The concept for the Shared Asset Program was developed in 2019 by Sheriff Gualtieri, Pinellas County Sheriff.  Since then, sheriffs’ interest in receiving support from the Florida Sheriffs Association for assets that can be shared regionally for search and rescue, emergency, and coordinated law enforcement efforts has grown tremendously.  What is fascinating is that beyond the interest in receiving assets, is the recognition of sheriffs to also donate high dollar assets to the program.

This January, Sheriff Gualtieri, Immediate Past President and Pinellas County Sheriff, donated two large boats to the Shared Asset Program to be awarded to other sheriffs in need.  While the program was not designed for this purpose, the processes in place ensure that the equipment will remain in use and will benefit another community.  So this year, there were really two great contributions under the this grant program: these two boats and the $800,000 that was awarded directly to 16 sheriffs’ offices!

This special grant cycle resulted in two boats, a 29’ Boston Whaler and a 27’ Contender, being awarded to Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison and Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook.  These two offices demonstrated a need that matched the abilities of the vessels.

Sheriff Harrison shared this comment with us: “This is a much needed asset for our agency.  Since submitting the application, we had to commandeer a boat to help a boater in distress.” 

In addition to the donation, the Sheriff Gualtieri offered to transport these vessels to the recipient sheriffs.  This effort has truly demonstrated the concept of ensuring all of Florida’s communities are protected by the collective efforts of the Sheriffs of Florida.

 29’ Boston Whaler

• Manufactured and acquired in 1995
• Hull material – Fiberglass
• Hull condition – Good
• Twin outboard 300HP Yamaha engines
• 1,375 total engine hours. Estimated engine life at least 3,000 hours
• Depending on use, several years of service life remaining
• Enclosed Cabin – all weather vessel
• This vessel will come equipped with emergency lights, Garmin radar dome, Garmin touch screen, FLIR, and spotlight.

27’ Contender

• Manufactured and acquired in 2005
• Hull material – Fiberglass
• Hull condition – Good
• Twin outboard 200HP Yamaha engines
• 1,565 total engine hours. Estimated engine life at least 3,000 hours
• Estimated to have at least 5 years of service remaining
• The vessel will come equipped with emergency lights, Garmin radar dome, and Garmin touch screen display