For Immediate Release

December 14, 2012 (Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Sheriffs Association, to preserve years of historical knowledge and share best practices, founded the New Sheriffs Institute and has concluded its 2012 training of the newly-elected sheriffs across the state. The program is held every four years following elections and provides critical resources and training for the newly elected sheriffs and their command staff. This program allows Sheriffs-Elect to learn about the varied and robust operations of a Sheriff’s Office. This year’s class consisted of:

• Brevard – Sheriff-Elect Wayne Ivey
• Broward – Sheriff-Elect Scott Israel
• Calhoun – Sheriff-Elect Glenn Kimbrel
• Charlotte – Sheriff-Elect William Prummell
• Flagler – Sheriff-Elect Jim Manfre
• Franklin – Sheriff-Elect Mike Mock
• Gilchrist – Sheriff-Elect Robert “Bobby” Schultz
• Gulf – Sheriff-Elect Mike Harrison 
• Levy – Sheriff-Elect Bobby McCallum
• Liberty – Sheriff-Elect Nick Finch
• Marion – Sheriff-Elect Chris Blair
• Martin – Sheriff-Elect William Snyder
• Monroe – Sheriff-Elect Rick Ramsay
• Nassau – Sheriff-Elect Bill Leeper
• Wakulla – Sheriff-Elect Charlie Creel

“The New Sheriffs Institute is one of the greatest resources for our sheriffs,” said FSA Executive Director Steve Casey. “We have put together an exceptional program to bring years of historical knowledge that captures the responsibility and essence of what it means to be a sheriff.”

The six-day program was held December 2–7, 2012 and was kicked off with a Remembering Our Roots Ceremony held at the FSA Law Enforcement Memorial Wall. The sheriffs-elect then spent the rest of the week learning about a variety of topics from industry professionals. Topics ranged from maintaining the integrity of the badge and dealing with personnel issues to their role in the legislative process and providing county jail services. The New Sheriffs Institute is also where they receive their Florida Sheriffs Manual, a 345-page reference tool that many sheriffs use on a daily basis. The week was capped off with a trip to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches’ main campus in Suwannee County.

“This Institute provides a new sheriff with the essentials, from operational issues to administrative demands, legal mandates to liability management,” said FSA President and Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton. “This training is a great way to become familiar with all the responsibilities and authority that come with being a new sheriff. It’s essentially managing a business that is accountable for the welfare and safety of its’ citizens.”

There were also several re-elected sheriffs who used the New Sheriffs Institute as an opportunity to get refreshed on different aspects, be proactive and take advantage of the educational opportunities offered at the event. Staying up to date with the latest trends and best practices within law enforcement is an important part of being sheriff. The New Sheriffs Institute provides sheriffs with all the skills needed to continue to lead, protect and unite their citizens.

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