In this episode, FSA hears from Congressman Mike Waltz, who proudly serves Florida’s 6th Congressional District and is the first Green Beret elected to Congress. Congressman Waltz talked about his support for the Federal 1033 Program, which provides surplus military equipment to local law enforcement. The program has saved not only lives, but taxpayers’ dollars over the past two decades. Congressman Waltz is the new Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, and he is determined to be part of the new generation of leadership in Congress: servant leaders who lead by example with their values and deliver results.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Ben Bawden, who previews the keys issues confronting the 118th Congress.  Ben is a partner at Brooks Bawden & Moore and represents Major County Sheriffs of America at the federal level. Ben highlights many of the important public safety issues that will be debated over the next year in our nation’s Capitol and gives us a firsthand account of advocacy work he does for sheriffs in Congress. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with the president of Major County Sheriffs of America, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma at the conclusion of their successful winter conference in Washington, D.C.  Sheriff Lemma talks about all the big issues that were covered as well as gives a summary of the remarks made by the Director of the FBI, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and many more influential federal policy makers. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with author Rafael Mangual about his new book, Criminal (In)Justice: What the Push for Decarceration and Depolicing Gets Wrong and Who It Hurts Most.  Rafael addressed the sheriffs during their winter conference, and in this interview he expands on his discussion of what his research has found to be most effective in reducing violent crime in our communities. He also makes the case for why sheriffs need to continue to be strong advocates for effective crime reduction strategies in their communities by pushing back against the false narratives that so many reform advocates have made in the past.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith about the various public safety initiatives he has going in his county. Florida’s drug epidemic has been devasting to so many families, and Sheriff Smith has taken a balanced approach of addressing both the supply and demand of drugs. By supporting substance abuse treatment, Sheriff Smith has been able to address the demand side while establishing robust enforcement efforts to reduce the supply of deadly drugs in his community.  We also discuss his great work in building and growing the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association into a thriving organization that helps support deputies and their families every day.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Rachel Joy Baribeau on the power to change the narrative and find purpose in life. Rachel was a sportscaster for 17 years, before developing #ImChangingtheNarrative with student-athletes in mind.  It is Rachel’s belief that one crooked course made straight is everything. One misstep not taken means one fewer victim in the world. And one fewer life thrown away because of a split-second bad decision. Her mission is to promote positive mental health and GOOD love for yourself and others to serve as inspiration for students, professionals and parents to create an individual legacy of purpose, passion and platform.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Rich Diviney, a bestselling author, leadership and human performance expert, and a retired Navy SEAL commander. As the officer in charge of training for a specialized SEAL command, Rich spearheaded the creation of the first-ever “Mind Gym.” The Mind Gym focuses on physical, mental and emotional disciplines so that special operators can train their brains to perform faster, longer and better in all environments. Rich talks to us about the teachings in his book, “The Attributes,” which specifically deals with mastering the innate qualities that drive high performance so that teams perform optimally – at any time and in any situation, especially stressful ones.  To learn more about Rich and his book, visit: https://theattributes.com/  

In this episode, FSA speaks with retired FBI Special Agent George Piro about his time interrogating Iraqi Dictator Saddam Hussein. In 2004, George had been with the FBI for only five years before getting this assignment. But because of his ability to speak Arabic and his calm and contemplative demeanor, George was the perfect team leader to find out how far Saddam’s atrocities had reached throughout the Middle East.  As we approach the 20th anniversary of the war in Iraq, listeners will learn about the effectiveness of report-based interrogation techniques as well as the lessons we can all learn from this harrowing experience. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with Senate President Wilton Simpson after he received the Florida Sheriffs Association's President's Award at their Executive Leadership Conference in Miami. President Simpson spoke about the numerous public safety bills that passed during the last two years and why supporting sheriffs and law and order is just common sense to him.  President Simpson also highlighted why he is running to become Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.  As a fifth-generation Floridian, President Simpson wants to ensure farmers receive the necessary support to grow and deliver the food we need to continue making Florida a great place to work and raise a family. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with Gordon Graham during the 2022 Florida Sheriffs Association’s Summer Conference. Gordon has been actively involved in law enforcement since 1973. While serving as a field sergeant with the California Highway Patrol, he started to combine his legal education and experience with his graduate education in risk management to develop processes designed to improve the quality of law enforcement.  We talk about the numerous “problems lying in wait” for law enforcement officers and how gaining a better understanding of the often misunderstood subject of “risk management” can save people’s lives each and every day.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Matt Griffin about the importance of deputy wellness. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it is vital that first responders take the time to become more aware of their own mental health. Matt speaks about his own journey and how he almost lost his life to suicide. His book, The Journey to Midnight, is a roadmap that accurately describes the dangerous path of unattended trauma, but more importantly, the pathway to successful recovery.

