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 focuses on leadership, ethics, discipline, and additional subject matter areas related to upper-level leadership in law enforcement. The remaining curriculum is adjusted according to emerging trends and issues that have an impact on our sheriffs and recent high-profile events. Each topic is threaded with issues that are unique to the culture of the Office of Sheriff. Throughout the two-week course, the class hears from more than 50 presenters and panelists, many of whom are sheriffs. No other criminal justice program in the state provides this level of executive training.

“Through rigorous training and an unyielding pursuit of excellence, these 36 participants have honed their leadership skills, enhanced their problem-solving abilities, and upheld the highest standards of ethical conduct. Armed with these exceptional qualities, they are ready to lead with distinction,” said FSA President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. “As we celebrate the achievements of the 2024 Commanders Academy graduates, we applaud their dedication to excellence and steadfast commitment to serving their communities with integrity and courage.”

FSA Executive Director Steve Casey said, “By upholding the highest standards of conduct and accountability, the Commanders Academy empowers graduates to excel as leaders and protectors. This Academy is a beacon of excellence within Florida’s law enforcement community, dedicated to fostering professional growth. It equips our commanders with cutting-edge strategies and tactics to meet evolving public safety challenges. Their ability to translate insights from seasoned experts into real-world applications not only enhances Florida’s sheriffs’ offices but also establishes a national standard for protection, leadership, and unity.”

In addition to successfully completing the training course, Commanders Academy Class 15 also raised more than $74,682 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.

• Lieutenant Richard Howell, Alachua County
• Lieutenant Christopher Shuman, Bay County
• Lieutenant Joseph Etter, Broward County
• Lieutenant Christopher Baras, Charlotte County
• Lieutenant David Drucks, Collier County
• Sergeant Steven Khachigan, Columbia County
• Lieutenant Tony Lopresto, Dixie County
• Commander Joseph Barile, Flagler County
• Lieutenant TJ Carroll, Franklin County
• Lieutenant Rebecca Cumbie, Gilchrist County
• Sergeant Jerome Williams, Gulf County
• Lieutenant James Hall, Hardee County
• Lieutenant Brandon Cox, Hernando County
• Sergeant Waylon Welch, Holmes County
• Lieutenant Christopher Reeve, Indian River County
• Assist. Chief Harry Massey, Jacksonville County
• Sergeant Brian Forst, Lake County
• Captain Ryan Lowe, Lee County
• Lieutenant Torrance Henderson, Leon County
• Major Beatrice Livingston, Madison County
• Lieutenant Carlton Curtis, Marion County
• Lieutenant Olenka Ryan-Guerra, Miami-Dade County
• Lieutenant Lance McConnell, Nassau County
• Lieutenant Rodney Owens, Okaloosa County
• Captain Antorrio Wright, Orange County
• Lieutenant Nicholas Bardis, Osceola County
• Lieutenant Josh Kushel, Palm Beach County
• Lieutenant Brandon Harvey, Pinellas County
• Lieutenant Tex Thomas, Polk County
• Captain David Blount, Putnam County
• Lieutenant Robert Sample, Santa Rosa County
• Captain Debra Kiner, Sarasota County
• Lieutenant Jose Jimenez, St. Johns
• Sergeant Aaron Wintz, St. Lucie County
• Sergeant Wayne Kelly, Suwannee County
• Lieutenant Callie Locklear, Walton County

###

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.