News & Views April - May 2020

Issue 2: April-June 2020

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri holds a press conference on Clearwater Beach about beach reopenings amidst the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Which department’s building used to be a PSTA garage?

The answer is on page 11.

April - June 2020

Pinellas County

Sheriff’s Office

A publication of the External and Legislative Affairs Section of the Public Relations Bureau Editor Joanna Cheshire Assistant Editor/Writer Michelle Whiting Designer Tracey Welch

PCSO STARS HOCKEY TEAM 8/13................................ 7:45 PM 8/20........................................TBD 8/27....................... TBD playoffs 9/03....................... TBD playoffs

TAMPA BAY SKATING ACADEMY 255 Forest Lakes Blvd. N, Oldsmar

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By Deputy William Lawson Jr.

My position as a community outreach deputy rewards me with the opportunity to attend various community meetings and family centers. The conversations at these meetings provide a way to build a bridge between the community and law enforcement.

I was recently asked, “How is it being black and a deputy?” In light of the recent incidents surrounding interactions with law enforcement that have rocked the nation, it appears to me that our nation is divided, and one of the vehicles that fosters this divide, unfortunately, is law enforcement.

Let me first say that my heart goes out to all of the families who have lost a loved one. I’m also deeply saddened that good law enforcement officers are not recognized for their unselfish acts of bravery displayed during each and every shift.

I truly believe there are far more great men and women in law enforcement than what is displayed on social media and the various news channels.

However, it would be disingenuous of me to think that there are no bad seeds within law enforcement, much like the false narratives surrounding black men. I feel both sides, citizens and law enforcement, must do their parts to restore relationships.

As a black deputy, it hurts when I’m called a “sell out” or “uncle tom” while I am on calls for service. I recall a traffic stop in which I was told, “You’ve been brainwashed and can’t think for yourself—programmed to kill us (black men) just like all the other cops.” I saw that interaction as an opportunity to

restore hope. My response was, “When I take off this uniform, I look just like you.” That seemed to break the ice.

He said the last experience he had with law enforcement was very unpleasant. I used that moment to share some of my personal experiences as both a black male and a black deputy. I told the driver that in 2000, while I was a Belleair Beach police officer, I was asked, “When did they start hiring you people?” I also shared my traffic stop experience as a black male. During the traffic stop, I was questioned about where I was coming from without explanation of why I was stopped. It was not until I revealed my deputy badge that the conversation and tone changed.

I said to the driver, “I can relate to your frustration. I don’t want to be painted with that broad brush of being a dirty cop as well as being the angry black man.” The driver’s frustration disappeared, and we had a successful conversation which yielded a verbal warning instead of a physical confrontation. I also told the driver he must do his part as well by controlling himself and treating others as he wishes to be treated.

Not every interaction produces the same outcome. There are some folks that adamantly refuse to be pleasant. As a deputy, I respond to those difficult people accordingly. I attribute this outcome to my life experiences and faith base.

I believe the healing process has to start within. As a black male, I don’t seek sympathy but empathy. I don’t assume that every person who doesn’t look like me sees me as an aggressive, angry threat, but as a citizen who petitions to be treated equally.

As a black deputy, I desire to receive the same level of respect as given. My passion is to serve and protect. I attempt to display integrity first, service before self, and excellence in everything that I do. Regardless of my skin color or profession, those core values allow me to see the world through a different lens.

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I am a 55-year-old black male who is currently employed at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in the Community Policing Unit. I am also a non-commission officer in the United States Air Force Reserves. I am a son, a brother, a father, a husband, and a mentor. What I’m most proud of is the faith-based foundation my parents taught me, which allows me to view the issues of today through a different lens.

April - June 2020

Congratulations to the members who were recognized by community groups.

Detective Jerry Creaser, Bright Star Award, Law Enforcement Beginning on January 9, 2020, Detective Creaser assisted in the initial investigations of two homicides and one violent sexual battery in a 10-hour period. He was eventually assigned as the case agent on one of the homicides that was particularly complex because of self-defense implications and drug charges intertwined in the investigation. Throughout the nearly three-month investigation, Detective Creaser overcame several obstacles with persistence and innovation and was ultimately able to make the case for a second degree murder charge and take the suspect into custody.

