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The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

WOMEN IN GREEN: CRISTAL BUSTAMANTE

Ive grown up here

he quiet, shy, high-school version of Cristal Bustamante would not have predicted this life for herself.
Neither would the 8-year-old Cristal: The new kid in DeLand who didnt speak English, who struggled to
finish her homework, whose childhood was spent cooking dinners and cleaning the house and helping
her family adjust to a new life in a new country. They came from Mexico, and her parents were at work
cutting ferns from early in the morning until 6 or 7 at night.

Yet now that shes here, Deputy Bustamante just seems right.
I had some days when I didnt know if I could finish college, Bustamante said recently, coming up on the last day
(Monday) of her probationary period on the road. Going to school, and going to work, and having two hours of
sleep, and no one to turn to because nobodys gone to college in my family it was a struggle. But I had a lot of
people work with me in this agency who were very helpful. They were like: Yeah, you can do it. Just keep pushing
through it and itll be worth it at the end. And here I am.
Bustamante, 33, took an unusual path to get to this point. Her career with this agency goes back almost 15 years,
straight out of high school. She was working in a restaurant when she met Lt. Jim Eisenbrown, who encouraged her
to apply at Records. She did, and she had that job for about a year before moving on to an office assistant job in

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

District 2. Early on, she planned on making some money,
earning some tuition assistance and signing up for health
insurance until she was able to join the military.
Later, she got interested in a fingerprint job after a
chance meeting with another fingerprint tech sitting
in the back row of Italian class at Daytona State
College. When I first met her, we didnt know that
we both worked for the Sheriffs Office. As the days
passed, we got to know a little bit about each other
and she said, Oh, Im a fingerprint tech at the
Sheriffs Office. And I said, Oh! Well, I work at the
Sheriffs Office too Whats a fingerprint tech?
I never thought about a job as a fingerprint tech I
didnt even know what it was, Bustamante said. But
I was getting restless So I said yeah, if it comes
open, let me go over there.
It came open, and she went, taking on a new
challenge. But from the very beginning of her career
here, Sheriff Johnson had been working to convince
Deputy Bustamante with her family after she was pinned as a
her to consider a career in law enforcement rather
VCSO deputy.
than the military. He approached me and mentioned:
You know, you might want to consider becoming a
deputy on July 5, 2014. On Monday, her probation
deputy you dont have to go overseas Its the same
ended and she was officially promoted to deputy
type of thing, youll still be serving, but you wont
sheriff. Thats a two-sentence summary of a much
have to leave your family and friends. And Im like
more complex series of decisions and doubts.
OK, how do I do that?
It was hard to take that jump. Its
Bustamante said. Thats
It was a struggle. But I had a
the uncertainty. You dont know if
when I found out you
lot
of
people
work
with
me
in
youre cut out for it. You dont know
have to be 19, and you
if youre going to pass. Theres a
this agency who were very
have to be a U.S. citizen,
whole lot of unknowns. And being a
which I wasnt. I said,
helpful. They were like: Yeah,
female, its a little bit harder because
well, lets see how it goes.
you
can
do
it.
Just
keep
the expectations are just as hard as
When I become a U.S.
the mans expectations.
pushing through it and itll be
citizen, if its something
that piques my interest, I
promise you Ill come see
you when Im ready. But
every time I saw him, he
was like: Are you ready yet?

worth it at the end. And here I

am.
Cristal Bustamante

Eventually, she was ready. After obtaining her law

enforcement certification, Bustamante officially
transferred from a fingerprint tech to a reserve

While the number of female law

enforcement officers has increased
over the past several years, they
remain in the minority across the country. Today,
about 11 percent of VCSO deputies are women.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

Its hard, Bustamante said. Youre trying to prove

yourself. Because whether they like to admit it or not,
youre having to prove yourself not just to yourself,
but all the people that are watching, thinking: Oh,
shes just a girl trying to do a mans job.

become, along with my parents upbringing. So Ive

grown up here. This is all Ive known. Every office
that I worked in, every person I met whos gotten me
to this point, has shaped who Ive become.

In high school, I was very shy; I had a very small

group of friends, Bustamante said. I was the quiet, Iwill-stay-behind the walls, dont-talk-to-me, dontapproach-me type of person I would turn a shade of
red. The high school me, getting to know the person I
would become, would be surprised to see that I went
from that person, to now being on the road telling
people what to do. Its a very people-oriented job;
you have to be able to talk to all types of people from
all walks of life and be able to keep your composure
and speak to them properly. And thats something
that I think, when I was in high school, I was too shy
to even explore.

Not that she wasnt already being shaped through

adversity as a kid. At 8, 9 years old, I was taking care
of a 6-year-old and helping her with homework and
helping my parents with daily housework. I think,
seeing that they struggled so much just to get us
where we needed to be I mean, we werent rich or
anything, we barely made it through with what we
needed on a daily basis. But we had everything that
we needed. And I think them pushing me in that
position kind of made me a stronger person. It made
me become independent and allowed me to
understand that things dont come easy, that youre
going to have to struggle and youre going to have to
work, but at the end of the day, its going to be better
for you. Because all the struggles, all the hurdles you
have to go through will mean so much to you when
youre at the end.

Essentially, this agency adopted me as a highschooler, she said. It has shaped the person that Ive

ANDREW GANT

That younger version of herself might have had the

same doubts.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

WOMEN IN GREEN: KAREN PIERCE

Go where others said you couldnt

s someone who thrives on helping people, law enforcement seemed like a good fit and a logical career choice
to Karen Pierce.

Now a 9-year veteran with the Sheriffs Office, this Missouri native never thought about making history.
But thats exactly what she did on March 1, when a new badge was pinned on her uniform during a promotion
ceremony in which Pierce became the first-ever African-American female sergeant in the history of the Volusia
County Sheriffs Office. The historic significance of the occasion certainly wasnt lost on Sheriff Ben Johnson. You
know, this is history right here, Sheriff Johnson noted during the well-attended promotion ceremony at the
Deputy Stephen Saboda Training Center. Im so proud. Youve worked hard and youre a fantastic person. We look
for big things from you.

For Pierce, being a trail-blazer is both a huge honor and an enormous responsibility. And its also motivation for
her to fulfill all of the expectations that have been heaped upon her. Im glad to be our first, said Pierce. With
honor, I consider myself a role model for other women especially women of color. This is an important milestone
for me because it opens up more opportunities with the agency and provides me with the ability to make a greater
impact within our community.
Making a positive impact in her community is what the 50-year-old Pierce is all about. It was back in high school in
Missouri where she first caught the law enforcement bug. Meeting a local police officer spawned a summer job as a
volunteer. Later, she worked as a police dispatcher, did some college course work and then joined the military
(Pierce remains active and plans to retire in April 2017 from the U.S. Army Reserves) before embarking on her law
enforcement career with the Hinesville, GA Police Department in 1987. Next, she spent 11 years with the
University of South Florida Police Department before joining the Sheriffs Office (the first time) in March 2005.
Ask her Sheriffs Office supervisors, and theyll tell you that Pierce is an extremely well-rounded deputy who has
high initiative, lofty professional standards and exceptional communications skills. But being a cop doesnt tell the
whole story of Pierce. Because shes also a woman of deep, Christian faith. She founded a faith-based, non-profit
organization devoted to empowering girls to attain standards of excellence in education, purity, leadership and

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

community service.
In August 2008,
Pierce felt a calling to
move to Tampa,
where she served as
Pastor of Family
Ministries at the
Bible-Based
Fellowship Church of
Temple Terrace. At
the church, Pierce
was Youth Pastor,
Pastor of Education
Enhancement and
Pastor of Singles.
While it was a tough
decision to leave the
Sheriffs Office, she
ultimately concluded:
This is where I was
needed and meant to
be.
The preaching, mentoring and outreach including a
pastoral trip to The Gambia in West Africa was
highly rewarding. But in April 2010, Pierce felt the
pull once again of Volusia County and law
enforcement. It turned out to be another one of those
meant to be moments for Pierce, as the Sheriffs
Office had an opening as a school resource deputy
(SRD) and was getting ready to call her to see if she
was interested. Pierce jumped at the chance and has
never looked back.
I knew it was time to come home, she said.
During her tenure at the Sheriffs Office, Pierce has
worked assignments in road patrol, investigations,
the Airport and as a school resource deputy at
Ormond Beach Middle School, Galaxy Middle School
and Deltona High School. She has also served as a
hostage negotiator. In 2012, Pierce racked up dual
awards, both as the School Resource Deputy of the
Year and Deputy of the Year for the entire Sheriffs
Office.
While she has appreciated the challenges and
rewards of each assignment, being an SRD was
among her favorites because it gave her the

opportunity to be a role model, work with young

people and help them make good decisions and
understand the consequences of their actions. In
short, the assignment gave Pierce the opportunity to
make a difference. I enjoy working with youth, said
Pierce. Having the opportunity to serve in middle
and high schools provided me with the chance to be
effective in an area of passion.
Still a Pastor, now at Hope Fellowship Church in
Daytona Beach, Pierces faith is always present in
everything she does. In fact, Pierce credits it as a
contributing factor to her success as a law
enforcement officer.
Everything that I do or try to do is based on my
relationship with God, Pierce said. When I
encounter people, address a situation or make a
decision, I hold myself accountable to how I am
representing Christ and if He is pleased with me. I
believe my faith is what causes me to be a better law
enforcement officer. Consistently upbeat and with
an ever-present smile, Pierce is quick to point out
that not all of my days are sunshine and roses. But
when Im having a hard day, I rely on my faith and the
Word of God to see me through.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

