PCSO News & Views: 2018 Quarter 4

Issue 4: October - December 2018

In This Issue: Hurricane Michael Response Team Way To Go, PCSO! Member Appreciation Picnic Ride & Run With The Stars Training: Emergency Response Team PCSO Exhibit Opens at Heritage Village Department Spotlight

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*Which area of the agency digs graves and buries fake skeletons to help train the Forensic Sciences Division? The answer is on page 12.

Issue 4: October - December 2018

Touching Lives, Making a Difference PCSO Responds to Hurricane Michael

When Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle with 155 mph winds on October 10, 2018, homes were flattened, trees were uprooted, streets were flooded, and hundreds of thousands of people lost power. Cellphone towers fell, eradicating law enforcement officers’ means of communication.

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office was overwhelmed with the catastrophic needs of Panama City and the surrounding areas. In addition, the Bay County Jail had limited emergency generator electricity, no potable water, gas, air conditioning, telephone, or internet. Bay County operations were also understaffed since so many officers and their families were affected.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office immediately responded with a task force and equipment. The next day, Lieutenant Vince Gibney and a team of 20 PCSO members—both sworn and support personnel—went to the Florida Panhandle to help those affected by the storm. Sergeant Jason Franjesevic created the deployment team’s motto, “touching lives, making a difference.”

When they arrived in Panama City, they met with Deputy Ron Gilligan and assisted him and his squad with search and rescue, as well as cleaning up debris. Additionally, our staff were able to assist the Bay County Jail on several different levels. Besides relieving the staff so they could tend to their personal needs at home, the deployment team was able to quickly support several necessary jail operations, including outside recreation, video visitation, and laundry services.

They also stabilized the inmate population by providing a strong and professional security presence, establishing constructive dialogue, and taking effective and timely action in order to mitigate inmate tension. Subsequently, there were no significant disturbances during the deployment.

Bay County Jail’s Major Rick Anglin expressed his gratitude for our agency’s assistance. “There’s no way we could have made it this far without you folks!” he said.

Our deputies were able to address external issues at the jail as well. The team cleared and removed tons of debris, repaired severely damaged structures, flipped vehicles and trailers upright, pulled numerous vehicles out of the mud, and fixed damaged machinery.

“According to Bay County Sheriff’s Office staff, our team provided uplifting moral support to all of the members, especially many of the individuals severely victimized by the storm,” Lieutenant Vince Gibney said. “Numerous members approached me to express their appreciation for our staff’s continuous encouraging and positive interactions with them. The bonding and cohesiveness of both agencies’ members lead to significant operational progress.”

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On Sunday, November 4, 2018, the entire deployment team returned home after their 19-day mission.

“By all accounts, our mission was a great success,” Lt. Gibney said.

“Although the road to their full recovery is going to be a long one, knowing that our staff played a significant and productive role during the onset of their journey is truly rewarding. I am very proud of our members and all of their efforts. Besides all of the volunteer members on our deployment team, this relief mission would not have been a major success without the assistance and support from everyone within our agency. Additionally, I would like to express our appreciation and recognize all of the volunteer deployment team members’ families. Without their individual sacrifice and support, our members would not have been able to do the great job they did.”

Way To Go, PCSO! Sherry Nowotarski Completes Her First Half Ironman Administrative Assistant, Community Policing Unit Sherry Nowotarski never planned on attempting a half ironman. She started running in her 30s to relieve stress and completed several 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and two marathons. But when her daughters left home for college, it hit her that they were moving on with their lives. As a result, Sherry began to lose her passion for running.

Even though she was nervous, Sherry followed her plans—she swam for 1.2 miles with the current of the Savannah River, stayed hydrated during the 56-mile bike race, and ran slow and steady with friends for 13.1 miles. Sherry finished in seven hours, 47 minutes, and 27 seconds.

In 2016, she decided to step outside of her comfort zone and try triathlons. Sherry had never swam on a team before, or cycled, but she was determined to learn. First she started training in the pool at LA Fitness, and then she began cycling with friends on the weekend. After completing two sprint triathlons and two Olympic-distance triathlons, she felt ready for the Ironman 70.3 in Augusta, Georgia, on September 23, 2018.

“Seeing the red carpet ahead at the finish line was amazing and emotional,” Sherry said. “When my foot hit the timing pad, I was overwhelmed with joy hugging my friends and in awe of what I had just accomplished.