Corporal Edwin Martinez, Bright Star Award, Detention In February of 2020, the PCSO hosted the 2020 National Honor Guard Academy, which provided 40 hours of training to both law enforcement and fire honor guards. As the coordinator of the PCSO Honor Guard, Corporal Martinez was instrumental in bringing the event to the agency for the first time and personally went above and beyond to provide support to all internal and external components to make the event a success.

Doug Palmer, Bright Star Award, Support In March of 2020, Doug was assigned to the removal of a teenager with significant mental health and behavior issues. As a family support worker, Doug built a relationship with the teenager to gain his trust and voluntarily adjusted his schedule to continue working with the family through the process. During this time, he provided additional care to support the teenager and his family, even catching an error in prescribed medications that could have had a significant negative impact.

All PCSO members are required to take annual Cyber Security Awareness Training. The online training consists of 12 short videos that are followed by 3-4 questions about the material. You will need audio on your laptop or PC for the best experience; however, closed captioning and a complete transcript is available for each section. The entire training should take less than one hour and must be completed by October 1, 2020.

To begin the training: Go to SONET, Support, Online Courses.

Choose “Cyber Security Awareness Training (SANS)” from the

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drop down box on the Online Courses page. After entering your member ID and clicking “Begin Course,” click the “Cyber Security Awareness Training” link to begin the videos.

Upon completion of the training, you will receive a Security Awareness Certificate, which you need to retain for verification purposes.

Once you have earned your certificate: Select “A. True” and click “Score” on the Training Division’s Online Course page to receive 1 hour training credit.

This year has presented us with many challenges, so it is important and uplifting to look to those who are grateful for our hard work and dedication. From families to businesses, we have received many encouraging notes, gestures, and displays from the communities we serve and protect. We are so thankful for these signs of support. Many of the cards and notes we have recently received hang in the SAB ReadOff room.

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April - June 2020

Deputy Sherie Nichols Makes Masks for Members of the Sheriff’s Office and the Community In March, when the threat of COVID-19 caused people to stay indoors and wear masks when out and about, Deputy Sherie Nichols decided to be proactive and sew handmade masks for family and friends. Since her daughter works in the medical field, she felt inspired to take the time to give back to the community.

However, what started out as a way to support relatives, coworkers, and friends in her inner circle of contacts quickly expanded to a larger effort to help hundreds of people at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the community.

“When all of this started, my daughter didn’t have a mask,” Sherie said. “So I made her one, and then it morphed into anyone who wanted one. I’ve made close to 800 masks, and now I am focusing on making ones for kids who are going back to school.”

Originally, Sherie’s plan was to use scraps of fabric she had from other sewing projects to make the masks, but the requirement for all members at DDC to wear a solid color mask made her task more challenging. During Phase 1 when only essential businesses were open, Sherie couldn’t go to craft stores to buy fabric in solid colors. Instead, she purchased flat bed sheets on Amazon and had them shipped to her home. She used the solid color fabric on the front side of the mask and a pattern on the inside for personality.

In addition to bringing the masks to work and giving them out at the SAB and DDC, Sherie brought them to people in her neighborhood who had requested them, mailed some to friends who worked in the medical field in Maryland, New York, and Georgia, and delivered some to the nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.

Sherie keeps a bag of masks with her in case someone asks for one at any time.

“I did this because I care about my coworkers, and I wanted to help everyone stay safe,” Sherie said. “If my little masks help prevent someone from getting COVID-19, I’ll keep making them.”

If you would like one of Sherie’s free masks, email her at snichols@pcsonet.com.

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As first responders, it’s imperative to make sure you and your family are ready for hurricane season so that in case you are required to respond to an emergency, you can focus on your duties knowing your family is safe and prepared.

Know Your Zone

• Download the “Ready Pinellas” app or visit http://kyz.pinellascounty.org/ to identify your evacuation zone.

Seek Shelter

• If possible, your loved ones should stay with family or friends who are in safe zones.

