Sheriff Dennis Lemma became Sheriff of Seminole County on January 3, 2017. Sheriff Lemma received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College, a master’s degree in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma, and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He also attended the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Chief Executive Institute in Tallahassee, Florida.
Sheriff Lemma began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1992 as a correctional officer and was selected as a deputy sheriff four years later. He served as a school resource deputy and a crimes against children investigator before receiving a promotion to sergeant of the Special Operations Section in 2002. Four years later, he was promoted to lieutenant in the Community Services Division where he managed the agency’s crime prevention efforts, served as the public information officer, and coordinated programs to assist the elderly and domestic violence victims. In 2008, Sheriff Lemma was promoted to captain and tasked with management of the uniformed patrol division, property crime investigations, traffic safety and code enforcement. In 2011, he was appointed to major of the Department of Neighborhood Policing. In this role, he oversaw the operation of five divisions including uniformed patrol, Special Operations, Juvenile Enforcement and Intervention, Public Affairs and Community Services. In 2014, he was appointed to chief deputy where he led operational and administrative functions for more than 1,400 members of the Sheriff’s Office.
Undersheriff Ronald (Ron) Hopper
Undersheriff Ronald Hopper currently serves as second in command and is responsible for providing strategic direction to, and oversight of, the delivery of law enforcement, correctional, and administrative services to our community.
His career began at the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office from 1993 to 1998, followed by a distinguished tenure with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) from 1998 to 2021. During his time with the FBI, Hopper held various significant roles, including Special Agent, Supervisory Special Agent, Unit Chief, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge. He managed a multimillion-dollar budget and led over 200 personnel, overseeing critical investigations and national security responses, such as the Pulse Night Club terror attack and high-profile security events post-9/11.
Since joining the SCSO in 2021, Undersheriff Hopper served as Captain of the Domestic Security Division, leveraging his counterterrorism experience and advanced policing technologies to enhance public safety. His advocacy for modern policing technologies has significantly contributed to solving complex investigations involving gang activity and swatting incidents. Hopper's extensive network at local, state, and federal levels has proven invaluable for real-time information acquisition and case resolution.
Undersheriff Hopper holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida and a master's degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida. He has also led numerous policing courses.
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Chief Dan Purcell - Department of Law Enforcement
Chief Dan Purcell leads the Department of Law Enforcement. The Department of Law Enforcement includes the Communications Division (911 and dispatch services), Court Services Division, Forensic Laboratory Services Division, Probation Division, Seminole Neighborhood Policing Division (uniformed patrol & support functions), and Special Operations Division.
Chief Purcell grew up in Seminole County and graduated from Lake Brantley High School. He served in the Youth Deputy (Explorer) program and later as a volunteer in the Criminal Investigations Division prior to attending the law enforcement academy in 1994. Chief Purcell began his full-time career with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office in 1995 as a deputy sheriff. He was promoted to sergeant in 2002, lieutenant in 2010, captain in 2011, and chief in 2017. Chief Purcell has served in several leadership capacities before his current role as the Chief of Law Enforcement, including investigative and patrol assignments.
Chief Purcell received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College and a Master of Science in Digital Forensics (MSDF) from the University of Central Florida. Since 2010, he has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida in the MSDF graduate studies program. Chief Purcell is a graduate of the FBI National Academy (254th Session), the FBI's Florida Executive Development Seminar, The FDLE Chief Executive Seminar, and Leadership Seminole, Class #24. Chief Purcell is an active member of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) and serves on the Florida FBINAA board.
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Chief Mark Conway – Department of Investigative Services
Chief Mark Conway currently serves as the Chief of the Department of Investigative Services, where he oversees and is responsible for leading the majority of the agency’s investigative functions. Chief Conway oversees five divisions: the Drug Enforcement & Behavioral Services Division, the Domestic Security Division, the Diversified Investigative Services Division, the Professional Development Division, and the Professional Standards Division.
Chief Conway is a 25-year law enforcement veteran. He joined the Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff in 2002, then worked as a general assignment investigator and was promoted to sergeant in 2009. He was later promoted to lieutenant in 2013, overseeing our Professional Standards Division. During this time, he managed both the law enforcement and corrections accreditation functions and the Professional Development Section. Chief Conway was promoted to captain in 2014 and continued to lead the Professional Standards Division. In 2017, the Professional Standards Division was combined with the Public Affairs Division. Chief Conway was also responsible for the Sheriff's Office social media presence, public outreach, public information, code enforcement, and crime prevention in this new role. Prior to his career with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, he served as a police officer with the City of Winter Springs and was a Deputy Sheriff with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.
Chief Conway holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College and is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute's Administrative Officer's Course in Louisville, Kentucky. He has attended the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute's Florida Leadership Academy, the Senior Leadership Program, and the Chief Executive Seminar.
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Chief Laura Bedard, Ph.D. - Department of Corrections
Chief Laura Bedard, Ph.D., currently serves as the Chief over the Department of Corrections. In this role, she oversees Administrative Services/Intake, Security Operations Services, Inmate Healthcare Services, and Inmate programs and re-entry.
Dr. Bedard began her work in corrections as a Jail Administrator over 35 years ago. Dr. Bedard served on the administrative faculty for the College of Criminology at Florida State University for 17 years. During her tenure at the University, she ran a study abroad program in the Czech Republic, lecturing on crime topics in an emerging democracy. In 2005, she became the first female deputy secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections, where she was responsible for 27,000 state employees and over 200,000 offenders in the third-largest correctional system in the country. She has served as Warden at five facilities which included supervision of State of Florida Inmates, Contracted Bureau of Prisons Inmates, U.S. Marshal’s Inmates, and Federal I.C.E. Detainees. Additionally, Dr. Bedard has published and lectured worldwide on a number of corrections-related topics, including women in prison, mental health issues, and correctional leadership. Her recent book, “What Do I Wear to the execution?” was released in 2022.
Dr. Bedard has a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, a master’s degree from New Hampshire College, and received her Ph.D. in Social Work from Florida State University.
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Chief of Staff Bryan Beyer – Office of the Sheriff
Chief of Staff Bryan Beyer currently serves as the Chief of Staff, where he oversees and is responsible for providing executive-level support to the Office of the Sheriff, leading agency-wide strategic initiatives, liaising with external stakeholders, and community outreach efforts. Additionally, Chief of Staff Beyer oversees the Public Affairs Division, including the SCSO Community Foundation (the SCSO’s 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization), the Sheriff’s community advisory committee, and serves as the agency’s liaison to the Seminole County Sheriff Foundation.
Chief of Staff Beyer joined the Sheriff’s Office in December 2017 to serve as the Office of the Sheriff’s Community Relations Administrator. He was promoted to Director of the Public Affairs Division in October 2018 and the Chief of Staff in February 2021. Prior to the Sheriff’s Office, Chief of Staff Beyer oversaw community relations activities in Seminole County for the Orlando Health system. Additionally, Chief of Staff Beyer has served in multiple capacities in the non-profit sector, focusing on community relations, development, advocacy, and government affairs, including a role with the American Lung Association, where he received state and national recognition for his advocacy and legislative efforts.
Chief of Staff Beyer received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida and his master’s degree in communication from Purdue University. He is a graduate of Leadership Seminole (Class 23) and Leadership Orlando (Class 89). Chief of Staff Beyer serves on the board of directors for the Seminole County Chamber, The Sharing Center, and Leadership Seminole. He is recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. He has received several community awards, including the 2021 “40 Under 40” Award from the Orlando Business Journal, the Education Award from the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Service Above Self Award from the Rotary Club of Lake Mary, and the Community Service Award from No Limit Health and Education.
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Chief Sharon Bryan - Department of Youth Services
Chief Sharon Bryan oversees the Department of Youth Services at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Her Department includes the Juvenile Justice Division.
She has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1998 and has held a number of positions within youth services. In 2004, she was promoted to Manager of the Juvenile Assessment Center. In 2012, she was promoted to Director of the Juvenile Justice Division and oversaw the operations of the Juvenile Assessment Center, the Juvenile Detention Center and the Youth Intervention and Prevention Center. In 2016, she was promoted Chief over the Department of Youth Services.
Chief Bryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Troy University. She is also an active member of our community and sits on a number of boards including the Central Florida Boys and Girls Club, Ali’s Hope, Kids House of Seminole, and Inspire of Central Florida. She is a member of the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services and a graduate of Leadership Seminole.
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Chief Lisa Spriggs - Department of Administrative Services
Chief Lisa Spriggs currently serves as Chief of Administrative Services for the Sheriff’s Office where she oversees and is responsible for the agency’s business and support functions including Fiscal Services, Human Resources, Technology Services, and Building & Fleet Services. Her team works behind the scenes to affect organizational goals and support delivery of services. She advises the Sheriff and Command Staff on resource planning and alignment to support the agency’s mission and ensure sustainability of public services. She also works closely with County staff on financial planning and other joint initiatives on behalf of the Sheriff.
Chief Spriggs has served as a senior executive in local government for over 25 years. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of experience in government and not-for-profit entities. Prior to joining the Sheriff's Office in 2012, she served Seminole County for 9 years under the Board of County Commissioners as Director of Resource Management, and upon incorporation of the City of Deltona served 6 years as the Director of Finance and Internal Support Services. She began her career in public accounting and practiced for 9 years as an auditor and consultant specializing in government and not-for-profit agencies, serving counties, municipalities, state agencies, special districts and authorities.
Chief Spriggs holds a bachelor of business administration with a minor in business information systems from Stetson University. She has served on various boards for not-for-profit entities, served as the Plan Administrator of the City of Deltona Firefighters’ Pension Plan for 23 years, and has instructed at conferences, seminars, and for graduate programs on various government financial and human resource topics.
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Chief Rick Francis – Department of School Safety
Chief Rick Francis leads the Department of School Safety where he is responsible for direct oversight of the increasing demands and evolving needs of all aspects of our school safety and security, which comprises of sixty-nine (69) public/charter schools with approximately 67,000 students and 10,000 staff members and one-hundred twenty school resource officers, deputies, and supervisors. He is also responsible for school resource deputies at several private schools and the local State College. He has proven to be a national leader and subject matter expert in school safety, having developed our unique initial school safety model and providing guidance and leadership to other districts around the state and nation.
Chief Francis has served in various roles at the Sheriff's Office, including patrol and major crime investigations. He was then promoted to Patrol Sergeant and later assigned to Domestic Security. In April 2014, he was promoted to Lieutenant, serving as a Watch Commander and then Specialized Services. In July 2016, he was promoted to Captain of the School Safety Division, where he spearheaded the creation of our current school safety model. From February 2021 through August 2023, Captain Francis was responsible for the newly created Professional Development Division, which comprised the Training and Career Development sections. He also has served as a SWAT member & team leader and High-Risk Incident Commander.
Chief Francis earned his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice (with Honors and the Honors Graduate) from Andrew Jackson University, a Graduate Certificate from the University of Virginia in Criminal Justice Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Administration (with Honors) from Columbia College, and is a member of the Delta Epsilon Tau Honor Society. He recently graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2022 (class 284), attended the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Command Leadership Institute, the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police, the Southern Police Institute Command Officer Development Course, and Leadership Seminole. He is a National Sheriff’s Association School Safety Committee member and a National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI Florida) board member. Additionally, he served in the Navy as an advanced emergency medical technician and combat medic before entering the Army Reserves as a flight medic.
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Chief Counsel Manuel Guarch
Chief Counsel Manuel Guarch serves as the chief attorney for the agency, leading the Office of General Counsel where he is responsible for overseeing all litigation and legal matters involving the agency and providing guidance on various legal issues encountered by agency members.
Chief Counsel Guarch joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2018 as Assistant General Counsel. Prior to beginning his career with the Sheriff’s Office, Chief Counsel Guarch was in private practice where he represented and advised law enforcement agencies on a wide variety of legal issues, after having previously served as an Assistant State Attorney. Chief Counsel Guarch is currently the President of the Florida Association of Police Attorneys, having previously served as the organizations Vice-President and Secretary, and is also a sworn Reserve Deputy Sheriff.