Crossing the finish line was amazing, but the most amazing thing that weekend was a text from my daughters the morning of the race, ‘good luck mom, you’re gonna kill it today!’

Now it’s time to plan for another goal!”

Patti Samuels Raises Money for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Training Coordinator, Support Staff Training Unit When Patti Samuels’ aunt passed away from breast cancer in 2006, she wanted to do something big to honor her. At first, she committed to participating in 10 Susan G. Komen For the Cure, three-day, 60-mile walks. Now, her dedication to breast cancer fundraising and awareness has grown to become an annual practice. This is Patti’s 11th year walking to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Due to Patti’s unwavering commitment to find a cure, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has honored her as a super fundraiser. Patti has raised more than $26,000, and most recently, just over $3,000 from her walk in San Diego, California, on November 16, 2018.

“I have been fortunate to be a team captain and training walk leader in past years; mentoring people to achieve their goals has been a great bonus for me,” Patti said. “But the best recognition I get is to walk beside thousands of survivors, family members, and others who have been impacted by breast cancer who are genuinely grateful for my efforts. When I walk, I wear the names of those I’ve lost and the survivors on my shirt. It gives me great pleasure to stand up against breast cancer in their memory and honor.”

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Issue 4: October - December 2018

member Appreciation Picnic November 2, 2018

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The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office’s response to a spontaneous civil disruption can be the difference between a peaceful protest and a violent confrontation. The Training Division has placed an emphasis on our deputies’ response to these types of events through various team techniques during the annual in-service training.

These trainings are centered on the emergency response team protocol for quelling civil disruptions and maintaining a peaceful presence. It is specifically geared toward a spontaneous event, such as a protest coordinated via social media within hours of a police involved shooting.

The training begins with a discussion of the types of events that law enforcement may encounter when a spontaneous protest erupts during a regular shift. The deputies receive instruction on ensuring their equipment is in good working order and ready for immediate deployment. After covering equipment readiness, deputies then discuss the types of formations that are necessary to include additional equipment and specific roles within the formations.

Once the formations are implemented, deputies then receive instruction on using vehicles to assist with crowd control or a potential officer rescue situation. The role of each deputy is critical during a response--especially regarding an officer rescue.

In addition, deputies are given a refresher training on the use of tactical casualty care medicine and drags and carries for a rescue extraction. Then, all of these concepts are put into motion with a practical exercise where deputies must implement the various tools of the emergency response team.

Through these discussions and realistic exercises, deputies gain vital tools and knowledge on how to confidently respond to civil disruptions at any moment.

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Issue 4: October - December 2018

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.

OCTOBER 2018

Delores Davis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Joel Emley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Terri Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Chris Hollin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Corporal Paul Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Candance Martin. . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Lieutenant Scott Matthews. . . . . . . . . 15 Years Angela Murin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Corporal Todd Nellenbach. . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Lieutenant Michael Paniagua . . . . . . 15 Years Sergeant Eugene Paniccia III. . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Thomas Sideris. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Shelly Walko. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Deputy Jim Wilhelm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years

Corporal Ryan Maglio, Department of Detention and Corrections - South Division Deputy Greg Maldonado Jr., Patrol Operations Bureau - Central District Beverly McDonald, Department of Detention and Corrections - Commissary/Inmate Welfare Deputy Jeffrey Nelson, Patrol Operations Bureau - Safe Harbor Unit Deputy Dennis Patitz, Patrol Operations Bureau - Central District Deputy Dee Spanolios-Braden, Judicial Operations Bureau - Court Processing Unit Sergeant Linda Willett, Judicial Operations Bureau - Court Processing Unit Deputy Bruce Wilson, Judicial Operations Bureau- Criminal Court Security

Shawn Wilson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years

Deputy Bruce Kendrick. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Years Val Johnston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Ramona Schaefer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Years Deputy Brant Bickford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Corporal Rod Bisson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Nichole Bordner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Sergeant Paul Langlais . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Eric Loveday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Andrew McLane. . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Ken Proctor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Cindy Schaer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years

Carol Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Holly Tsanakaliotis . . . . . . . . . 20 Years Deputy Bo Bauman Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Sergeant Nicholas Bedy . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Corporal Betty Belton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Sergeant George Byrd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years Captain Paul Carey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years

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Dana Zuchetto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Years

RETIREMENTS

Stacy Dennison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years

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.