• Emergency shelters should be a last resort. There are a few shelters that allow pets, and some are designated for citizens with special needs. Face coverings should always be worn in shelters.

Prepare your Hurricane Survival Kit

- Your kit should contain the following...

• Battery-operated radio • Extra batteries • Flashlights/lanterns • Candles • Matches/lighter • One gallon of water per person per day • First-aid kit: bandages, antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizer, soap, sunscreen, pain reliever • Non-perishable food: peanut butter, bread, dry cereal, rice, pasta, granola bars, canned goods • Rain gear • Mosquito Repellant • At least one fully-charged cell phone • Sanitation products: toilet paper, wipes, plastic garbage bags, paper towels

During a hurricane, stay connected with the sheriff’s office by checking updates online at pcsoweb.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/pinellassheriff. If you are deemed a non-essential worker during the emergency response, let your supervisor know where you are and make contact with them after the hurricane makes landfall to ensure them you and your family are safe.

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April - June 2020

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 2020 Deputy John Cronin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lieutenant James Wentz . . . . . . . . . . .

Susan Kristoff-Elam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Yohan Blackmon. . . . . . . . . . .

Lieutenant George Brotchi. . . . . . . . .

Corporal Karen Donsbach. . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Eric Gibson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Marc Rice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Diana Ali. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

George Fallahee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Jill Ferrio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sandra Garcia-Olivares. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Donna Kay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cristina Kalicharan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Sharon Kalmykow. . . . . . . . . .

Corporal Tywanda Moore . . . . . . . . . .

Gary Norlander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kathleen Norris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Patti Samuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Natasha Shuler. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rhonda Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Natalie Spinelli. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Leanne Stibbard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Patricia Weeks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Kim Barto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Edwin Brabant. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Corporal Sheila Caminero. . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Kristen Cianca. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sergeant Danielle Dyar. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dawn Grover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Detective Karl Gwynne. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Ahmed Harrison . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Terri Harrison. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lieutenant Alyson Henry. . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Darius Hill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Richard Kennard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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30 Years 30 Years 30 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 Years 25 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 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years 15 Years

Sergeant Mike Kilian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Sheri Lewis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Daniel Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Andrew McEntegart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Arthur McSorley. . . . . . . . . . .

Sergeant Kannika Nimithkoune. . . .

Sergeant Bobby Osterland Jr. . . . . . .

Sarah Pierce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cynthia Robinson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deputy Adam Swank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Corporal Matt Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Corporal Karl Thompson. . . . . . . . . . .

Detective Dave Vinson. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Felicia Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brett Edwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kendra Ford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Katherine French. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sergeant Chad McIntyre. . . . . . . . . . .

Sergeant Marvin Mitchell Jr. . . . . . . .

Maydyflor Reyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years 10 Years

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD APRIL 2020 Sergeant Isaiah Alonso, Department of Detention and Corrections: North Division Deputy Donald Appel, Department of Detention and Corrections: North Division Deputy Laura Baker, Department of Detention and Corrections: North Division Deputy Robert Bauman Jr., Patrol Operations Bureau: Crime Prevention and Crime Awarness Sergeant Stephen Bergstrom, Patrol Operations Bureau: MAIT Deputy James Castle, Department of Detention and Corrections: South Division Lisa Chazen, Judicial Operations Bureau: Alternative Sentencing Unit Deputy Jesse Cotton, Department of Detention and Corrections: North Division Deputy Timothy Crane Jr., Patrol Operations Bureau: SRO Unit Detective Nelson de Leon, Investigative Operations Bureau: Homicide/Robbery Unit Deputy Justin Dudley, Patrol Operations Bureau: SRO Unit