Since her promotion, Pierces challenge has been to
make that most difficult of transitions from line-level
deputy to first-line supervisor. The change is sure to
put her leadership, communications and mentoring
skills and faith to the test. As a road sergeant,
Pierces mantra will be to empower the deputies on
her shift, lead by example, foster teamwork and
encourage her subordinates to be creative in the way
they go about solving problems according to Pierce,
not just think
out of the box,
but think as if
there is no box.
And as a
supervisor, a
leader, that
means
recognizing
that everyone
brings different
strengths and
skills to the job
and no one has
a monopoly on
the right
answers or best
approaches.
Harmony isnt
obtained by
everyone playing the same note, said Pierce. While I
expect the deputies to do their best, I encourage them
to play their own note in order to build a great shift. I
wont ask anything of my deputies that I either wont
or havent done myself.
Now nearly 25 years into her law enforcement
career, and with all of that military experience, Pierce
still has more paths to walk, mountains to climb and
challenges to conquer. And with each new step, shell
undoubtedly continue to blaze a trail that inspires
women of color and all minorities and affirms that
theres a place for them in law enforcement. Pierce
concedes that she didnt get here all by herself and

had a lot of support and encouragement along the

way. Likewise, she hopes and prays that her story
is encouragement to others. I want my promotion to
send a message of hope to other females and
minorities, said Pierce. After all, there really is no
glass ceiling. There are only limitations of your
beliefs. My message to others is to free yourself to go
where others said you couldnt.
Postscript
As a supervisor,
Pierce said shell
place a high
priority on
encouraging and
supporting the
deputies to
further their
education as a
way to help
advance their
careers. And
Pierce definitely
practices what she
preaches, as she is
in the final stages
of obtaining her
doctorate in
education from
Nova Southeastern University, with a concentration
in organizational leadership and a minor in conflict
resolution.
So will it be Dr. Pierce, Dr. Sgt. Pierce or just Sgt.
Pierce? While shell answer to all of the above, Pierce
is rightly proud of her impending graduation as a
Doctor of Education. The title Sergeant represents
the current rank that I have with the agency and is
something of which I am very proud, said Pierce.
But the title Doctor represents expertise and
educational excellence that will last a lifetime. Its a
title that I will carry with me in every subsequent
assignment.

GARY DAVIDSON

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

After 30 years as a cop,

Mike Dye called it a
career. He didnt stay
retired for very long.
Today, youll find him at
work in another public
institution that needs
good people: high school

From a cruiser to the classroom

alk about a career change. One day youre patrolling the streets of Volusia County wearing a green deputy
sheriffs uniform and the next day youre a teacher at a local high school. How does that happen? Well, for
Mike Dye, it was simply the right time, he said.

Dye started his career with the Volusia County Sheriffs Office in June 1985 under the old JSO program as a Judicial
Support Officer and in 1987 moved to patrol. After three years in patrol, Dye was promoted to Investigator where
he excelled for six years. Transferring to District 2 in 1990, Dye also took on the duties of a Field Training Officer
(FTO) until his promotion to Sergeant in 1997.
In 1999, Sergeant Dye was offered a position with the U.S. Marshals Service in Los Angeles and moved to California
in 2000 to begin his career there. Of the experience, Dye said: One of my career highlights with the Marshals
Service was serving as the Deputy in Charge of Prisoner Security for the first al-Qaeda trial in the U.S., USA vs.
Ahmed Ressam. Another high point was conducting worldwide travel while being assigned to the Marshals
ConAir JPATS section. I traveled to Hawaii for prisoner movement every weekend for two years straight. I also
traveled to Guam, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico and Honduras as well and saw nearly every state in our country,
including Alaska.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

Family illness brought Dye back to Volusia County

and a return to the Sheriffs Office in August 2006,
where he ended his career as a School Resource
Deputy in October 2014. Dep Dye, as his students
called him, stated: Becoming a teacher wasnt in the
plans, but the timing was perfect. The opening for a
criminal justice instructor
at University High School in
Orange City came up when
the previous instructor, a
former FHP Trooper, gave
his notice. I realized that
the teaching opportunity
would probably not come
along again for a long time,
so I jumped at the chance,
said Dye. And I havent
regretted it.

criminal justice are really eye-opening to some

students. Dye reflects on current events,
commenting that law enforcement has had such
negative press in the past few months that for me, to
be able to change their hearts and minds for the
better is foremost for all of us in law enforcement.
Most recently, the high
school has formed an
educational alliance with
Daytona State Colleges
criminal justice program
where the students can
earn college credit for
attending some of their
high school criminal
justice classes. By doing
this, the opportunities are
endless, Dye said.