Tricia Harrell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years Deputy Denise Houghton. . . . . . . . . . . 10 Years

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD OCTOBER 2018 Deputy Keith Baldwin, Patrol Operations Bureau North District Deputy Felisha Barnes,Human Resources Bureau Deputy Clyde Brown, Judicial Operations Bureau Court Processing Unit Stacy Dennison, Public Relations BureauCommunity Programs Deputy Mark Douglas, Investigative Operations Bureau- Narcotics Division Lieutenant Kenneth Euler Jr., Patrol Operations Bureau - Violent Crimes Task Force Deputy Jason Evarts, Patrol Operations Bureau Central District Corporal Doug Gettmann, Investigative Operations Bureau - Criminal Intel Unit Corporal Nick Hammack, Investigative Operations Bureau - Narcotics Division Deputy Sarah Hoke, Human Resources Bureau Corporal Keith Jackson, Patrol Operations Bureau - Mental Health Unit Deputy Brian Kirchgraber, Investigative Operations Bureau - Narcotics Division Deputy Cory List, Investigative Operations Bureau - Narcotics Division Deputy Shawn Livernois, Patrol Operations Bureau - Violent Crimes Task Force

OCTOBER 2018

Sergeant Rafael Albert retired 10/31/2018 after 30 years of service.

James Clapp retired 10/12/2018 after 16 years of service.

Corporal Steven Dennis retired 10/15/2018 after 16 years of service.

Corporal Peter Eigo retired10/22/2018 after 31 years of service.

Lieutenant Jeff Kanehl retired 10/2/2018 after 26 years of service.

Deputy Giovanna Laboy retired 10/1/2018 after 18 years of service.

Alvin Longgood 10/12/2018 after 30 years of service.

Deputy Elizabeth McCluskey retired 10/8/2018 after 13 years of service.

Raphaelita Simon-Robinson retired 12/6/2018 after 18 years of service.

Rita Skutnik retired 12/19/2018 after 5 years of service.

Major Lora Smith retired 12/28/2018 after 29 years of service.

NOVEMBER 2018

Deputy Mark Apostol retired 11/2/2018 after 32 years of service.

Kathleen Bellville retired 11/30/2018 after 26 years of service.

Corporal Mark Farling retired 11/20/2018 after 28 years of service.

Deputy Robert Glynn retired 11/30/2018 after 17 years of service.

Stanley Karnyski retired 11/14/2018 after 23 Deputy Delores Lovett retired 11/28/2018 after 28 years of service.

Deputy Barry Loy retired 11/9/2018 after 47 Deputy Marion Perry Jr. retired 11/19/2018 after 12 years of service.

Deputy Christine Remsen retired 11/14/2018 after 25 years of service.

Deborah Thompson retired 11/13/2018 after 19 years of service.

Deputy Mark Wilder Jr. retired 11/16/2018 after 4 years of service.

DECEMBER 2018

Jamie Bates retired 12/05/2018 after 19 years of service.

Elaine Busher-Bauer, retired 12/27/2018 after 14 years of service.

Stacy Dennison, retired 12/21/2018 after 11 years of service.

Sergeant Christopher Groff retired 12/03/2018 after 32 years of service.

Donald Ishihara retired 12/28/2018 after 8 years of service.

Paula Newton retired 12/26/2018 after 21 years of service.

Deputy John Patrick retired 12/28/2018 after 32 years of service.

Kathleen Rollings retired 12/21/2018 after 8 years of service.

Deputy Michael Stutman retired 12/28/2018 after 19 years of service.

NEW HIRES OCTOBER 2018

Robert Adams, Deputy Recruit hired on 10/15/2018.

Caleb Benjamin, Deputy Recruit hired on 10/15/2018.

Chelsea Craft, A.R.M.S. Data Assistant hired on 10/29/2018.

Michelle de Carion, Public Relations Specialist hired on 10/15/2018.

Christopher Desmarais, Deputy Recruit hired on 10/15/2018.

Travis Dice Deputy Recruit hired on 10/15/2018.

Aubrey Foster, Alternative Sentencing Specialist hired on 10/22/2018.

Dennis Hejl, Deputy Recruit hired on 10/15/2018.

Ian Hondrade, Licensed Practitioner Nurse hired on 10/22/2018.

Kaycie Leaver, Public Safety Telecommunicator hired on 10/29/2018.

Thomas Lockwich, School Crossing Guard hired on 10/22/2018.

