Tallahassee, Fla. (April 24, 2026) – Sheriff deputies and personnel representing 40 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. 

“Strong leadership is the foundation of effective public safety,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma. “The Florida Sheriffs Commanders Academy continues to set a high standard for leadership development, and the 40 graduates of Class 18 have taken an important step in their leadership journey through the Commanders Academy. They leave this program ready to lead with confidence and uphold the values that define Florida’s sheriffs.” 

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 18 also raised $83,200 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. 

• Alachua Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Eric Hester  
• Baker Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant David Mancini Jr.  
• Bradford Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Jason Smith  
• Calhoun Sheriff’s Office – Captain Hunter Chason  
• Charlotte Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Michael Marsh  
• Citrus Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Joshua Canupp  
• Clay Sheriff’s Office – Assistant Chief Ashley Barber  
• Columbia Sheriff’s Office – Sergeant Sean Sikes  
• Dixie Sheriff’s Office – Captain Timmy Roberts  
• Escambia Sheriff’s Office – Captain Ryan Robinson  
• Flagler Sheriff’s Office – Chief Agustin Rodriguez  
• Franklin Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Steve James  
• Hamilton Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Jason Golub  
• Hendry Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Kristy Archer  
• Hernando Sheriff’s Office – Director Kinsey Boylan  
• Indian River Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant James Dixon  
• Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office – Commander Edward Rodgers  
• Lee Sheriff’s Office – Captain Christopher Fine  
• Leon Sheriff’s Office – Captain Jason Glover  
• Liberty Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant William Buckhalt  
• Manatee Sheriff’s Office – Captain Bradley Johnson  
• Marion Sheriff’s Office – Captain Dustin Bowers  
• Martin Sheriff’s Office – Captain Jennifer Perkins  
• Monroe Sheriff’s Office – Director Paul Bean  
• Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Michael Smith  
• Okeechobee Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Matthew Hurst  
• Orange Sheriff’s Office – Captain Donald Woods  
• Pasco Sheriff’s Office – Captain Robert Rogers  
• Pinellas Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Amanda Hyams  
• Polk Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Joseph Williams  
• Putnam Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Kagen Butts  
• Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Jerry Nash  
• Sarasota Sheriff’s Office – Captain Adam Kaskey  
• Seminole Sheriff’s Office – Sergeant Jarritt Negri  
• St. Johns Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Zach Cooke  
• St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Matthew Briglia  
• Sumter Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Michael Ross  
• Suwannee Sheriff’s Office – Sergeant Chris Frost  
• Union Sheriff’s Office – Captain Daniel “Lyn” Williams  
• Walton Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant James Maloy 

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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.