Corporal Joey Durden, Department of Detention and Corrections: North Division Deputy Nathan Elkin, Department of Detention and Corrections: North Division Christian Gomez, Information Technology Bureau: Support Center Division Lieutenant Spencer Gross, Patrol Operations Bureau: Central District Dale Holbrook, Intelligence LED Policing Deputy Jose Lopez II, Department of Detention and Corrections: North Division Deputy Eric Loveday, Department of Detention and Corrections: Central Division Sergeant John Luckett, Support Services Bureau: Training Division Sergeant Gavin Mac Cubbin, Patrol Operations Bureau: North District Corporal Carol Mac Callum, Department of Detention and Corrections: Central Division Deputy Stephanie Mann, Department of Detention and Corrections: Central Division Daniel Martin, Judicial Operations Bureau: Alternative Sentencing Unit Deputy Jeffery Martin, Patrol Operations Bureau: North District Deputy Gerald Mason, Patrol Operations Bureau: North District Deputy Donald McCullough, Department of Detention and Corrections: South Division Karen McLaughlin, Professional Standards Bureau Corporal Ashley Nascimento, Department of Detention and Corrections: South Division Sergeant Richard Nascimento Jr., Support Services Bureau: Training Division Detective Robert Newport, Investigative Operations Bureau: SPOT Unit Deputy Sherie Nichols, Strategic Planning Bureau Kathleen Norris, Judicial Operations Bureau: Alternative Sentencing Unit Deputy Gary Pierce, Department of Detention and Corrections: North Division Deputy Joshua Ricottilli, Patrol Operations Bureau: DUI Unit Deputy Cassandra Sansone, Department of Detention and Corrections: North Division Deputy John Sachse Jr. , Patrol Operations Bureau: North District Community Policing Unit

RETIREMENTS

JUNE 2020 Deb Allen retired 6/1/2020 after 24 years of service.

Deputy Richard Curd retired 6/30/2020 after 14 years of service.

Deputy Teri Goodenough retired 6/19/2020 after 18 years of service.

Sergeant Doug Hayward retired 6/17/2020 after 19 years of service.

Val Johnston retired 6/27/2020 after 33 years of service.

Joan Jordan retired 6/1/2020 10 after 10 years of service.

Assistant Chief Deputy Sean Jowell retired 6/30/2020 after 31 years of service.

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 2020

Deputy Marilyn Heffelfinger retired 4/11/2020 after 15 years of service.

John Kindrachuk retired 5/8/2020 after 9 years of service.

Major Larry Nalven retired 4/30/20 after 31 years of service.

Corporal David Schultz Jr. retired 4/11/20 after 25 years of service.

Linda Strobusch retired 4/1/20 after 6 years of service.

Deputy Amy Zawadski retired 4/30/20 after 26 years of service.

MAY 2020

Becky Dunn retired on 5/29/2020 after 5 years of service.

Deputy John Grubb retired 5/21/2020 after 30 years of service.

Deputy Sandra Montes retired 5/14/2020 after 20 years of service.

Sergeant Ken Page retired 5/29/2020 after 28 years of service.

Deputy Lindsey Peters retired 5/29/2020 after 14 years of service.

Gwen White retired 5/13/2020 after 18 years of service.

Deputy Paul Papasergi retired 6/26/2020 after 19 years of service.

Deputy Ken Rowe, Jr. retired 6/24/2020 after 14 years of service.

Deputy Jody Shwallon retired 6/30/2020 after 22 years of service.

Deputy Dan Weber retired 6/30/2020 after 30 years of service.

NEW HIRES Theresa Ahart, Administrative Assistant Communications Division hired on 07/27/2020.

Heather Drake, Administrative Coordinator Fleet Services Division hired on 07/13/2020.

Kimber Eaton, Child Protection Investigator Trainee hired on 07/13/2020.

Hector Escajeda II, Child Protection Investigator Trainee hired on 06/22/2020.

Sally Follett, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse hired on 06/22/2020.

Wendy Jean, HR Manager hired on 07/13/2020.

Valerie Rodriguez-Medina, Child Protection Investigator Trainee hired on 07/13/2020.

Kyle Merrick, Registered Nurse, Medical Division hired on 07/13/2020.

Jeannette Miller, Administrative Assistant, Crimes Against Persons hired on 07/20/2020.

Diana Perez, Fiscal Clerk, Fiscal Affairs Bureau hired on 07/20/2020.

Brianna Peterson, Case Assignment Technician, Child Protection Investigator Division hired on 07/27/2020.