Dye teaches six classes

Mike Dye (second from left), is seen early in his law-enforcement
Along with his new
career.
daily, with an average of
teaching position came the
25-30 students per class.
formulation of the University High Schools criminal
The syllabus being used in the Criminal Justice
justice
club. This is the first school-sponsored club of
Program was acquired from FDLE and FDOE (Florida
its kind here in Volusia County. The club was started
Department of Education) curriculum that covers a
because the interest was so great among students
multitude of criminal justice issues. The class
who didnt attend any criminal justice courses. The
instruction covers everything from the early history
club specializes in helping students with completing
of the American criminal justice system and its
job applications, service projects like 100
origins to current events. We also address such
Deputies/100 Kids and Cram the Cruiser, field trips
specialties as report writing, mock court
and things that cant be done in a traditional
presentations, criminal investigations, traffic control
classroom setting. Currently, the clubs roster is
direction and much more, added Dye. He also has
about 40 students.
the students work on class projects such as an antigang project and a prison project.
Presently there are only two other high schools in
Dye hopes the students in the program will choose a
career path in a criminal justice field of some type.
We try to expose them over their four years of high
school to a variety of criminal justice career paths,
and I believe that all the careers in the field of

Volusia County that offer a criminal justice program

Atlantic High School and New Smyrna Beach High
School. I would eventually like to see every high
school in Volusia County offer this program, Dye
said.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

Members of University Highs criminal justice club meet with our District 6 folks in DeBary. The club is the first school-sponsored club of its kind in Volusia
County, and has about 40 student members who participate in field trips and service projects.

Transitioning from being a law enforcement officer to being a teacher wasnt too hard, according to Dye. After
spending 30 years in law enforcement and dealing with a variety of people, students are much easier to deal with!
To him, it was a natural fit since he had spent the last couple of years as a School Resource Deputy and was in and
out of the classroom and interacting with many of the same students that he is now teaching.
So, Mr. Dye, what other projects do you have written down on the chalkboard?
I still travel quite a bit on behalf of the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO) organization, he said. In
2005, he wrote a book entitled, The Peacekeepers and then helped co-author a book in 2010 called Stories of
Faith and Courage from Cops on the Street. Currently hes working on a third book entitled Dispatched by God.
He also maintains his own website, ChristianCop.com.
Definitely! is Dyes response when asked if he was glad he made the decision to become a teacher. Just like in law
enforcement, if you feel that youve made a positive difference in the lives of people, then you have succeeded. I feel
that way every day I walk in to the classroom. I feel that I am making a positive difference in young peoples
attitudes towards law enforcement.

JUDIE EDWARDS

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

ROLL-OUT TO BEGIN IN APRIL

225 body cameras approved

HEN A TEXAS POLICEMAN responding to a domestic disturbance call in August 2014 wrestled a man to
the ground, the initial vantage point failed to show any incitement, reason or justification for the
officers actions. It was only after release of the video footage captured by the officers body camera
that everyone the public, news media and prosecutors got to see what the officer reacted to: a violent,
unprovoked physical attack by the suspect. Thats because body-worn cameras bear independent witness to
rapidly-evolving events by producing video evidence designed to document what the officer in the field is seeing.
Where dash-cams are mounted in fixed locations, body-worn cameras can follow the action with each twist, turn
and occasional tumble of the officers.
The Sheriffs Office is now joining the growing
number of law enforcement agencies around the
country that are deploying body cameras to
capture and document the citizen encounters and
enforcement actions of their deputies. On
Thursday, March 17, the County Council gave the
green light to a contract for the purchase of 225
body cameras and related hardware, software and
video storage equipment. The acquisition will be
The view from a deputys body camera in a traffic stop scenario.
enough to outfit all patrol deputies, with additional
cameras being assigned to several specialized units
such as K-9, motors and the Crime Suppression Team. School resource deputies and deputies assigned to the civil
enforceable unit also will get cameras.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

