff make sure we get paid?!!?

The good news is that the answer doesn’t come in a DeLorean, or from a couple dudes named Bill and Ted. The truth is that it’s time for everyone to adapt to this future endeavor and learn how to use the coolest technology on the market.

As we launch into 2020, get ready to enter into a new era. The sheriff’s office has purchased three new systems to launch us back to the future.

First, the Fiscal Affairs Bureau will be using the excellent new system called Workforce Go. Second, the Human Resources Bureau will be using the bodacious vendor, Sage People.

And last, the Fleet Division is going to get the totally tubular system called Dossier.

PAGE

5

Here are just a few of the most triumphant improvements we’ll experience: • Reduction in paper forms: Paper is old news. Apps and electronic forms are the ways of the future. When you submit overtime, request vacation, and fill out your wellness incentive forms, you’ll do it all in the “Employee Portal.” Supervisors will also have a separate portal for reviews called, “Manager Portals.”

• Every Fleet Technician will have a tablet, and will use an app provided by the Dossier system to track vehicle maintenance tickets, order parts, and more. Employees with PCSO vehicles will also be able to submit requests for repairs through a mobile app.

• The HR system will integrate into the Fiscal system so that both platforms have the most up-to-date information. For example, as soon as a change is made, like adding a new hire, everything will be updated instantly.

The result is that information will be more accurate and timely, so that leadership will be able to make better decisions. This superior technology is better for the agency, more stable, and offers more robust features.

Look for announcements in the coming months and more information about training opportunities as these new products are developed. Don’t worry, none of this is going to be too heavy. But Great Scott, prepare yourselves!

This year, Team Pinellas Sheriff’s Office raised more than $12,000 for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The money helps maintain the National Law Enforcement Museum and also develops programs to keep our officers safe. The threeday, 250-mile bicycle ride that honors the law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty started in Portsmouth, Virginia. Corporal Dean Welshans, Deputy Tyler Reidy, and Deputy Kara Geigle joined Detective Szymanski this year on the long, but rewarding, bike tour.

“I rode in the tour with my former agency and have been itching to ride again ever since I joined the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office,” Corporal Welshans said. “I feel there is nothing more important than remembering and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting their community.”

Corporal Welshans’ favorite memory from the tour was on day two. They stopped at a middle school, and each of the seventh-grade students prepared a button and hand-drawn card in memory of each fallen officer. Then each student presented the item to the rider who was riding in the officer’s memory.

“The feeling when riding into Washington D.C. is fantastic,” Corporal Welshans said. “The camaraderie between riders is amazing, and I have made many close friends across the country. The entire event is quite emotional, and I hope it

provided some measure of comfort to the survivors.”

Deputy Geigle also said this year’s ride was a life-changing experience. After she saw last year’s pictures from the trip, she was curious what the event was all about.

When Geigle found out the purpose, she immediately wanted to do it.

However, she had never biked long distances before. Knowing the terrain and distance would be challenging, Deputy Geigle started training with intensity. Her schedule included biking between 20-40 miles every week and boot camp classes that helped build her endurance. She lost 30 pounds just from training alone.

“Some of the most memorable times for me during our ride was when people would drive past us and start honking and cheering for us,” she said. “Some drivers even stopped in the middle of road and got out of their vehicles to cheer for us.

It was really hard not to smile when that happened, and it helped me get through the long days of riding.”

Both Deputy Geigle and Corporal Welshans admit day three was definitely the hardest since it was cold, rainy, and there were a lot of hills for them to climb. Detective Szymanski dug deep during those hill climbs and thought about the reason for the ride to get through. “I thought of Sergeant Bertram’s ultimate sacrifice and his family’s void after losing a loved one. All of a sudden, my ‘suffering’ paled in comparison.”

If you are interested in joining Team Pinellas Sheriff’s Office to ride for those who died, send an email to Detective Jacek Szymanski: jszymanski@pcsonet.com.

6

PAGE

Three years later, the PCSO Police Unity Tour (PUT) Team is still going strong.

Though they have had changes in members over the years, Detective Jacek Szymanski continues to lead the “ride for those who died” to the law enforcement memorial in Washington D.C.

