Florida Sheriffs Association Announces Commanders Academy Class of 15 Class of 2024 – Charlotte County Sheriff's Office

May 24, 2024 – Tallahassee, Florida

Sheriff's deputies and staff representing 36 Florida sheriff's offices are graduates of 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 leading executive education program for mid- to senior-level criminal justice leaders.

The core curriculum focuses on leadership, ethics, discipline, and other areas related to senior-level leadership in law enforcement. The remainder of the program is adjusted based on emerging trends and issues impacting our sheriffs and recent high-profile events. Each topic relates to issues specific to the culture of the Sheriff's Office. 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 offers this level of executive training.

“Through rigorous training and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, these 36 participants honed their leadership skills, improved their problem-solving abilities and upheld the highest standards of ethical conduct. 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 salute their dedication to excellence and their unwavering commitment to serving their communities with integrity and courage.

FSA Executive Director Steve Casey said“By upholding the highest standards of conduct and responsibility, Commanders Academy enables 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 the knowledge of seasoned experts into real-world applications not only improves Florida's sheriff's offices, but also sets 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 Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches' mission to prevent crime and develop legal, resilient and productive citizens.

• Lt. Richard Howell, Alachua County
• Lt. Christopher Shuman, Bay County
• Lieutenant Joseph Etter, Broward County
• Lieutenant Christopher Baras, Charlotte County
• Lt. David Drucks, Collier County
• Sergeant Steven Khachigan, Columbia County
• Lt. 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
• Lt. Brandon Cox, Hernando County
• Sergeant Waylon Welch, Holmes County
• Lieutenant Christopher Reeve, Indian River County
• To 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
• Lt. Josh Kushel, Palm Beach County
• Lt. Brandon Harvey, Pinellas County
• Lt. Tex Thomas, Polk County
• Captain David Blount, Putnam County
• Lieutenant Robert Sample, Santa Rosa County
• Captain Debra Kiner, Sarasota County
• Lt. Jose Jimenez, St. Johns
• Sergeant Aaron Wintz, St. Lucie County
• Sergeant Wayne Kelly, Suwannee County
• Lt. Callie Locklear, Walton County

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About the Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation comprised of Florida's sheriffs, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens statewide. Founded in 1893, FSA has consistently served the citizens of Florida by responding to the needs of the state's law enforcement agencies. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, sheriffs have a forum to address legislators to promote positive change in Florida's public safety. FSA also provides much-needed programs to sheriffs' offices, 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 created and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, realize dreams and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has become one of the largest and most successful law enforcement associations in the country. For more information about the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit