Every year, the Florida Sheriffs Association is the host of two widely attended sheriffs’ conferences. This year’s second event, the Sheriffs 2022 Summer Conference, was held on July 24 – 27 at the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate in Osceola County. Sheriff Marcos Lopez and his team were gracious hosts. 

The conference is attended by sheriffs throughout the state each year, but with nearly 500 attendees, it’s also enjoyed by command staff, office personnel, law enforcement agency officials, sponsors, partners, exhibitors, elected officials and guests. It is always dynamic and packed with opportunities for continuing education, association news, important law enforcement updates and networking. Here are a few highlights of this year’s FSA Sheriffs Summer Conference. 

Education and Training 

Sheriffs at this year’s conference received valuable education and training. Panelists presented on the topics of accreditation, mental health, risk management, electronic monitoring and ethical decision-making. Speakers included U.S. Senator Tim Scott, Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Eric Hall, 33-year law enforcement veteran Gordon Graham and Kevin Guthrie, director, Florida Division of Emergency Management. 

In addition, bestselling author and speaker Matt Griffin brought forward the tough conversation around PTSD, taking a deep dive into mental health topics and sharing his own personal story. 

Important Updates 

Another important aspect of the annual conference is the opportunity to hear updates from agencies across the state (and beyond). This year, attendees received updates from Senate President Wilton Simpson and Acting FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass, who broke down his vision for the present and future of FDLE. 

Attendees also received specific law enforcement-related messages from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, and various sheriffs throughout the state.  

Awards and Recognition 

The Awards Banquet offers some of the most touching moments of the conference. Each year, awards are presented to individuals deemed to have gone above and beyond in the field. The 2022 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year was Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Crista Rainey, who was honored for her great skill and composure in saving the life of a young woman on two separate occasions. The 2022 Civilian of the Year was Orange County Sheriff’s Office Field Service Officer David Grassi, who was honored posthumously for the powerful impact he had on his agency and the ultimate sacrifice he made to serve his community. Nancy Grassi accepted the award on behalf of her late husband. 

In addition to these distinguished awards, the 2021-22 FSA President Sheriff Bobby McCallum and FSA Legislative Chair Sheriff Bob Gualtieri presented U.S. Senator Tim Scott with the FSA National Legislative Champion Award, which recognizes legislators who have made significant contributions to public safety that impact our entire nation. 

Sponsors and Services 

Those who attended this year’s conference also had the opportunity to meet with vendors and FSA partners. These vendors provide vital products and services to law enforcement across the state. 

Florida’s Best in Law Enforcement 

Each year, the Sheriffs Summer Conference brings together Florida’s best in the field of law enforcement to participate in networking, training and planning. It is a valuable time to reflect on the values and goals of the association, and to recognize those who unite in purpose and voice for the protection of Florida’s citizens and visitors. 

If you are interested in more information regarding the sheriffs’ conference, please visit this page to sign up for alerts when information becomes available. In the meantime, you can also subscribe to our free weekly e-Newsletter to learn about other upcoming FSA events.