Winna Phomsopha, Licensed Practice Nurse, Medical Division hired on 07/13/2020.

Michael Schultz, Manager Sheriffs Leadership, HR hired on 07/13/2020.

Alysia Smith, Administrative Assistant Inmate Records hired on 07/13/2020.

Alanna Spinaci, Licensed Practice Nurse, Medical Division hired on 07/13/2020.

Allison Stambaugh, Property/Evidence Clerk Property & Evidence Division hired on 07/27/2020.

Stephanie Stuart, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse hired on 06/15/2020.

Tina Tejwani, Child Protection Investigator Trainee hired on 07/27/2020.

Kelsey Whitmill, Child Protection Investigator Trainee hired on 07/13/2020.

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Deputy Cristina Severino, Department of Detention and Corrections: North Division Deputy Adam Swank, Judicial Operations Bureau: Detention Court Squad Deputy Jason Taylor, Department of Detention and Corrections: Central Division Detective Christopher Turcotte, Investigative Operations Bureau: SPOT Unit Corporal Christopher White, Patrol Operations Bureau: Airport Unit Russell Willis, Information Technology Bureau: Security and Communications Pamela Zelinsky, Judicial Operations Bureau: Alternative Sentencing Unit

April - June 2020

The Pinellas Sheriff’s Police Athletic League has exciting job opportunities for local college students. Our program allows you to make a positive impact on today’s youth, gain real world work experience, and have fun. The right candidates will be offered paid training and begin at $12 an hour. Employees work part time, about 25 hours per week, and will be home for dinner. This is an excellent way to attend school and earn some money.

Life Scan Wellness Program The Life Scan Wellness Program is a free physical that is designed as an annual health and fitness evaluation that focuses on early detection and prevention of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and aneurysms before they reach a catastrophic level. It is free for all PCSO members and their dependents over the age of 18, and members can attend their visit during work hours without using their leave.

Early detection can save your life. To sign up, follow the instructions below.

1. Log in to myPCSO. 2. Click on “Life Scan Scheduling” on the left side of the screen.

3. Select the date and time you would like to have your Life Scan appointment and submit the form.

4. You will receive an email containing a packet of instructions and forms that you will bring with you to LabCorp, Rose Radiology, and the Life Scan Wellness Center.

5. Select a LabCorp center and make an appointment for a blood draw. Please make your appointment at least five days prior to your appointment, and up to 45 days in advance.

6. If you are going to get a lumbar MRI, brain MRI, or CT Angiogram, call Rose Radiology at 727-531-5444 to schedule an appointment.

7. Bring your filled-out forms and test results with you to your Life Scan appointment.

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*To schedule a Life Scan appointment for a dependant on your insurance, call: 727-258-4818.

Sheriff Genung was very familiar with aircraft because he was a combat glider pilot in World War II. He looked into the purchase price and discovered it cost $84,000, which was beyond the budget. After consulting with Congressman Bill Young, Sheriff Genung learned it could be leased through military surplus for one dollar a year. They flew to Washington D.C. and clinched the deal. Then the helicopter was refurbished for $8,000. Sheriff Genung often referred to it as the ‘cop’per chopper.

Deputy George McNally was our first helicopter pilot; he had experience flying planes with the U.S. military in Vietnam.

Deputy McNally developed the Aviation Unit and gradually other pilots were added, including Deputy Chuck Wright, Deputy Bob Teasley, Deputy Mike Brown, Deputy Tom Mylander (who later became sheriff in Hernando County), Deputy Mel Juhl, Deputy Bernie Wojtasik, and Deputy Jim LaBonte.

At first, Pinellas County citizens were very unsure of this new law enforcement technique and were worried that it would

invade their privacy. It was a new concept in the 70s and was considered progressive. However, once residents learned how aircraft could be used to keep communities safe, the Aviation Unit was gradually accepted.

The helicopter was mainly used for enforcing traffic, apprehending suspects, locating missing persons, and attending community events. Shortly after Star Wars came out, the Aviation Unit deputies flew Darth Vader out to talk to kids about crime. Since we had one of the few helicopters in the county, we were also often called to assist other law enforcement agencies.

