Tallahassee, Fla. (April 11, 2016) – This past Friday, the Florida Sheriffs Association graduated 30 deputies from its prestigious Commanders Academy. This two-week program started on March 7 and reconvened for its final week on April 4, 2016. The Commanders Academy is an exceptionally informative and educational experience that is essential for the next generation of leaders. The Commanders Academy provides a comprehensive curriculum and offers programs on leadership skills, business and personal ethics, management training and other topics that relate to the law enforcement profession. These forward-thinking classes prepare commanders for an exceptional career in the service of their communities.

The Florida Sheriffs Association would like to congratulate all 30 graduates of the 2016 Commanders Academy.

FSA Commanders Academy Class IV:

• Lieutenant Kevin Arnold, Jackson County
• Captain Rod Bishop, Collier County
• Lieutenant Vincent Bosco, Seminole County
• Captain Sheryl Brown, Gilchrist County
• Lieutenant Mark Buffington, Indian River County
• Lieutenant Eric Burke, Charlotte County
• Lieutenant Chris Cicio, St. Lucie County
• Captain Michael Dieppa, Miami-Dade County
• Director Nancy Duggan, Pinellas County
• Watch Commander Luis Fernandez, Sumter County
• Lieutenant Mike Fisher, Osceola County
• Assistant Chief Lawrence Gayle, Duval County
• Captain Neal Glassman, Broward County
• Lieutenant Shawn Gordon, Clay County
• Lieutenant Robert Holloway, Columbia County
• Commander Oscar Jiggetts, Walton County
• Lieutenant Kenny Johnson, Highlands County
• Lieutenant Shawn Lee, St. Johns County
• Captain Bruce McMullen, Orange County
• Captain David Parisi, Sarasota County
• Commander Brian Pasquariello, Flagler County
• Lieutenant Ronald Patton, Lake County
• Lieutenant John Richman, Alachua County
• Captain Steve Rose, Putnam County
• Captain Todd Shear, Manatee County
• Lieutenant John Shivers, Hardee County
• Asst. Jail Administrator Joshua Skipper, Washington County
• Watch Commander Jon Slebos, Nassau County
• Chief Brad Smith, Bradford County
• Sergeant Gary Venuti, Okaloosa County

“The Commanders Academy is another way we help the Florida offices of Sheriff be the best in the nation. Bringing relevant techniques and expertise by well respected trainers gives our command staff the foundation for continued success,” said Steve Casey, executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Association.

For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Commanders Academy, go to http://www.flsheriffs.org/training/commanders-academy/. 

The 2016 Commanders Academy graduating class in front of the Florida Sheriffs Association headquarters.

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The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of Florida’s Sheriffs, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has quietly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law-enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA both established and continues to fund the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. The Florida Sheriffs Association has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit [url=http://www.flsheriffs.org]http://www.flsheriffs.org[/url].