April - June 2019

One of the most unique aspects of his tenure was the use of a Volunteer Posse. It included the Mobile Posse, Water Posse, Communications Posse, Mounted Posse, and Jr. Mounted Posse.

One of the most popular groups was the Mounted Posse.

The requirements included that you must have your own horse and available transportation to bring them to where they were needed. The horses were often used in parades, but they also worked in conjunction with the bloodhounds.

From tracking escapees from the work camp on Ulmerton Road to locating missing children and adults, the dogs and horses became invaluable tools. They trained together, and many of the McMullen nieces and nephews participated in the tracking drills.

However, the Jr. Mounted Posse was not used for tracking.

Junior deputies primarily rode in parades and met regularly to develop their horsemanship skills.

PAGE

7

The Mobile Posse operated similar to the reserve units we have today. They often rode with deputies or were used on special details, like traffic and security situations. There is a Mobile Posse uniform on display in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Administration Building, which was donated by David Chaisson (Sgt. Craig Chaisson’s father) when he was in the Mobile Posse. Upon circumspection, you’ll notice metal hooks in the bottom of the jacket that attached to the gun belt so it wouldn’t ride up when you exited a vehicle.

Before the sheriff’s office had a Marine Unit, the Water Posse was made up of volunteers who provided their own boats and trailers. Every person was unpaid and served under the strict guidance of Sheriff Genung.

The Communication Posse kept everyone informed of what was going on and when and where they were needed.

Each posse had its own unique star badge as well for quick identification.

The posses faded out toward the end of Sheriff Genung’s 17-year tenure as the county became more populated and funding increased. Previous volunteer positions were replaced by paid deputies. However, the posse legend lives on; it was a special piece of PCSO history that shaped the agency into what it is today.

Information/photos provided by PCSO Archive Historian Penny Cooke.

8

PAGE

Sheriff Donald Genung paved the way for many key advancements during his tenure. His acquisition of the County Patrol provided our first cruisers and uniforms in 1959. He was a community-oriented sheriff who valued good public relations, both with his employees and citizens.

PAGE

8

April - June 2019

TRANSITIONS

Changes In The Troops

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.”

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.

APRIL 2019 Lieutenant Keith Somers . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Years Captain Raymond Whiteley. . . . . . . . . 30 Years Sergeant Nicole Baker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Terry Dyar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Captain Cynthia Gibson. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Deputy Chester Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Captain Mike Leiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Lieutenant Dwayne Somers . . . . . . . . 25 Years Shannon Barnoski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Corporal Michael Blisniuk . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Corporal William Bosser . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Debbie Cieglo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Demos Doulou . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Bonnie Glynn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Greg Maldonado, Jr. . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy John Philbin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Caroline Ransom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy David Robertshaw . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Jody Rohr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Shane Stradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Robert Swanson . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Carolyn Tarsitano . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Nakieta Thornton . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Kurt Whiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Sergeant Matt Wilkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Mark Zirkel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Nelson Acevedo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Judy Cleary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Jeffery Cuttitta . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Jill DeGood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Steven Gabrielli . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Sergeant Edwin Guzman. . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Jason Haynie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Bill Kenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Corporal Terrence McKinney. . . . . . . . 15 Years Sergeant Matt McLane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years

