Tallahassee, Fla. (February 3, 2016) – The Florida Sheriffs Association announced that Deputy Julie Sienko of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office has been selected as the 2016 Corrections Officer of the Year. The award, presented each year at the FSA Winter Conference, is given to one corrections officer who has demonstrated exemplary service in the line of duty.

Deputy Sienko is well-known for her outstanding work ethic and consistent efforts to better those around her. She began her career with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office seven years ago, working in nearly all areas of the facility. During this time, Deputy Sienko has become a vital member of the office. She is known to assist in the training of new employees though she is not an assigned field training officer, and has personally thought of various ways to improve the quality of life for both staff and inmates at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility through her dedication, volunteer work and numerous process improvement methods.

Deputy Sienko goes above and beyond to contribute to a humane environment in the correctional facility by regularly encouraging inmates to make positive changes in their lives, ensuring that all inmates are treated with fairness and respect and even personally purchasing more than 100 books for the inmate library.

“Deputy Sienko shows that she has a passion for learning new things and improving old ones,” said Sergeant Michael R. Clement Jr. “She works hard to find new and improved methods to benefit everyone and is quick to share her passion with others.”

During 2015, Deputy Sienko was awarded both American Jail Association Correctional Officer of the Year and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Robert Moore Award for excellence in Corrections. In addition to her extensive accreditations and dedication to the field, Deputy Sienko devotes her free time to serving others. This is most recently displayed by her sponsoring the education of two under-privileged children in the Dominican Republic. Deputy Sienko took it upon herself to practice Spanish in order to communicate with the children, and then visited them while on a week-long medical mission trip to the country.

“Her dedication to others is a credit to herself and is in keeping with the highest standards of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office,” said Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger. “I am grateful to have Deputy Julie Sienko working for our agency.”

For her dedicated service, the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Star & Shield Group have named Deputy Julie Sienko the 2016 Corrections Officer of the Year. During their annual winter conference banquet, Sienko was given a standing ovation from the 500-plus law enforcement attendees and their supporters.

For more than six years, Star & Shield Insurance has been dedicated to providing personal lines insurance services to the Public Safety Community and their families.

Watch Deputy Sienko’s spotlight video here: https://youtu.be/-fTa5NJMz1Q

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About Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of Florida’s Sheriffs, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has quietly 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 both established and continues to fund the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. The Florida Sheriffs Association 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.

About the Star & Shield Insurance:
Star & Shield Insurance is dedicated to providing personal lines insurance services to the Public Safety Community and their families. Our flagship carrier, Star & Shield Insurance Exchange, is a member-owned insurance company providing competitively priced personal auto insurance with specific coverage and discounts designed for public safety professionals. Star & Shield Insurance also represents other leading insurance companies for auto, homeowners, renters, rental homes, boats, RVs and motorcycles. Star & Shield Insurance is committed to providing great coverage, service and value to those who put their lives on the line every day. For more information, visit www.starandshield.com.

For more information:
Nanette Schimpf, APR, CPRC            
Moore Communications Group
850-224-0174 work
850-528-2639 cell