Sheriff Ben Johnson said the cameras will be an
important new tool for deputies and a use of modern
technology that he expects the public will embrace.
At $67,387, the 225 Axon Flex model cameras being
purchased from TASER International represent a
relatively small part of the overall package that the
County Council unanimously approved. The bundle
also includes additional software and hardware such
as docks, wall-mounted brackets, belt clips, wall
chargers, mounting option kits, computer tablets and
networking equipment.
But most of the money is
devoted to a two-tiered
storage system and the
associated licenses. All told,
the contracts for the
equipment and the first five
years of video storage total
$2.48 million.
Sheriff Johnson said hes
confident that the benefits
will far outweigh the cost of
the camera program, which
is being funded by assets
confiscated in criminal cases.

recorded during their encounters with deputies. In

the video, Sheriff Johnson discusses his reasons for
bringing cameras to the agency and talks to residents
to get their feedback. The video also shows a Sheriffs
Office trainer discussing the benefits and
limitations of body cameras and shows the cameras
being tested during an evaluation process that led up
to the councils final decision.

The cameras help document events in the field,

provide valuable evidence to prosecutors, aid in the
investigation of citizen complaints and promote
transparency, accountability and community trust. In
fact, just the mere presence of a
body camera can help defuse
To the maximum extent
potentially confrontational
possible, we want the public
situations.

to be able to see what our

deputies see. Thats the best
way to instill confidence and
arrive at the truth, which is
something everyone should
want.
Sheriff Johnson

In order to maintain the publics trust, policing

needs to be as transparent as possible, the sheriff
said. And thats what body cameras do for us. To the
maximum extent possible, we want the public to be
able to see what our deputies see. Thats the best way
to instill confidence and arrive at the truth, which is
something everyone should want.
On the day of the councils approval, the Sheriffs
Office rolled out an approximately 6-minute public
awareness video that will help notify residents that
the cameras are about to be deployed and alert them
to the fact that they soon will be subject to being

Council member Josh Wagner

mentioned yet another benefit of
the cameras the efficiency and
cost-savings for the judicial
system. According to Wagner, the
video evidence often is so
overwhelming that criminal cases
are resolved faster, saving time
and money.

I think a majority of the time, it

will help speed up the process, Wagner said.
But the cameras arent without their limitations. They
wont always solve every controversy or answer
every question. For instance, the cameras dont
always capture the complete encounter or everything
that an officer sees in the field. And just like with
videotaped replays at sporting events, the images
arent always conclusive enough to resolve every
dispute.
But they do provide an impartial record for everyone
to see.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

To be successful, its absolutely
essential that law enforcement
agencies be accountable to the
community we serve and do
everything possible to
establish, build and maintain
the publics trust, Sheriff
Johnson said. Body cameras
are another tool to help ensure
accountability and
transparency in all that we do.
To prepare for implementation
of the camera program, the
Click above to watch the public awareness video we released this month.
Sheriffs Office established a
multi-disciplinary task team
recording at all times, the cameras will be activated
that examined a wide range of issues related to the
during certain types of incidents and encounters,
body cameras, such as equipment capabilities,
such as in-progress crimes, arrests, traffic stops,
software needs, evidence storage, retention and
traffic crashes, use of force incidents, foot and motor
public records issues, policy development and
vehicle pursuits, sex offender address verifications,
matters related to training, legal, privacy, purchasing
vehicle and building searches and service of search
and personnel issues. The Sheriffs Office also worked
warrants as well as certain other criminal
with the State Attorneys Office to ensure that the
investigative contacts. The policy also establishes
camera recordings meet the evidentiary needs of
guidelines for the secure storage, management and
prosecutors tasked with preparing criminal cases for
retrieval of the camera recordings. And it prohibits
trial.
deputies from making unauthorized copies of the
recordings or altering, modifying or tampering with
A project of this cost has to be done correctly,
them in any way.
Sheriff Johnson told the Council. While it was a

deliberative and lengthy process, the County Council

agreed that it helped ensure that a good decision was
made for the deputies in the field as well as the
public.
I think the selection committee put together was
professional, and they did a darn good job in looking
at this, commented Council member Pat Patterson.

Like other new forms of technology, body-worn

cameras have the potential to transform the field of
policing, the policy states. First and foremost,
agencies must always remember that the ultimate
purpose of these cameras is to help law enforcement
protect and serve the people in their communities
through open communication and best practices.