PAGE

9

Sergeant Nancy Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . 15 Years

Deputy Diana Fuller, Department of Detention and Corrections - North Division Deputy John Sachse, Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Craig Giovo, Support Services Bureau - Forensic Dale Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Science Division Deputy Eric Soderlund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Toni Harris - Department of Detention and Corrections - North Division Deputy Brian Sudbrink. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Richard Hecht, Department of Detention and Deputy Quisana Turner. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Corrections - North Division Lieutenant Robert Turner. . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Corporal Amanda Hess - Department of Detention and Corrections - Visitation Unit Diane Bright. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Deputy Sonja Hill - Department of Detention and Jordana Standiford, LPN. . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Corrections - North Division Taras Zborovski, LPN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Jim Jeffery, Patrol Operations Bureau- Flight Unit Deputy Kayla Juliet, Patrol Operations Bureau Canine Unit DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Deputy Shelly Kendrick, Department of Detention and Corrections - North Division APRIL 2019 Sergeant Bryan Leach, Department of Detention and Deputy Ron Adolphe, Department of Detention Corrections - North Division and Corrections - North Division Deputy Sheri Lewis, Department of Detention and Deputy Nicholas Beining, Department of Corrections - North Division Detention and Corrections - North Division Deputy Eddie Martinez, Patrol Operations Bureau Deputy Brant Bickford, Patrol Operations Bureau North District Community Policing - Central Division Corporal Edwin Martinez, Detention & Corrections Deputy Jon Blake, Patrol Operations Bureau Bureau H.O.M.E. Unit Deputy Carrie McLellan, Department of Detention Deputy Charles Blumberg, Investigative and Corrections - North Division Operations Bureau - Economic Crimes Unit Bert Mills, Information Technology BureauLieutenant Gene Boman, Department of Infrastructure & Operations Detention and Corrections Corporal Joe Miner, Investigative Operations Bureau Thomas Boos, Information Technology BureauNarcotics Division Information Technology Services Deputy Sabrina Montemayor, Department of Deputy Shawn Brinson, Department of Detention and Corrections - North Division Detention and Corrections - North Division Detective Emily Moor, Investigative Operations Lieutenant George Brotchi, Department of Bureau- Economic Crimes Unit Detention and Corrections - Support Services Deputy Jason Mueller, Department of Detention and Division Corrections - North Division Lieutenant Ryan Buckley, Patrol Operations Deputy Victor Ortiz, Jr., Department of Detention and Bureau Corrections - North Division Detective Robert Casey, Investigative Deputy Desiree Peterson, Department of Detention Operations Bureau - Tactical Surveillance Unit and Corrections - North Division Deputy Thomas Cassidy, Department of Deputy William R. Peterson, Patrol Operations Bureau Detention and Corrections - North Division - North District Deputy John Darby, Jr., Judicial Operations Lieutenant Rolland Philipson, Department of Bureau - Court Processing Unit Detention and Corrections - Support Services Division Deputy Scott Dietsch, Department of Detention Deputy Scott Pierce, Patrol Operations Bureau- MAIT and Corrections - South Division Unit Corporal Dan DiFrancesco, Patrol Operations Sergeant Lon Redmon, Patrol Operations BureauBureau - Central District North District Deputy Steven Donohue, Patrol Operations Deputy Mark Reeves, Patrol Operations BureauBureau - Central District Central District Deputy Ronald Douglas, Judicial Operations Jake Ruberto, Support Services Bureau- AFIS Division Bureau - Criminal Court Squad Deputy Matthew Sapanara, Patrol Operations Mary Ellis, Intelligence Led Policing Division Bureau- Risk Protection Unit Deputy Matt Ellis, Patrol Operations Bureau Deputy Pamela Schneider, Department of Detention Canine Unit and Corrections - North Division Deputy Terrance Fallahee, Patrol Operations Corporal Jarret Schuler, Patrol Operations BureauBureau - North District Community Policing North District Deputy Kevin Fey, Department of Detention and Linda Scire, Support Services Bureau- Forensic Science Corrections - North Division 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 2019

Corporal Shawn Fox retired 4/8/2019 after 20 years of service.

Deputy Steven Goodwin retired 4/15/2019 after 18 years of service.

Deputy Howard Golden retired 4/26/2019 after 18 years of service.

Kelly Kehres retired 4/30/2019 after 20 years of service.

MAY 2019

Deputy Joe Cangemi retired 5/31/2019 after 32 years of service.

Corporal Jim Cavagnaro retired 5/21/2019 after 29 years of service.

Linda Chamberlain retired 5/31/2019 after 6 years of service.

Betty Davis retired 5/29/2019 after 14 years of service.

Deputy Bill Eastridge retired 5/22/2019 after 14 years of service.

Ron Finlayson retired 5/29/2019 after 7 years of service.

Brenda Gaull retired 5/31/2019 after 35 years of service.

