Tallahassee, Fla. (September 4, 2026) – Sheriff deputies and personnel representing 41 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. 

“Good leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It takes preparation, experience and a commitment to doing what is right,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President and Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods. “The Commanders Academy gives these leaders the tools and knowledge they need to step up and lead their agencies. The graduates have put in the work, and I’m proud to see them take this next step. They have a responsibility to their agencies, their communities and the people they serve, and I know they will carry that responsibility with integrity.” 

FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan said, “The Commanders Academy prepares the next generation of Florida law enforcement leaders to lead with confidence, integrity, and sound judgment. Learning directly from experienced sheriffs and subject matter experts gives participants the knowledge and practical tools they need to address today’s challenges and lead their agencies effectively.” 

In addition to successfully completing the training course, Commanders Academy Class 19 also raised $65,767.28 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 Sandra Myers 
• Bay Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant David Ward 
• Bradford Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Andrew Johnson 
• Brevard Sheriff’s Office – Major Jason Drinkwater 
• Broward Sheriff’s Office – Captain Kelly Stull 
• Charlotte Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Richard McDonald 
• Citrus Sheriff’s Office – Captain Matthew Baird 
• Clay Sheriff’s Office – Chief Larry Henry 
• Columbia Sheriff’s Office – Sergeant Renee Lents 
• Dixie Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Scott Harden 
• Flagler Sheriff’s Office – Commander Rob Tarczewski 
• Gadsden Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Stacey Youmans 
• Gilchrist Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Garth Frier 
• Glades Sheriff’s Office – Staff Sergeant Stacie Murray 
• Hamilton Sheriff’s Office – Captain Jackie Morgan 
• Hernando Sheriff’s Office – Communications Director Samantha Johnson 
• Indian River Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Michael Raia 
• Jackson Sheriff’s Office – Sergeant Brian Davis 
• Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office – Commander Jacob “Jake” Vorpahl 
• Lee Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Kurtis Calhoun 
• Leon Sheriff’s Office – Captain LaCarra James 
• Levy Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Paul Johnson 
• Liberty Sheriff’s Office – Captain Heath Cutshaw 
• Madison Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Odell Livingston 
• Marion Sheriff’s Office – Captain Ryan Robbins 
• Martin Sheriff’s Office – Captain Joseph Collazo 
• Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office – Major John M. Barrow 
• Monroe Sheriff’s Office – Captain Lissette Quintero 
• Nassau Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Garland Rhoden 
• Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office – Captain Michael Rader 
• Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office – Captain Ryan Miller 
• Pinellas Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Stephanie Thornton 
• Polk Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Carlton Turner 
• Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Christopher Butler 
• Sarasota Sheriff’s Office – Captain Brian James 
• St. Johns Sheriff’s Office – Commander George Harrigan 
• St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Robert Pettit 
• Suwannee Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Bubba Harris 
• Volusia Sheriff’s Office – Lieutenant Omar Bello 
• Walton Sheriff’s Office – Sergeant Brandon Coone 
• Washington Sheriff’s Office – Investigator Justin Jenkins  

# # #

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.