Chief Counsel Guarch was awarded his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law School after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Florida State University. Chief Counsel Guarch also graduated from the Seminole State College Basic Law Enforcement Academy after joining the agency. Chief Counsel Guarch has lectured around the State of Florida on issues relating to constitutional policing, contraband forfeiture, money laundering, drug investigations, and cryptocurrency. In his time with the agency Chief Counsel Guarch has been recognized for his contributions on several occasions having been awarded a Sheriff’s Commendation, a Unit Citation, and two Administrative Excellence Awards.
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Captain Kip Beacham - Probation Division
Captain Kip Beacham currently serves as the Captain over the Probation Division. The Probation Division provides services and supervision to offenders in community-based settings to over 6,500 misdemeanor offenders annually, manages pre-trial diversion programs, and connects offenders with treatment providers to assist in their re-entry to the community.
Captain Beacham started his career in law enforcement almost 30 years ago working with the Florida Department of Corrections as a probation officer before joining the Seminole County Sheriff Office. He has served as the Captain over the Court Services Division and was in charge of judicial security for the Criminal Justice Center, Juvenile Justice Center and the Civil Courthouse for three years; the captain over the Community Services Division in charge of Crime Prevention, Elder Services, Victims' Advocate, PIO and Weed & Seed for three years; the captain over the Department of Community Justice, Planning & Development, dealing with the homeless issues in Seminole County, as well as the EMPACT (Electronic Monitoring Protection and Crime Tracking) program; and captain over the Juvenile Assessment Center establishing programs to prevent at risk youth from entering the juvenile justice system for five years.
Captain Beacham holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in Transformational Leadership from Bethune-Cookman University. He is also currently an active member of the Oviedo Rotary Club, Advent Health Foundation Board, Seminole Chairman for Meals on Wheels, Board Chairman of Recovery House, and Board Chairman for UNCF Seminole County. In the beginning of 2019, he recently was given the Gubernatorial Appointment for Florida Virtual School by Governor Rick Scott.
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Captain Cornelius Blue - Seminole Neighborhood Policing Division
Captain Cornelius Blue currently serves as the Captain over Seminole Neighborhood Policing and the Specialized Services Section for the Sheriff’s Office. In this role, he oversees our uniformed patrol division, property crime investigations, Code Enforcement, Chaplain’s Corp., Community Law Enforcement Academy, the Traffic Safety Unit and In Progress Crimes Unit. Seminole Neighborhood Policing incorporates a concept that helps to develop strategies, programs, and crime prevention methods to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our community.
Captain Blue began his career in law enforcement, serving almost three years with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and later joined the Seminole County Sheriff's Office in 2006. During his time here, he has served in a number of diverse positions including Patrol Deputy Sheriff, School Resource Deputy, Gang Investigator, Neighborhood Service Investigator, Lead Chaplain, Neighborhood Service Unit Sergeant and as a Lieutenant; giving oversight to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office North Region as the Region Commander.
Captain Blue is a graduate of the University of Louisville, Southern Police Institution Command Officer Development Class #85, he has completed the Florida Sheriffs Association Command Academy Class #6. He also represents the Sheriff’s Office on the Seminole Action Board, whose goal is to impact and reduce homelessness in Seminole County, Board Member of UNCF, member of the SPI Alumni Association, member of United Pastors of Sanford and President of the SCAAMA. Captain Blue also serves as a pastor at a church within the Seminole County Community.
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Director Stacy L. Colton – Forensics Services Division
Director Stacy L. Colton currently serves as the Laboratory Director of the Forensics Laboratory Services Division and is responsible for maintaining forensic accreditation and assuming the role of the Quality Manager for the laboratory.
Director Colton joined the Sheriff's Office in 2014 as our Latent Print Manager. In 2016, she took on the additional responsibility of Crime Scene Manager. She then became the Laboratory Manager in 2018, and was promoted to Director in 2020. Prior to joining the Sheriff's Office, Director Colton served as a Senior Crime Laboratory Analyst and Forensic Technologist with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and as a Morgue Technician with the District 7 (Volusia County) Medical Examiner's Office. Her career in forensic science spans over 22 years.
Director Colton holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminalistics from the State University of New York College at Buffalo, and she is a Certified Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification and an ANAB Certified Technical Assessor for Latent Prints. She is also a member of IAI (International Association for Identification), FDIAI (Florida Division of the International Association for Identification), PEAF (Property and Evidence Association of Florida), and IAPE (International Association For Property & Evidence).