Trish Linton retired 5/29/2019 after 14 years of service.

Dorothy Long retired 5/29/2019 after 19 years of service.

Corporal Wilmer Valentin retired 5/31/2019 after 20 years of service.

JUNE 2019 Deputy Roscoe Dobson retired 6/3/2019 after 30 years of service.

Bridget Niski retired 6/3/2019 after 34 years of service.

Deputy Lee Ochipinti retired 6/4/2019 after 19 years of service.

Deputy Nancy Campbell retired 6/24/2019 after 27 years of service.

Sergeant Paul Rogers retired 6/27/2019 after 24 years of service.

Deputy Wade Updegraff retired 6/10/2019 after 30 years of service.

Corporal Wendy Goldberg retired 6/22/2019 after 15 years of service.

NEW HIRES APRIL

Kitty Gibson, School Crossing Guard hired on 4/1/2019.

Sarah Koldys, C.P.I. Investigator Trainee hired on 4/8/2019.

Taylor Long, Inmate Property Clerk hired on 4/8/2019.

Matthew Marshall, Information Technologist hired on 4/29/2019.

Martin Pierce Jr., School Crossing Guard hired on 4/1/2019.

James Riancho, Flight Mechanic II hired on 4/29/2019.

Elaine Stone, School Crossing Guard hired on 4/22/2019.

Deputy Joseph Tancos, hired on 4/8/2019.

Ethan Wickline, C.P.I. Investigator Trainee hired on 4/8/2019.

MAY Garret Andahl, Criminal Justice Specialist hired on 5/13/2019.

Cassandra Lyn Bolonski, Administrative Assistant hired on 5/20/2019.

Kyle Burgoyne, Fleet Technician II hired on 5/6/2019.

David Bonnemann, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Bryce Cicero, Customer Support Technician hired on 5/13/2019.

Brenda Davis, School Crossing Guard hired on 5/20/2019.

Ella Fitzgerald, Dental Assistant hired on 5/6/2019.

Corinne Foreman, Administrative Assistant hired on 5/20/2019.

Kellan Hancock, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Ashley Hendricks, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Eric Hovsepian, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

William Kaestner, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Ashlee Lingle, Administrative Assistant hired on 5/13/2019.

Joe Maldonado II, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Anthony Miller Jr., Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Marqus Naulls, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Sarah Nichols, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Ryan Pearson, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Eduard Rakoczi, Alternative Sentencing Specialist hired on 5/13/2019.

Jacob Reich, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Constance Reisman, Criminal Justice Specialist P/T hired on 5/20/2019.

David Renaker, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Amanda Sgaraglino, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Armir Shehaj, Detention Deputy Recruit hired on 5/13/2019.

Amanda Sheridan, A.R.M.S. Data Assistant hired on 5/28/2019.

Kurtis Wimberly, Detention Deputy hired on 5/13/2019.

JUNE Charles Giersberg III, School Crossing Guard hired on 6/10/2019.

Paula Bourgeois, School Crossing Guard hired on 6/10/2019.

Karen Cole, School Crossing Guard hired on 6/10/2019.

Dina Givens, Public Safety Telecommunicator hired on 6/24/2019.

Barbara Hamza, Criminal Justice Specialist P/T hired on 6/24/2019.

Amber Hill, Administrative Assistant hired on 6/24/2019.

Sue Keim, Human Resources Specialist hired on 6/26/2019.

Sarah Panariello, Inmate Records Specialist I hired on 6/17/2019.

Amanda Pohle, Inmate Records Specialist I hired on 6/24/2019.

Joella Roby, C.P.I. Family Support Worker hired on 6/17/2019.

Kadah Siegel-Fultz, Administrative Assistant hired on 6/24/2019.

Adele Tamburri, Criminal Justice Specialist P/T hired on 6/17/2019.