Mae March, Licensed Practitioner Nurse hired on 10/22/2018.

Joseph Martin, Deputy Recruit hired on 10/15/2018.

Chuck McGowan, IT Service Manager hired on 10/29/2018.

Nicole Miller, Deputy Recruit hired on 10/15/2018.

Carlton Peterson, School Crossing Guard hired on 10/22/2018.

Dean Sweetapple, School Crossing Guard hired on 10/29/2018.

Paula Szypko, School Crossing Guard hired on 10/22/2018.

Darnell Tucker, Deputy Recruit hired on 10/15/2018.

Sofia Villafane, Criminal Justice Specialist P/T hired on 10/15/2018.

Stephanie Waite, Deputy Recruit hired on 10/15/2018.

NOVEMBER 2018

Robert Blackwood II, Chaplain hired on 11/19/2018.

Deputy Ronald Chalmers, hired on 11/26/2018.

Kandis Fernandez, Senior Administrative Assistant hired on 11/26/2018.

Nicole Lamattina, Criminal Justice Specialist hired on 11/5/2018.

Alisha McLeod, Inmate Property Clerk hired on 11/26/2018.

Kevin Pettit, Criminal Justice Specialist P/T hired on 11/19/2018.

Lena Plancon, Fingerprint Technician hired on 11/13/2018.

James Smith, Criminal Justice SpecialistP/T hired on 11/5/2018.

Heather Temple, Forensic Science Specialist hired on 11/5/2018.

Dorota Wisz, Criminal Justice Specialist P/T 11/5/2018.

DECEMBER 2018

Dan Abbott, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Calvin Batts, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Asia Boyd, Public Safety Telecommunicator hired on 12/17/2018.

Steve Chimeri, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Vanessa Christoff, Public Safety Telecommunicator hired on 12/17/2018.

Chason Connell, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Furham Din, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Marquis Fitzgerald, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Russell Guinn, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

John Lorenz, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Aric Martineau, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Alex Mitchell, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Michael Newton, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Blake Salzman, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Nicholas Simms, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Laura Tutko, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Adam Vaile, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

Cory Vander Molen, Deputy Recruit hired on 12/17/2018.

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Deputy Charles Meehan retired 10/25/2018 after 12 years of service.

Sergeant Paul Monahan retired 10/31/2018 after 30 years of service.

Major Richard Nalven retired 10/3/2018 after 31 years of service.

Mary Ann Valentine retired 10/31/2018 after 24 years of service.

Deputy Scott Vaughan retired 10/2/2018 after 27 years of service.

Issue 4: October - December 2018

PCSO Exhibit Opens at Heritage Village Take a journey into the past of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) by walking right through old jail doors in the Lowe House at Heritage Village in Largo. For years, pieces of our history have lived in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Administration Building. Now we have a larger exhibit that displays more of these items just down the road.

The “Portraits of a Sheriff” gallery starts in 1912 with the first sheriff of Pinellas County, Marvel Whitehurst. The entire display is divided into three eras: The Formative Years (1912-1953), A Changing Force (1953-1972), and A Modern Sheriff’s Office (1972-2018). Visitors can experience the evolution of law enforcement by looking at pictures, reading short stories, and seeing examples of previous equipment.

We have a helmet and uniform from the 1960s, three different squad car lights, and one of our first computers.

In addition to displaying photos of some of our greatest accomplishments, like the narcotics seizure of the 1980s when officers found cocaine inside cedar planks, we also have more lighthearted ones involving community engagement. After “Star Wars” came out in 1977, the sheriff’s office used Darth Vader in schools to encourage kids to stay safe and prevent crime.

From establishing our first canine unit to hiring the first female patrol deputy, PCSO invites you to take part in our rich history filled with heroism, hardship, and humor.

Heritage Village is free to the public and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Beneficiary Forms It is extremely important that all members keep their life insurance beneficiaries up to date. Oftentimes, members list a beneficiary when they begin employment but do not update the form after life-changing events, such as marriage, divorce, or the death of the original beneficiary listed.

Updating your beneficiary forms will ensure that whomever you intended to receive your life insurance benefits will in fact receive those benefits in the event of your death.

At this time we are asking all members to update their beneficiary forms. They are located online at: http://pcso/agency/forms/ AgencyForms/Forms/Benefits.aspx2-2835.