The Sheriffs Office has developed a detailed, 10-page

directive dictating when, how and under what
circumstances the cameras will be used. Rather than

The Sheriffs Office is planning to phase in the

deployment of the body cameras and expects to have
the first 75 cameras in the field next month.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

RECOGNIZING GREAT WORK

Best of the 4th quarter

K-9 handler whose dog survived getting shot in the line of duty and an investigator whose dedication and
skillful work helped dismantle a major racketeering operation were among the honorees in February as the
Sheriffs Office recognized its Employees of the Quarter. The five workers were named the tops in the
Sheriffs Office for the 4th quarter of 2015, with the group being honored during an awards ceremony at the
Deputy Stephen Saboda Training Center. Sheriff Ben Johnson pointed out to the assembled audience that the
honorees were nominated and selected by their co-workers and peers for the awards. They were selected because
they impressed their fellow employees, said Sheriff Johnson.
Earning Deputy of the Quarter honors was Deputy Brett Whitson. Deputy Whitson
deployed his K-9 partner, Endo, into a wooded area of Deltona on Nov. 4, 2015, in
search of an armed man who was at the center of a violent domestic quarrel.
Shortly after deputies began arriving at the scene, shots rang out and a female
victim was injured in the arm and side of her body. While deputies held their fire,
Endo also was shot in the neck during the melee. The suspect ended up taking his
own life and Endo was taken to a local animal hospital for emergency surgery
but not before Deputy Whitson effectively managed the scene while remaining
remarkably calm and waiting for additional back-up units to arrive. Endo has
recovered from his injury and returned to duty.
Its a great honor for me to be able to present this award to you, Sheriff Johnson
told Deputy Whitson.
Whitson and Endo

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

At the same awards ceremony, Sheriff Johnson

presented Endo with a purple heart and medal of
valor. It was the first time that anyone could
remember a Volusia County Sheriffs K-9 earning
such high honors. But Endos fearlessness in the face
of gunfire made him just as deserving as his human
counterparts.
At the awards ceremony, first the citation was read
aloud to the gathered audience of co-workers and
media
representatives who
were on hand to
observe the
presentation. Even
after being seriously
wounded, K-9 Endo
was willing to reengage the suspect to
protect the lives of
his fellow Deputies,
the citation noted.
His actions reflect
great credit upon
himself and the
Volusia County
Sheriffs Office.
Taking home
Investigator of the
Quarter honors was
Investigator Jayson
Paul. Among his
accomplishments was his role in toppling a largescale racketeering organization as part of a massive
investigation that prompted 23 arrests. The
organization was responsible for stealing millions of
dollars worth of merchandise from businesses and
then returning the stolen goods in exchange for gift
cards that were then sold to two local Cash For Gift
Card stores.
Despite the complexity and demands of the sevenmonth investigation, Paul also successfully worked a
burglary case that resulted in the identification of a
juvenile who was being exploited by a known
criminal and had become a victim of human
trafficking. Without a doubt, Investigator Paul is
making a difference in our community, said Pauls

supervisor, Sgt. Todd Smith, in a letter nominating

Paul for the award.
Patrick Harding, an Information Technology
programmer, was named the Sheriffs Offices Civilian
Employee of the Quarter. He was nominated for his
skilled handling of three extremely complex and
time-consuming IT projects. Not only did Harding
excel in his handling of the special projects, but he
did it while juggling his other regular duties. Our IT
staff always finds a way to do it. You keep us moving
forward all the time, Sheriff
Johnson said.
Kristi Castelli, meanwhile,
was selected as the topperforming
Telecommunicator of the
Quarter. She was nominated
by a deputy who praised
Castelli for tapping into
technology and databases
that helped solve two cases
in which drivers caused
crashes and then fled the
scene.
Rounding out the list of
honorees was the Sheriffs
Offices Volunteer of the
Quarter, Sonia Cortes.
Cortes volunteers numerous
hours with the Citizen
Observer Program (C.O.P.),
where she helps recruit new volunteers with her
exceptional organizational skills and attention to
detail. As part of her volunteer duties, Cortes attends
expositions and other events such as the Volusia
County Fair and the Home Expo to ensure that the
C.O.P. booth is set up and that there are adequate
recruitment materials available. Sheriff Johnson
added high praise for Cortes and citizens like her who
help the Sheriffs Office maximize its resources and
provide essential services to the public some of
which simply wouldnt be affordable if not for the
volunteer help.
No matter what, we call and they show up, said
Sheriff Johnson. Thank you for a job well done.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

RECOGNIZE THESE FACES?

Best of the year 2015

few of the best of all the hard-working members of the Sheriffs Office were honored earlier this month
with top awards for their efforts solving crime, making victims whole and supporting the agency
throughout 2015.