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Captain Michael Coscia - Criminal Investigations Division
Captain Michael Coscia currently serves as Captain over the Criminal Investigations Division where she oversees and is responsible for the investigation of complex, specialized crimes and augmenting law enforcement services with advanced technologies and support.
Captain Coscia began his employment with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office in 2000. His experience at the Sheriff’s Office includes Child Protective Investigator, Child Protective Investigator Supervisor, Deputy Sheriff (Seminole Neighborhood Policing), Investigator with the Crimes Against Children Unit, and Investigator with the Digital Forensic Unit. Captain Coscia was promoted several times while working within the Seminole Neighborhood Policing Division. His first promotion was to the rank of Patrol Sergeant and he eventually went on to lead the Seminole Financial Crimes Task Force. Several years later, Captain Coscia was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he served as a Shift Commander and Community Lieutenant, prior to being promoted to Captain of the Child Protective Services Division. Prior to his career with the Sheriff’s Office, Captain Coscia served as an educator with the Orange County School Board, a Research Associate with the Center for Drug Free Living and as a Child Protection Investigator with the Department of Children and Families.
Captain Coscia is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and has obtained certifications as a Child Welfare Protective Investigator and Supervisor, Financial Crimes Investigator, and Forensic Computer Examiner. He has completed numerous coursework and career development courses regarding Internet Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Exploitation, and Investigative Strategies for Missing and Abducted Children. Captain Coscia is also a graduate of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Florida Leadership Academy Class XXVII.
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Captain Tracy Fortenberry - Domestic Security Division
Captain Tracy Fortenberry currently serves as the Captain over Domestic Security Division. The Domestic Security Division is responsible for investigating, collecting, analyzing and disseminating intelligence information concerning criminal activity, international and domestic terrorism, street gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, prolific offenders, crime analysis, warrants, inmate telephone monitoring, registered felons and sexual offenders/predators.
Captain Fortenberry started his career in law enforcement in 1990. Prior to his current role, he served as a Deputy Sheriff, Field Training Deputy, Aviation/Flight Officer, and Gang Suppression Unit Investigator. In 1999, he was promoted to sergeant and supervised the Intensive Community Supervision Unit, the Gang Suppression Unit, served as a road patrol and echo sergeant. In 2006, he was promoted to Lieutenant and served as District 6 Commander, Watch Commander, Domestic Security Division Lieutenant, Multi-Agency Gang Task Force Commander, and City County Investigative Bureau Lieutenant.
Captain Fortenberry graduated from Seminole State College and has completed the Florida Sheriff’s Institute Commanders Academy Class #3 and the DEA Drug Unit Commanders Academy. He is considered a FGIA Advanced Gang Specialist and sits on the Circuit 18 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. Captain Fortenberry is a Certified Quality Assurance Peer Reviewer for the Department of Juvenile Justice and serves on the Florida Gang Investigators Association.
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Captain Stacy Heath - Corrections Facility Support Operations and Reentry Division
Captain Stacy Heath currently serves as the Captain over the Support Operations and Reentry division at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility. She is responsible for the administration and management of Unit Management, Classification, Court Services, Transportation, Programs, Substance use Treatment and Reentry operations in the facility.
She is a twenty-two year corrections veteran. She joined the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in 2000 after working at Lake Correctional Institute. She has worked in several different areas of the Sheriff’s Office including Security, Intake, and Transportation. Captain Heath has worked her way through the ranks in the field of corrections. She also has been an instructor for several conferences including the Florida Sheriff’s Association and the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency.
Captain Heath has her Master's Degree in Strategic Leadership from The University of Charleston. She graduated from the Florida Sheriff’s Association Commanders Academy in 2019. She is a member of the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, Florida Sheriff’s Association, American Jail Association, and Toastmasters International.
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Director Mary Hope - Fiscal Services Division
Director Mary Hope currently serves as the Director of the Fiscal Services Division where she oversees and is responsible for all financial aspects of the Sheriff’s Office, including the agency-wide budget, accounting, payroll, facilities, procurement/agreements, grants and material supply.
Director Hope has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant for over 30 years and has extensive experience in governmental accounting, auditing and consulting. She practiced public accounting for a variety of governmental and for-profit clients prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office.