Carrier Name

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Sworn

Non-Sworn

Deferred Compensation

Deferred Comp Beneficiary form

Form Name

X

X

Fiscal: Payroll@pcsonet.com Fax: 727-582-5858

Send to:

Federal Insurance Company

Federal Insurance Company Accidental Death and Dismemberment Beneficiary form

X

N/A

HR Benefits: InsuranceBenefits@pcsonet.com Fax: 727-582-2835

Florida Deputy Sheriff’s Association (FDSA)

FL Deputy Sheriff’s Association Death and Dismemberment Beneficiary Form

X

X

HR Benefits: InsuranceBenefits@pcsonet.com Fax: 727-582-2835

Florida Retirement System (FRS)

FRS Beneficiary Form - Investment Plan

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X

Must be faxed to: 1-888-310-5559

Florida Retirement System (FRS)

FRS Beneficiary Form - Pension

X

X

Must be faxed to: 1-888-310-5559

United Healthcare

United Healthcare Beneficiary Form

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X

HR Benefits: InsuranceBenefits@pcsonet.com Fax: 727-582-2835

For questions regarding Florida Retirement System (FRS) beneficiaries, please contact the FRS directly at 866-466-9377. For questions regarding any other beneficiary forms, please contact HR Benefits at 727-582-2835.

Congratulations to the members who were recognized by community groups.

Corporal Charlie Tita Bright Star Law Enforcement Deputy of the Quarter Award On June 16, 2018, Lieutenant Wagner, Sergeant Trump, and Corporal Tita were returning to the marine facility when they heard the U.S. Coast Guard on the radio speak of a diving incident aboard an inbound vessel. They determined that it was about 16 miles offshore, moving at a low speed. Sergeant Trump and Corporal Tita contacted the Coast Guard and let them know that they would respond. Corporal Tita’s experience on the water was evident as he quickly gathered the necessary coordinates and turned Marine 3 westbound, reaching speeds up to 50 mph to intercept the vessel. They found a 67-year-old man slumped over on a lower deck trying to administer oxygen to himself while his wife captained the vessel.

Using his vast scuba experience, Corporal Tita was able to determine he was suffering from a severe case of the bends. Sergeant Trump and Corporal Tita decided that Sergeant Trump would remain on the vessel with the patient’s wife to assist her while Corporal Tita and Lieutenant Wagner rushed the man to shore. Corporal Tita coordinated emergency medical services and other units via radio to meet Marine 3 at the John’s Pass Marina. Thanks to Corporal Tita’s advanced marine experience and swift actions, the patient went on to make a full recovery.

Intelligence Led Policing Supervisor Ciara Manns Bright Star Support Person of the Quarter Award As a result of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the Florida legislature passed comprehensive legislation to prevent future shootings.

A part of that legislation required Florida schools to conduct security risk assessments within a very short period of time. All Pinellas County law enforcement agencies partnered with the Pinellas County School Board to accomplish this within the summer of 2018. The process was rigorous and had a lot of moving parts, but the results of 141 elementary, middle, and high schools had to be summarized and analyzed into a single report for distribution. Manns was chosen as the point person to work through the compiled data and build the report. She developed training documents to distribute to all participants and made herself available to answer any questions. Manns also took the lead among the analysts from other local agencies to ensure they were completing their respective assessments in a timely manner.

As the deadline approached, Manns worked tirelessly through the demanding project while ensuring her staff, and other responsibilities within the unit, were taken care of. The final report was deemed a comprehensive and successful analysis and was distributed to agency heads.

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Deputy Kevin Carey & Deputy Timothy McTaggart North Pinellas Republican Club 2018 First Responders Award On October 18, 2018, Deputy Kevin Carey approached the intersection of U.S. 19 North and Nebraska Avenue in Palm Harbor when he observed unusually heavy traffic and a Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus stopped in the southbound lanes, blocking the roadway.

Deputy Carey quickly communicated the traffic collision to dispatch and requested assistance at the scene. As he exited his patrol car, multiple bystanders screamed for help, yelling that there was a person on the bus who was not breathing. When he arrived, he saw the driver had a blue face and was slumped over the wheel. Deputy Carey took the driver’s pulse and observed that he was unconscious and not breathing, and quickly advised dispatch of his medical condition. With the help of bystanders, Deputy Carey laid the man in the center aisle of the bus as Deputy Timothy McTaggart arrived on scene to assist.