In this episode, FSA shares the remarks U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina provided to sheriffs at their summer conference in Kissimmee.  Sen. Scott received FSA’s National Legislative Champion Award for his work on sound public safety and police reform legislation during the 117th session of Congress.  Sen. Scott talked to the sheriffs about his message of hope and opportunity for our nation, and he also fielded questions from sheriffs on the topics of accreditation, the current status of police reform legislation as well as immigration enforcement.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Dr. Charlie Scheer during the 2022 Major County Sheriffs of America Summer Conference.  Dr. Scheer is an assistant professor of criminal justice at The University of Southern Mississippi. His research focuses on police workforce management, training and police legitimacy. He has published research on police recruitment and retention strategies, and we discuss his recent findings on this important topic.  Dr. Scheer also remains a part-time sheriff’s deputy in Mississippi.

In this episode, FSA speaks with the new president of the Florida Sheriffs Association, Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis. Learn about what makes Hernando County great, why Sheriff Nienhuis began his career in law enforcement and public safety initiatives he has planned for the near future. We also take listener questions!

In this episode, FSA speaks with Mecklenburg County (Charlotte, NC) Sheriff Garry McFadden during the 2022 Major County Sheriffs of America’s Summer Conference. Sheriff McFadden was elected to serve as the 45th sheriff of Mecklenburg County in 2018.  Prior to being elected sheriff, Garry had a distinguished 36-year law enforcement career with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, where he served for over 20 years as a legendary homicide detective. Hear how Sheriff McFadden is using his life experiences to continually connect with people and how these connections are making the Queen City and the county a safer place to live.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Salt Lake County (Utah) Sheriff Rosie Rivera during the 2022 Major County Sheriffs of America’s Summer Conference. Sheriff Rivera was sworn in as the first elected female sheriff in the state of Utah in 2017.  Hear why Sheriff Rivera is so passionate about finding alternatives to incarceration by supporting programs such as drug addiction treatment, mental health treatment and additional housing for the homeless. Also learn more about the unique role the sheriff plays as CEO over the United Police Department of Greater Salt Lake.

In this episode, FSA speaks with St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick about his first two years in office. Sheriff Hardwick was elected sheriff in 2020, and during his time in office he has made use of new technology to solve crimes at the forefront of his work.  Learn more about the rich 200-year history of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office as well as why keeping the citizens of this county safe is such a unique and rewarding experience.   

In this episode, FSA speaks with Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly.  Currently the vice president of the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, Sheriff Staly highlights the many ways in which the organization helps its 16,000 members every day. We discuss why Florida’s Truth in Sentencing law is so important to keep violent criminals behind bars and why the law is personal to him. Sheriff Staly also talks about some of the innovative programs he utilizes on the street and in his jail to keep his community safe.

In this episode, FSA speaks with retired Wakulla County Sheriff David Harvey about his induction into the Florida Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Sheriff Harvey was first elected sheriff of Wakulla County when he was only 26 years old and went on to serve nine terms as sheriff. Sheriff Harvey performed many important roles at FSA including chair of the Legislative Committee and president. After his retirement, he went on to work as the first executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund. We end the episode by hearing from Sheriff Harvey during his recent acceptance speech at the Hall of Fame ceremony at the State Capitol.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter. Sheriff Hunter is a past president of FSA, and we talk about the importance of FSA’s Commanders Academy and why he comes and instructs for every class. We also discuss improvements to the Florida Model Jail Standards Commission, the rich history of the Office of Sheriff in Florida and why implementation of Amendment 10 in Miami-Dade County is so important for the elected and independent Office of Sheriff.

In this episode, FSA speaks with St. Charles Parish (La.) Sheriff Greg Champagne. Located about 20 miles upriver from New Orleans, St. Charles Parish was recently hit by Hurricane Ida. Sheriff Champagne attended FSA’s winter conference to address all the sheriffs, but specially to thank and recognize the five Florida sheriffs' offices that sent deputies to support his parish in the aftermath of the hurricane. Learn more about the rich history of Louisiana and about sheriffs helping each other, not just in the state, but when sheriffs call for help out of state as well.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno. First appointed sheriff in 2018, Sheriff Marceno was subsequently elected in 2020. Sheriff Marceno has been at the forefront on community engagement and finding ways to keep his citizens safe. He has hit the ground running after becoming sheriff by implementing several modern policing initiatives and even has a podcast aimed at solving cold cases.