Sheriff Ben Johnson handed awards to Deputy of the Year Roy Galarza, Investigator of the Year Jayson Paul, Civilian
Employee of the Year Patrick Harding, Telecommunicator of the Year Kristi Castelli and Volunteer of the Year
Sandra Carlson. Each was also recognized as a top employee of the quarter at some point last year.
Galarza, who patrols in District 2, was honored for his diligence and investigative skills in identifying and charging
suspects in burglary cases even when given only vague information from the start. Deputy Galarza is an
outstanding deputy and works diligently to protect citizens in our community, his sergeant wrote in his
nomination letter.
Paul, nominated for honors twice in 2015, was recognized for his work in several complex or high-profile cases.
There was his work investigating five organizations involved in a $2 million retail theft ring, which resulted in 23
arrest warrants and the dismantling of the ring. Then there was his work on a burglary investigation that
eventually identified a young woman who had been exploited as a victim of human trafficking. And he solved
numerous burglary and theft cases, including a rash of tailgate thefts that initially had few leads.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

Its men and women like you who make this agency so great, Sheriff Johnson told Paul.
Harding, a programmer in the Sheriffs Office information technology department, was honored for juggling
multiple projects throughout 2015. These projects brought five Southeast Volusia fire stations into a new software
system, reconfigured the EVAC ambulance software system and brought Volusia Countys geographic information
system mapping layers into the Sheriffs Office system for quicker responses to mapping changes. That kind of
behind-the-scenes work is what keeps the agency running. Youre a very good worker and a very smart
individual, Sheriff Johnson told Harding.
Castelli was recognized for her handling of two separate hit-and-run incidents in 2015 with deputies locating
suspects in both cases thanks in large part to her work. On more than one occasion, Kristi has gone the extra mile
and obtained information not readily available to me, Deputy Dave Teske wrote in nominating her.
Carlson, one of the many generous volunteers who give their time to support the VCSO, was recognized for her
friendly, outgoing demeanor and willingness to help in the District 4 office. She trained with our civil deputies to
help them with research on subjects to be served and is continuing to train on several different databases. The
volunteers are a big part of this organization, Sheriff Johnson said. We appreciate your work and couldnt do it
without you.

DEPUTY/EMPLOYEE/INVESTIGATOR/ VOLUNTEER/TELECOMMUNICATOR OF THE QUARTER

NOMINATIONS
We need your help...
The Awards Committee is meeting in April to make recommendations for Outstanding Achievement during the 1st
Quarter of 2016. Please take a few minutes and make a nomination for a Volusia County Sheriff's Office member
who has continued to perform above the call of duty, and specifically during the 1st Quarter of this year. Please
include the persons DID in your nomination.
Please send your nominations (formal or informal: employee performance notice of exceptional performance, an
email, memorandum, or a hand written note), to any Awards Committee member. The members are: Erik Eagan
District 4, Tim Johnson Records DeLand, Robert Hansard Civil NSB, Ted Richard JSD-Annex, Garey MacDowellDistrict 2, Doreen Browning - Central, Kevin Moss- Special Services, Julie Adkins- Justice Center, Brian Henderson
District 4, Gregory Ray District 6, and Laverne Curry-District 3.
Thank you for your efforts and taking the time to make a nomination.
Remember to include in your nomination the activity that the nominee has performed occurred within the 1st
Quarter.
DEADLINE: April 10, 2016
P.S. The selection process for these awards is usually difficult for the Committee to make. If your nomination is not
selected by the Committee please don't think that you shouldn't have submitted your nomination. The nominee as
well as the award recipient are recognized for their exemplary performance. There has been many of times that
the Committee has struggled with the decision on who to select and based on the nomination, endeavors to select
the best person for that quarter. Thank you for your continued support in this deserving recognition process.

SGT. TED RICHARD

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

HAPPY TRAILS

Closing chapters, opening new ones

he good news: We still have nine months left in the Sheriff Johnson era. The bad news: We only have nine
months left. When the sheriff announced in January that he plans to bring his storied law enforcement career
to a close at the end of 2016, he said: Whether on the front lines responding to calls or in a behind-thescenes support role, whether sworn or civilian, paid employee or volunteer, you all have equally shared in our
successes and are equally responsible for making the Volusia County Sheriffs Office one of the best and most
respected law enforcement agencies in the state. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service, your
work ethic and your dedication to the Sheriffs Office and the citizens we serve. It is truly my honor to serve with
each and every one of you!
It wasnt long before we learned wed be losing another longtime VCSO leader: Chief Deputy Bobby
Jones, who announced his own retirement in January as well. For the last 28-plus years it has been
my honor to serve as a Volusia County Deputy Sheriff, Chief Jones wrote in a farewell message. I
started as a 23-year-old kid and grew up in this agency. I have always enjoyed this career and still
do to this day. Words cannot express the value I place on the friendships I have made and the
impact the men and women of this agency have had upon my life. I am truly grateful for those
relationships and will cherish them forever.

