Today, sheriff deputies and personnel representing 34 Florida sheriffs’ offices graduated from the Florida Sheriffs Association’s prestigious Commanders Academy. The Commanders Academy is an exceptionally informative and educational experience that is vital for public safety leaders of the next generation. The 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.

“The Commanders Academy, having graduated its eighth class, has been recognized as the top course of executive study program for our criminal justice leaders,” said FSA President and Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter. “This training program prepares commanders for senior leadership in today’s most effective policing.”

“Our sheriffs, along with their commanders, deputies, and staff are the best men and women in their profession. We are always training and improving, and the Commanders Academy is one of the reasons that Florida’s sheriffs set the bar for the nation,” said Steve Casey, executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Association.

In addition to successfully completing this two-week training course, Commanders Academy Class 8 also raised $42,036.30 for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. This generous donation will help support the mission of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches in preventing delinquency and to develop lawful, resilient and productive citizens. The Florida Sheriffs Association would like to congratulate all the graduates of the 2019 Commanders Academy.

FSA Commanders Academy Class VIII:

• Sergeant Scott Ulrich, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
• Sergeant Tracie Benton, Baker County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant David Higgins, Bay County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Kevin Mueller, Bradford County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Adrienne Philpart, Broward County Sheriff’s Office
• Captain Ryan Glaze, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office
• Assistant Chief Keith Smith, Clay County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Jeremiah Carroll, Collier County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Don A. Meyer, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Jose Raya, DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office
• Captain Dawn Elizabeth Janes, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
• Chief Christopher Sepe, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
• Captain Gary Martina, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
• Captain Bobby Joe Green, Highlands County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Justin Knott, Indian River County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Michael W. Marden, Lake County Sheriff’s Office
• Captain Grady Jordan, Leon County Sheriff’s Office
• Chief Deputy John A. Summers, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office
• Captain William Gonzalez, Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Randy Thomas, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office
• Director Bryan J. Rintoul, Orange County Sheriff’s Office
• Captain Timothy C. Pupke, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Jarine Gordon-Rudolph, Polk County Sheriff’s Office
• Captain Kenneth Parden, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Mark James, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office
• Captain David Scott, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Miguel Sierra, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
• Commander Kevin Cronin, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Stephen Sigmon, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office
• Sergeant Jake Greene, Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office
• Chief Deputy Marty Tompkins, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Corey Piser, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Jeremy W. Johnston, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office
• Lieutenant Chris Lehman, Walton County Sheriff’s Office

For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Commanders Academy, visit: https://www.flsheriffs.org/law-enforcement-programs/training/commanders-academy

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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 steadfastly 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.