Director Hope earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Florida State University in 1988 and a Master of Accounting Degree from Florida State University in 1989. She is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association, Florida Government Finance Officers Association, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Director Hope is also a member of the Florida Sheriff's Association Executive Leadership Conference Financial Advisory Committee.
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Captain Latisha Howard - Corrections Facility Operations Division
Captain Latisha Howard currently serves as the Captain over the Facility Operations Division at the John E. Polk Correctional Facility where she is the designated head of Security and Intake Release Operations and is responsible for the administration and management of operations in the facility, the enforcement of policies and procedures, the intake, booking and release process of all inmates.
Captain Howard joined the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in 2000 after working with Florida Department of Corrections at Tomoka Correctional Facility for nearly four years. At the Sheriff’s Office, she has held several positions to include corrections officer, court deputy, corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant before rising to the rank of captain in March of 2013.
Captain Howard is both corrections and law enforcement certified and holds several other certifications to include a Certified Jail Manager through the American Jail Association. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia College and is a graduate of the National Jail Leadership Command Academy. She also attended the Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Florida Leadership Academy and the Senior Leadership Program. Captain Howard is an active member of the American Jail Association, American Correctional Association, Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, Sanford Women’s Club, and Toastmasters International.
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Director Bill Johnson - Human Resources Division
Director Bill Johnson currently serves as our Human Resources Director where he oversees and is responsible for recruitment, hiring and selection efforts, as well as managing employee relations, insurance, benefits, and the wellness and volunteer programs.
Director Johnson joined the Sheriff’s Office in January, 2013 as the Procurement and Facilities Manager. Prior to his career with the Sheriff’s Office, Bill served in various construction management and facilities related roles with the Seminole County Government.
Director Johnson holds his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/Management from the University of Central Florida. He is a former recipient of the 2014 Sheriff’s Commendation award for effort and diligence beyond that normally required for the efficient accomplishment of duty for major SCSO operations.
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Captain Carey Love - Professional Development Division
Captain Carey Love currently serves as Captain over the Professional Development Division.
Carey Love joined the Sheriff's Office in 1994. She has served as Captain over Domestic Security, the community commander in the Altamonte Springs Community, a night time watch commander, the investigative sergeant over the Major Crimes Unit, a patrol sergeant, an investigator in the Professional Standards Division and as a deputy sheriff. She was previously employed with the Altamonte Springs Police Department as a dispatcher for almost two years.
Captain Love holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Stetson University and is a member of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE). She completed the Command Officers Development Course from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville as well as the Executive Leadership Seminar from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
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Captain Shane Love - Judicial Services Division
Captain Shane Love currently serves as the Captain over Judicial Services under the Department of Law Enforcement, where he oversees and is responsible for the operations of the Criminal Justice Center, Juvenile Justice Center, Civil Courthouse, Civil Section, Public Safety Building security, and County Services Building security.
Captain Love began his career with the Sheriff's Office in 1996, and he has served in a number of diverse positions including Corrections Officer, Patrol Deputy Sheriff, Civil Enforceable Investigator, Special Operations Range and Water Deputy Sheriff, Training Deputy Sheriff assigned to Professional Development, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol and Correctional Field Training Sergeant, Digital Evidence Lieutenant, Patrol and Correctional Field Training Unit Lieutenant, Captain over Operations and Security at the jail, and currently the Commander of the Rapid Deployment Force. Before his career with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Captain Love served as a correctional officer with the Department of Corrections for three years.
Captain Love has completed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Senior Leadership Program Class #20, the FDLE Leadership Academy Class #24, and holds the United States Coast Guard Captain's license. Internally, Captain Love assists our Professional Development Section by serving as a firearms, driving, defensive tactics, Taser, tactics and rifle instructor. In his free time, Captain Love serves as the Range Master for Seminole State College's Basic Law Enforcement and Corrections Academy. He also currently represents the Sheriff’s Office on the Seminole Action Board, whose goal is to impact and reduce homelessness in Seminole County.