10

PAGE

Deputy Travis Sibley, Patrol Operations BureauNorth District Community Policing Deputy Ryan Skalko, Patrol Operations Bureau Central District Deputy Aaron Smith, Patrol Operations Bureau - North District Sergeant Melinda Stowell, Department of Detention and Corrections - North Division Deputy Pamela Synoski, Department of Detention and Corrections - North Division Sergeant Steve Tacia, Patrol Operations Bureau Central District Deputy Jim Tanner, Jr., Narcotics Division Technical Operations Unit Corporal Stevie Thomas, Patrol Operations Bureau - SRO Unit Regan Tita, Investigative Operations Bureau- Child Protection Investigation Division Steve Trischka, Information Technology Bureau - IT Support Center Deputy Quisana Turner, Department of Detention and Corrections - North Division Detective Jarred Tzoucalis, Investigative Operations Bureau - Narcotics Division Deputy Corey Van Buren, Department of Detention and Corrections - North Division Sergeant Eric Vann, Department of Detention and Corrections - Support Services Deputy Chris Volpe, Department of Detention and Corrections - North Division Lieutenant Steven Wagner, Patrol Operations Bureau- Special Operations Division Corporal Antuan Watkins, Department of Detention and Corrections - North Division Lauren Webb, Support Services Bureau- Property and Evidence Division Deputy Mark Whitham, Patrol Operations Bureau Flight Unit Deputy Justin Worthington, Patrol Operations Bureau - North District

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT Marine & Environmental Lands Unit

With 584 miles of coastline to cover in Pinellas County, the deputies in the Marine and Environmental Lands Unit have a huge responsibility. Not only do they need to patrol all of the waterways and protected parks, but they also must maintain all of their specialized equipment—like ATVs, boats, and fourwheel drive vehicles.

The unit is made up of eight deputies, one corporal, one sergeant, and a technician, however, they need more members to help keep these special areas of the county safe, and are hoping to expand their unit in the coming months. The main mission of the marine side of the unit is boating safety; they ensure everyone on the water has the proper safety gear on their boats and enforce the boating laws—like following speed limits, knowing manatee zones, and not operating a vessel under the influence.

One shocking statistic, according to Corporal Randy Hart, is that 20 to 30 percent of boaters on the water in Pinellas County have never operated one before.

“I’ve been doing this for about nine years,” he said. “You have lots of new boaters coming into the market, first-time boaters, so it’s like a revolving door on educating people and letting them know what they need on their boats as far as safety equipment is concerned, and how to properly operate their boats.”

The deputies in the Marine Unit stop boaters and educate them on how to operate their vessels properly and navigate the waterways. Corporal Hart says it’s very different from patrol because on the water, there are no visible lines for people to follow. Also, many times the unit sees families rush to get out on the water during a holiday weekend and forget their life jackets, first-aid kits, and other safety gear.

Currently, Sergeant Trump and the rest of the crew is focusing on Operation Kid Float, which provides life vests at multiple boating docks throughout Pinellas County for children under

the age of six. The Operation Kid Float kiosks leave no excuse for families to remember to bring personal flotation devices with them before going out on the water. But, if people do get into trouble, the Marine Unit is ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

“We have 14 different vessels that we can use to respond to different situations,” Corporal Hart said. “They range from a 39foot safe boat--which is for patrols, Dive Team missions, and search and rescues--to our smallest boat, which is 14-feet long, for shallow water.

In the Environment Lands side of the unit, the deputies face different challenges, like poaching, trespassing, fishing violations, trash dumping, and injuring subjects within the preserves. The two deputies designated to the Environmental Lands Unit must be familiar with about 15,000 acres of preserve lands and know how to address issues related to wildlife, such as hogs, deer, and coyotes.

Deputy Russ Akin asserts, “The environmental laws and ordinances are very different from those used by patrol. Our job involves more education of the general public than most areas of law enforcement.”

Corporal Hart adds that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision law book is the same size as the general law book, and they must know and enforce all of these rules. Their efforts support the mission of preserving and protecting environmentally sensitive lands and resources to ensure their existence for current and future residents of Pinellas County.

Without the Marine and Environmental Lands Unit, Pinellas County’s beautiful landscape could deteriorate, and the native wildlife could go extinct. Our residents would also be in greater danger of losing their lives while exploring the unique, but untamed, environment.

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.

PAGE

11

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778 727-582-6200 • www.pcsoweb.com