Tallahassee, Fla. (July 11, 2025) – Sheriff deputies and personnel representing 36 Florida sheriffs’ offices graduated from the Florida Sheriffs Association’s (FSA) prestigious Commanders Academy. The Commanders Academy is an exceptionally informative and educational experience that is vital for the next generation of public safety leaders. The Commanders Academy has become recognized as the premier course of executive study for mid to upper-level criminal justice leaders.

The core curriculum emphasizes leadership development, ethical decision-making, professional discipline, and key topics essential for upper-level law enforcement leadership. The program evolves to address emerging challenges, trends, and high-profile events that impact today’s sheriffs. Each session integrates content specific to the unique responsibilities and culture of the Office of Sheriff. Over the two-week academy, participants engage with more than 50 distinguished speakers and panelists—many of whom are active sheriffs—offering unmatched insight and experience. No other program in Florida delivers this caliber of executive-level training for law enforcement leaders.

“The Florida Sheriffs Commanders Academy continues to set the standard for leadership development in law enforcement,” said FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Graduates of this program walk away with more than just knowledge—they gain the tools, perspective, and confidence needed to lead with integrity and adapt to the evolving challenges of our profession. These 36 individuals represent the next generation of public safety leaders, and I have no doubt they will make a lasting impact in their communities and across our state.”

FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan said, “The Commanders Academy is a cornerstone of excellence within Florida’s law enforcement community. It empowers our future leaders with the critical thinking, ethical foundation, and practical strategies needed to lead with confidence and integrity. By learning directly from experienced sheriffs and subject matter experts, these graduates are equipped to meet today’s challenges and help set a new benchmark for leadership in public safety, both in Florida and across the nation.”

In addition to successfully completing the training course, Commanders Academy Class 17 also raised over $106,320 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.

• Baker Sheriff’s Office Director Thomas Dyal Jr.
• Bradford Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Shaun Burgin
• Broward Sheriff’s Office Major Jonathan Brown
• Calhoun Sheriff’s Office Captain John Scheetz
• Charlotte Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Melissa Cheng
• Collier Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Morgan Rogers
• Columbia Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Tim Ball
• DeSoto Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Michael Bellflower
• Flagler Sheriff’s Office Commander Ryan Emery
• Hardee Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Will Cartwright
• Hendry Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Stephen Kirkby
• Hernando Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Michael O’Brien
• Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Saraque Stokes
• Indian River Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Mathieu Zincir
• Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Commander Charles Ford
• Lee Sheriff’s Office Commander Thomas Flynn
• Leon Sheriff’s Office Captain Melinda Henderson
• Levy Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Zachary Hinkofer
• Marion Sheriff’s Office Captain Bryan Nix
• Martin Sheriff’s Office Captain Matthew Immordino
• Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Vernon Williams
• Monroe Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Michael DiGiovanni
• Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Joseph Gordon
• Orange Sheriff’s Office Captain Mark Conner
• Osceola Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Adrienne Jennings
• Pasco Sheriff’s Office Captain Jason Sarne
• Pinellas Sheriff’s Office Director Jason Malpass
• Putnam Sheriff’s Office Captain Stacey Dowling
• Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Captain William Amos
• Sarasota Sheriff’s Office Captain Jeffrey Lane
• Seminole Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Patrick Smith
• St. Johns Sheriff’s Office Commander Joshua Underwood
• St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office Captain Robert Barton
• Sumter Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Larry Thompson
• Wakulla Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant David Pienta
• Walton Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant James Pitman

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About Florida Sheriffs Association: 
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 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 has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It 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 www.flsheriffs.org.