In this episode, FSA speaks with the current president of the National Sheriff Association, Sheriff Vernon Stanforth. First elected Sheriff of Fayette County, Ohio in 1996, Sheriff Stanforth talks about how his role as sheriff has changed over the years in protecting the citizens of his rural southwestern Ohio county.  Sheriff Stanforth was also a past president of the Buckeye State Sheriffs Association and has served on the National Sheriffs Association Board of Directors since 2007.

In this episode, we wrap up the 2022 legislative session and talk with Representative Mike Giallombardo about his recently passed cybersecurity bill (HB 7055). We also discuss his legislation that will further expand support for first responders and correctional officers diagnosed with PTSD (HB 689). We conclude with a discussion on a successful session for public safety and sheriffs with our contracted lobbyists, Jennifer Green and Tim Parson of Liberty Partners.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 8 legislative recap. We discuss the status of the FSA’s top priorities and this year’s comprehensive school safety bill that is now on its way to the governor’s desk.  We also chat with Representative Stan McClain about his district and what’s ahead for the last week of the 2022 legislative session.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 7 legislative recap. We discuss the status of one of FSA’s top priorities (SB 7040/HB 7029), which will allow, not require, judges to hold juveniles in secure detention, or be placed on supervised release (home detention), for more than the current 21 day maximum when juveniles have committed serious crimes.  We also chat with FSA lobbyist Angela Drzewiecki of GrayRobinson about all the legislative work that still needs to get done with less than two weeks to go.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 6 legislative recap. HB 3 passes the full House and sheriffs' office employees were recognized as Law Enforcement Officer of the Day in consecutive days in the House, and one of them was Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook! We also sit down with one of FSA’s lobbyists, Jennifer Green of Liberty Partners, to find out where all the big policy issues are with less than three weeks to go in the 2022 session. 

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 5 legislative recap that includes an overview of a bill that would prohibit a person from protesting in front of someone’s residence.  Listen to Orange County Sheriff John Mina testify in support of this bill in committee. We also sit down with Erin Rock of The Southern Group to talk about the state budget. This year’s budget will surpass $100 billion, and we review what will be in the House and Senate budgets.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 4 legislative recap.  We hear from Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson and Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil on their work in supporting HB 3, a great public safety bill that will improve the recruitment, retention and training for law enforcement officers.  We conclude the episode with comments from House Speaker Chris Sprowls on the importance of protecting crime victims.

In this episode, FSA shares the remarks U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio provided to sheriffs at their winter conference in Jacksonville. First elected to the Senate in 2010, Senator Rubio has set an important objective for himself while in office: to help bring the American Dream back into reach of those who feel it is slipping away. Senator Rubio talks about his support for the sheriffs’ public safety mission as well as sharing his insights into the steps necessary to improve the lives of all Floridians.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 3 legislative recap. We discuss the status of several FSA priority bills and then sit down with Rep. Chuck Brannan, Chair of House Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee.  We discuss his previous work as a law enforcement officer as well as what it’s like to lead this important public safety committee in the Florida House of Representatives.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 2 legislative recap. We discuss our successful Sheriffs Day at the Capitol as well as the introduction of HB 3, a great public safety bill FSA is supporting that will improve the recruitment, retention and training for law enforcement officers.  We conclude the episode with a status update from the new Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections, Ricky Dixon, on the improvements he is making to our state correctional system.

In this episode, FSA provides a Week 1 legislative recap. We discuss the status of several of FSA’s priority bills, the governor's State of the State address and we also speak with FSA lobbyists Ryan Matthews and Angela Drzewiecki of GrayRobinson.

In this episode, FSA provides a preview of the 2022 legislative session. We discuss the sheriffs’ legislative priorities, highlight the various public safety bills that have been filed and also interview Jennifer Green and Tim Parson of Liberty Partners.  Jennifer and Tim are lobbyists for FSA, and they provide key insights on the upcoming legislative session.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Chris Sprowls, the current speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.  Speaker Sprowls was first elected to the Florida House in 2014 and has been a strong advocate for public safety. We discuss legislative successes from the 2021 regular session on environmental resiliency planning and improving early childhood reading as well as the recently instituted Florida Law Enforcement Officer of the Day recognition in the Florida House.

In this episode, FSA speaks with State Attorney Jack Campbell about Florida’s Prisoner Release Reoffender Law. Passed unanimously by the Florida Legislature in 1997, the law ensures violent repeat offenders serve 100 percent of their maximum prison sentence if they commit another forcible felony within three years upon their release from prison. We discuss how this law works to reduce violent crime and we also review the Florida Sheriffs Research Institute recently released report entitled, The Prisoner Release Reoffender: Sentencing Repeat Offenders of Violent and Serious Crime in Florida. The full report can be accessed here. 