Being in the Bell 47 J Ranger was similar to flying around in a fish bowl, especially when Deputy McNally didn’t put the cloth doors on. The Aviation Unit deputies wore headsets, acted as another pair of eyes for patrol units on the ground, and worked the large spotlight that had foot control pedals on the floor. Eventually, PCSO obtained an A-Star helicopter that could transport more than two people.

We purchased our first fixed wing aircraft under Sheriff Coleman’s tenure. The PCSO bought it through military surplus from Arizona, and it was refurbished by our mechanics. As a result, we were able to transport prisoners and travel longer distances. Thankfully, Sheriff Genung had the foresight to see the future of aviation in law enforcement and took the necessary steps to make it happen.

Information/photos provided by PCSO Archive Historian Penny Cooke.

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The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office’s aviation program began in April of 1972 when we obtained our first aircraft—a Bell 47 J Ranger Helicopter. At the time, Sheriff Genung had been traveling around the country attending conferences to see what other agencies were doing and what technology he could bring back to the PCSO. After a trip to California, he determined that we needed a helicopter.

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT Pinellas Safe Harbor In 2007, the Pinellas County Jail was overflowing with inmates.

The need to expand caused the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to convert a Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) garage owned by the county to a minimum-security jail. But the economic recession that hit shortly after put stress on operations and forced the new wing of the jail to close, relocating the inmates back to the main facility in 2009. Two years later, the sheriff’s office was faced with the same problem—an overflowing jail.

One of the first things Sheriff Gualtieri did when he became sheriff was create Pinellas Safe Harbor to not only relieve the jail, but also help the homeless get the resources they need and stay out of jail for misdemeanor charges.

As the largest and sole homeless shelter in Pinellas County that is open 24-7, struggling individuals who need a place to stay can go there at any time for a meal, shelter, and support. Additionally, deputies who come in contact with homeless men and women on the streets can bring them to Safe Harbor to speak with a social worker for the resources they need to get back on their feet.

Pinellas Safe Harbor is overseen by Lieutenant Zachary Haisch, and his team consists of one sergeant, nine criminal justice specialists, two armed security officers, four social workers, one administrative assistant, five community policing deputies, and onsite partners from different services in Pinellas County.

On average, the facility serves more than 300 homeless individuals every night and conducts more than 12,000 intakes a year.

“The biggest challenge with the homeless population is appropriately engaging individuals suffering from mental illness,” Lieutenant Haisch said. “In order to effectively serve this population, it is necessary for staff to have the right training. All of the social workers assigned to Pinellas Safe Harbor are trained in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, mental health,

and first aid. In addition, the criminal justice specialist staff and community policing deputies are trained in mental health, first aid, and crisis intervention.”

When individuals come to Pinellas Safe Harbor, they meet with a social worker who assesses their situation and recommends services or programs they can use to get themselves on the right track. Whether it’s attending support groups to get an addiction under control, calling an estranged family member and getting a bus ticket to be reunited with them, or going to a mental illness facility to get additional treatment, the social workers have many resources at their fingertips to offer.

Lauren Ayers, who has worked at Pinellas Safe Harbor since it opened, said, “There are so many services available in Pinellas County that the homeless have access to. Our job is to connect people with these services. Every situation on the surface may appear to be the same, but sometimes it’s not. You have to dig a little deeper to figure out what their next avenue could be. Although it’s a challenging job at times, we do have many success stories.”

Recalling a couple of those success stories brought a smile to Ayer’s face. She worked with a younger couple, Sean and Tyrone, who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. They got help from one of Pinellas Safe Harbor’s partner services, WestCare, and have been sober for the past six months. They eventually got an apartment together with the help of Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services and a housing specialist.

“We are approaching Pinellas Safe Harbor’s 10-year anniversary in January,” Ayers said. “I’ve always been told that I can leave and transfer to another area of the sheriff’s office if I wanted to, but I don’t want to leave. Every day is different here. It’s exciting, and I love helping people improve their situations and navigate their lives.”

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