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Captain Mark Pergola - Special Operations Division
Captain Mark Pergola currently serves as Captain of the Special Operations Division and serves as the agency’s High Risk Incident Commander. The Special Operations Division includes several sections such as Aviation, Emergency Management, Canine, Range & Water, Underwater Search and Recovery, Civilian Search and Rescue, Disaster Response, SWAT, Hazardous Device Team, Crisis Negotiations and the Rapid Deployment Force.
Captain Mark Pergola began his law enforcement career in 1990. He has a wide range of experience and has held several positions during his career such as a Deputy Sheriff, Canine Handler, Flight Officer, Financial Crimes Investigator/Sergeant, SNP Sergeant, Auto Theft Sergeant, Technical Support Sergeant, Honor Guard Team Commander, Watch Commander, and Investigative Lieutenant.
Captain Pergola is a native of Boston Massachusetts and worked for the Massachusetts Department of Corrections before relocating to Florida. Captain Pergola served in the United States Navy Reserve and was a part of Operation Noble Eagle. He is currently working to earn a bachelor's degree from Columbia College, is actively involved with the National Tactical Officers Association as an instructor, and serves on the Central Florida Domestic Security Task Force, Region V Anti-Terrorism Task Force as well as administering the Region V Bomb Making Awareness Program.
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Director Ramona Rumph - Communications Division
Director Ramona Rumph currently serves as Director of the Communications Division where she oversees the Communications Center, which is responsible for handling all incoming calls for service for law enforcement within unincorporated Seminole County and five municipalities within the county
Director Rumph began her career in law enforcement in 1987 as a Dispatcher with the Sheriff’s Office. She ascended though the civilian ranks and has served as Dispatcher II, Trainer, Supervisor, and Manager before being promoted to Director of the Communications Center.
Director Rumph has participated in a number of leadership and supervisory courses throughout her career. She is also responsible for assisting in maintaining our agency accreditations through APCO International (Leaders in Public Safety Communications) and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Accreditation (CALEA).
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Captain Ronald J. Shaw, Jr. - School Safety Division
Captain Ron Shaw currently serves as Captain and School Safety Director over the School Safety Division where he oversees and is responsible for the security of 66 schools, approximately 68,000 students and 8,000 staff members.
Captain Shaw started his career in law enforcement in 1993 with the Volusia County Department of Corrections before joining the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in 1996. Captain Shaw has worked through the ranks at the Sheriff’s Office and has held the following titles during his time at SCSO: critical response team commander, lieutenant, sergeant, field training detention deputy, and detention deputy.
Captain Shaw is a board member of First Step Florida and has served as an adjunct professor for both Seminole State College and Florida Technical College. Captain Shaw holds certifications in both corrections and law enforcement, and he is a graduate of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Chief Executive Seminar. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in Strategic Leadership and Management from Mountain State University.
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Director Jerri Weathers – Juvenile Justice Division
Director Jerri Weathers currently serves as the Director over the Juvenile Justice Division where she oversees and is responsible for the Juvenile Assessment Center, the Juvenile Detention Center, the Prosecution Alternatives for Youth program, and the Youth Services Prevention and Enforcement Center.
Director Weathers started with the Sheriff’s Office in 2004. She began her career in the Division of Child Protective Services and served as a Child Protective Investigator for five years. She transitioned into the role of a Judicial Child Protective Investigator in 2009. In 2013 she was promoted to Child Protective Investigations Supervisor. In 2019, she was promoted to Child Protective Investigations Operations Manager and was responsible for investigations in both Child Protective Services and Crimes Against Children.
Director Weathers earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida in 2003 and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida in 2019. Director Weathers is also a certified Child Protective Investigator.
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Director Stephen White - Technology Solutions Division
Director Steve White currently serves as Director of the Technology Solutions Division where he oversees and is responsible for all of the information technology used within the agency.
Director White joined the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in January of 2009. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, Steve worked for the Electric Power Research Institute as an IT Manager.
Director White possesses a Master of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems from Boston University and has facilitated teaching classes in Digital Forensics at BU. He is a Region 5 representative for the Data Sharing Consortium, a group that promotes data sharing amongst Law Enforcement agencies within the State of Florida. He also sits on the CJJIS Emerging Technologies Sub Committee and recently sat on the State Domestic Security Coordinating Group Cyber Terrorism Focus Group.
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