In this episode, FSA speaks with Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, who has been sheriff since 2017. Sheriff Woods is currently the Vice Chairman of FSA’s Board of Directors, a board member for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches as well as a member of FSA’s Criminal Apprehension Assistance Program Committee. We discuss FSA’s strategic plan, his county’s exceptional legislative delegation, the impact of the FSA’s Commanders Academy, the great work of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches and the fight to keep deadly drugs out of our state.  

In this episode, FSA speaks with Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers. While elected sheriff in 2020, Sheriff Flowers is hardly a newcomer having served in patrol, drug units and various command posts during his time in the sheriff’s office. We discuss pill mills, their amazing real-time crime center and the youthful joys of Dodgertown! Sheriff Flowers has hit the ground running with several new public safety initiatives and is already making a significant impact on the community.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer, the current chaplain for the Florida Sheriffs Association. Learn more about the impact the chaplain role has on the spirituality of the sheriffs, and how a chaplain can bring comfort to so many in their darkest time of need. Sheriff Farmer also chairs the Florida Model Jail Standards Committee, a process that helps keep all jails up to the highest standards.  And if that’s not all, Sheriff Farmer has the pleasure of keeping Florida’s “friendliest hometown” – The Villages – safe and sound.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman and Deputy Mubarak. Before recently becoming a member of the sheriff’s office, Deputy Mubarak was an interpreter for the U.S. Military in Afghanistan. Deputy Mubarak was born in a rural part of Eastern Afghanistan, and his father encouraged him to become an interpreter for the U.S. Military in 2002. Deputy Mubarak speaks eloquently about the American ideals of family, education and hard work. Learn about the history of Afghanistan, his journey supporting the Marines during America’s longest war as well as the difficult time his family recently experienced with the Taliban takeover and his family’s treacherous, but ultimately safe, journey to the United States.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith. First elected in 2008, Sheriff Smith has implemented many innovative public safety initiatives for the citizens of his county. In addition, Sheriff Smith talks about his recent trip with his fellow sheriffs to see firsthand the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding on our nation’s southern border.  

In this episode, FSA speaks with former Notre Dame Head Football Coach Lou Holtz. Before providing leadership training for sheriffs at their summer conference, Coach Holtz took time to sit down with FSA and our Training Committee Chair, Sheriff Wayne Ivey of Brevard County, to talk about making good choices, share entertaining stories about his time as a head football coach, as well as discuss why we should respect and support law enforcement. We end the episode with the Q & A portion of his talk with all sheriffs where we get insight into his special relationship with Coach Bobby Bowden and whether Coach Holtz learned more from his wins or his losses.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Congresswoman Kat Cammack, who proudly serves Florida’s 3rd Congressional District as the youngest Republican woman in the 117th Congress.  As a wife of a first responder, Congresswoman Cammack discusses why her work to support law enforcement is so important.  We also discuss her recent trip with sheriffs to our nation’s southern border, and why having a safe and secure border is in the best interest of all Americans.   

In this episode, FSA speaks with Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, the current president of FSA as well as with Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz, the immediate past president.  Over the years, these two sheriffs have had a long and productive working relationship.  Learn how their work together continues today on a wide variety of statewide issues as FSA transitions from Sheriff Schultz to Sheriff McCallum’s leadership.

In this episode, FSA speaks with former Florida Governor and current U.S. Senator Rick Scott.  Elected to the Senate in 2018, Senator Scott remains a staunch supporter of sheriffs and their public safety mission as he works in our nation’s Capitol.  Senator Scott talks about the keys to making our economy work for everyone as well as why now is the time for more support and freedom for the people of Cuba.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Congressman Neal Dunn (Florida 2nd District) about his work with the 19 sheriffs he represents in his district.  Before being elected to Congress in 2016, Dr. Dunn was a surgeon in Panama City for over 25 years and before that in the U.S. Army for over 10 years. Although his district spans from Bay to Marion counties, Dr. Dunn finds the time to work well throughout his communities on a wide range of public safety and health care issues and oftentimes those two issues are intertwined.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony about his work to transform the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.  Sheriff Tony was appointed sheriff in 2019 and then won his election in 2020.  During his time in office, he has made school safety a top priority and is working every day to build trust in the community for the people he serves.

In this episode, FSA speaks with Congressman Troy Nehls (Texas 22nd District), who before being recently elected to Congress was the sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas. We discuss his recently filed Second Chance Opportunity for Re-Entry Education (SCORE) Act of 2021. This meaningful criminal justice reform legislation will authorize the DOJ to create a new grant program for eligible county jails to establish career and technical training programs, focused on technical trades, such as welding, HVAC and plumbing, to assist individuals with re-entry.