For Immediate Release:
Tallahassee, Fla. (May 23, 2025) – Sheriff deputies and personnel representing 39 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 challenging training and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, these 39 graduates have honed their leadership, sharpened their problem-solving skills, and upheld the highest ethical standards. They are now equipped to lead with strength, distinction, and purpose,” said FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “As we celebrate the 2025 Commanders Academy graduates, we commend their dedication to advancing public safety and their enduring commitment to serving their communities with honor and courage.”
FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan said, “The Commanders Academy stands as a pillar of excellence in Florida’s law enforcement community, instilling the highest standards of conduct, accountability, and leadership. By equipping commanders with cutting-edge strategies and real-world insights from seasoned experts, the Academy ensures they are ready to face evolving public safety challenges. These graduates not only strengthen the capabilities of Florida’s sheriffs’ offices but also elevate the national standard for leadership, protection, and unity.”
In addition to successfully completing the training course, Commanders Academy Class 16 also raised $117,870 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.
- Baker Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Michael Bodkin
- Bay Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Christian Williams
- Bradford Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Amanda Hinds
- Broward Sheriff’s Office Captain Alexandra Holmes
- Charlotte Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Ken Roguska
- Clay Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief Jeremy Clark
- Collier Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Tony Spina
- Columbia Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Gregory Stapleton
- Flagler Sheriff’s Office Commander Jonathan Dopp
- Gadsden Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Christopher Daniels
- Gulf Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Andrew White
- Hardee Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Clay Nicholson
- Hendry Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Rick Notaro
- Hernando Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Javier Dejesus
- Holmes Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Johnathan Helmes
- Indian River Sheriff’s Office Captain Ross Partee
- Jackson Sheriff’s Office Captain Martin Basford
- Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Commander Jordan Dowling
- Lafayette Sheriff’s Office Captain Geoff Condy
- Lee Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Marsha Sutphin
- Leon Sheriff’s Office Assistant Sheriff Brice Google
- Marion Sheriff’s Office Captain Michael Mongeluzzo
- Manatee Sheriff’s Office Captain Christopher Heier
- Martin Sheriff’s Office Major Ruben Romero
- Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Manuel Quesada
- Monroe Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Donny Barrios
- Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Travis Topolski
- Okeechobee Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Bryan Lowe
- Osceola Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Howard Griffin
- Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant John Chapman
- Pinellas Sheriff’s Office Captain Kimberly Kilian
- Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Director Meagin Colson
- Putnam Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Daniel Taylor
- Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office Captain John Scholl
- Sarasota Sheriff’s Office Captain Jeffrey Vajdik
- Seminole Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Andrew Thomas
- St. Johns Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Christopher Collins
- Taylor Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Thomas Gunter
- Walton Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Jermaine Brown
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