Deputy McTaggart performed chest compressions while Deputy Carey provided rescue breaths until Palm Harbor Fire Rescue arrived and relieved the deputies. Sunstar Paramedics transported the driver to Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor, where he received emergency medical treatment. Deputy Carey’s and Deputy McTaggart’s exemplary actions were instrumental in saving the bus driver’s life.

Issue 4: October - December 2018

December 1, 2018

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The saga of how the bloodhounds arrived at our agency remains one of our most popular legacies. Before the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office had a Canine Unit, some very important canines were instrumental in forming a pattern of excellence for law enforcement.

In the ’50s and ’60s, prior to German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois being recognized as the standard dog breeds for police work, bloodhounds were revered for their keen sense of smell and determination.

The dogs were used to track missing persons, lost children, escaped prisoners, and subsequently became very well known in Pinellas County.

The most famous dogs were Spotlight and his brother, Blackjack. They became the favorites of the media as did their handlers: Captain Carl McMullen, Deputy Gary Stevenson, and Deputy Don Anderson. The story of how they started with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department (at the time, PCSO was a department) is as fascinating as their reputation.

At a prison road camp outside of Floral City, there was a male bloodhound named Bimbo. He was a champion tracker and was used by the facility to deter escapees and find them if they ran away.

One day, two prisoners decided to escape and take Bimbo with them to lessen their chances of being found. They stole a car and drove to Pinellas County. When they got here, they abandoned both the car and Bimbo. The deputy who worked the case knew that Capt. McMullen had bloodhounds on his nine-acre ranch in Clearwater, so he informed him of the abandoned dog. These were the days before K9 compounds and animal shelters, so Capt. McMullen brought Bimbo to his home. When Bimbo met his female bloodhound Peggy, a romance began. Their pups Spotlight and Blackjack were born in September of 1960.

Information/photos provided by PCSO Archive Historian Penny Cooke.

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DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT

If you never changed your vehicle’s oil, eventually it would stop running and you wouldn’t be able to drive to work. In the same way, the Specialist Unit ensures that various operational areas of the jail run smoothly so that the deputies who work there can perform their duties well.

The Specialist Unit provides support to the jail through laundry services, special event setup and tear down, maintenance of common areas and equipment, and supply storage and distribution.

It consists of one corporal, nine deputies, and five criminal justice specialists. Though this unit is small, its reach is broad.

Each member is charged with properly training and supervising work crews of approximately 20 inmates at a time. These work crews paint the North, South, and Central Divisions, landscape the entire jail compound, clean, perform small repairs, assist with special events, and stock supplies as needed.

“The Specialist Unit is the glue that holds the Department of Detention and Corrections together,” Captain Scott Kremser said. “It saves the agency money by completing all the work inhouse instead of using outside services.”

The Specialist Unit is tasked with virtually unlimited requests ranging from building new podiums for read-off rooms, digging graves at Forensics for cadaver classroom instruction, all the way to maintaining the department’s small engines—like lawn mowers and back-up generators.

One of the largest areas of the Specialist Unit is the laundry team. Although the new tunnel washer does most of the work of cleaning the bedding, clothes, and towels, nine to 14 inmates

must load the wet items into the dryers, fold them afterwards, and then separate them according to type and size. The tunnel washer can do 70 loads in just four hours, helping clothe approximately 3,000 inmates a week.

Besides being responsible for very large tasks like this, the Specialist Unit also performs varying random, crucial tasks like cleaning the hurricane water supply tanks, building furniture, and assisting other agency components outside the Department of Detention and Corrections.

“Many of the inmate workers that are assigned to the specialists learn a variety of skills ranging from painting, building furniture, electronics repair, framing, roofing, and small engine maintenance,” Lieutenant Roland Philipson said. “The skills they learn are transferrable to employment opportunities for those inmates who genuinely apply themselves.”

In the past year, the Specialist Unit has gone through a number of changes due to the implementation of the new infrastructure building. Many of the specialists’ work areas have been upgraded, which has increased morale. In addition, with the collaborative effort required among the group to maintain the new building, the unit has become more team-oriented.

“In addition to the other positive aspects of detention work, the specialists find it rewarding to apply the skills that have been developed through off-duty training or life experience in the work place,” Lieutenant Roland Philipson said.

Without the Specialist Unit, the Pinellas County Jail would not be the well-oiled machine that it is today.

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.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office PAGE

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10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778 727-582-6200 • www.pcsoweb.com