Jones

Stepping in to take the chiefs place was Eric Dietrich, promoted after five years as Captain. His last
two assignments were in command at District 6 and as the head of Special Services. With the
retirement of Bobby Jones, Eric certainly has some very big shoes to fill, Sheriff Johnson said. But
he has a very broad and well-rounded range of experience, both in the field and in the supervisory
and administrative realms. Eric knows our overall operations as well as anyone and has done an
outstanding job with each and every one of his assignments. Im confident that hes going to do a
great job as my new Chief Deputy.

Dietrich

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

FACEBOOK FEEDBACK

The opposite of cop-bashing

hen social medias involved, the tone in a conversation about law enforcement can turn negative fast.
Thats why we were encouraged when this picture a submitted photo of Deputy Micah Stoltz filling
up a gas can for a stranded driver March 20 prompted thousands of positive reactions from people
around the country. For the most part, the comment section became a forum on other positive experiences with
cops in Volusia County and elsewhere. Here are a few examples.

Riley Nutt VCSO Deputies have big hearts. They buy food, gas and much more out of their own pockets for people
in need. They are just like teachers, they do this career of service because they care and want to make a
difference. I know when my 8 year old niece was placed with me because her mother had a drug abuse issue, deputies
bought groceries three times for her family before she was finally removed due to abuse and neglect. These officers are
also about second chances. Please pray for our deputies and first responders and lift up their families too.
Deonna Frye 20 years ago when I first moved to florida, a Volusia county sheriff helped me when I ran out of gas
on 95. I will never forget that!
Ameerah Virola Mitchell In 2013 I ran out of gas on the top of the international bridge and a police officer bought
me a gas can and gas, just enough that got me home. He was super nice and talked to me for about 30 minutes.
Told his boss what he was doing and where he was going. His name was Seth, not sure if he still works with the DBPD
but I'll never forget
Goldie McQuillan Once had a dead battery & a deputy jumped me. Don't judge a whole department by the
actions of one officer. They are all individuals.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

Rhonda Burke I have gotten a ride from one cause my truck broke down I thank god for his help never got his
name
Mike Marrero I saw a deputy push a car off to the side of the road because it had stalled at a light. By hand. We
have a very good sherif dept. you guys get more flack than praise. Know that you are appreciated. Well except
when your handing me that traffic ticket lol.
Brenda Miller I has a fhp guy crawl under my car on I4 one time when my drive shaft cover broke. Nice guy stayed
with me til a friend got there

Kelly Havel Mirabal Many years ago, a Volusia County deputy escorted me to I-4 when I was lost in Deltona (had
recently moved to Daytona, and was not familiar with the area). I have never forgotten his kindness that night, as
I had ended up in what appeared to be a shady part of town. I wrote a letter to the Sheriff letting him know how much I
appreciated the officer. I am very appreciative of all officers who sacrifice from their families to make sure we are all
safe.
Gord Elvis I'm a snowbird from Canada and every time I've had a question regarding anything they have been
very helpful. Good work.

Barbara Marshall Carlton I was driving home from North Carolina yrs ago with then my 11 yr old grandson. Just
had drove out of the mountains on interstate 26 when I had a flat tire ,,, the only thing I had was the little donut
tire ... A state Trooper came by and stopped and changed my tire and told me what exit to go to so I could buy a tire.. He
was so nice .. It was hot so I had a clean towel in my car that he wiped all the sweat and dirt off... He was so very nice ...
There are good people in this world.
Karen Arrington Yeah and they pay for it out of their own pockets. This is paying it forward. . God bless all of our
sheriffs and police officers.

Joe Craig A Deputy once did the same thing for me, although he borrowed the gas can!

Kerri Campbell a shout out from MAINE. thank you officer. true officer rite there. we do have them in maine
also.
Todd Gann First and foremost, this is a direct reflection of this mans character. One does not have to don a
uniform to be a good person. Thank you Deputy!

Carolyn Bowman Kudos to the officer. People forget just how relieved most of us are when we see those blue
lights. We know our help has arrived. They deserve our respect and thanks.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

K-9 ENDOS LATEST

Thats a good dog, but f--- him

ne particular VCSO K-9 has been in the news a lot lately. As mentioned earlier in this issue, K-9 Endo and
his handler, Deputy Brett Whitson, were each honored at our awards ceremony in February Whitson as
Deputy of the 4th Quarter, and Endo with a Purple Heart and a Medal of Valor. Three hours after the
ceremony ended, Whitson and Endo were back at it, capturing a driver who fled from a traffic stop and into
Brevard County. And a month later, yet another Endo call-out resulted in the following headline from WFTV
Channel 9:

Even suspect impressed by decorated

Volusia County K-9 Endo
Updated: Mar 4, 2016 - 12:07 PM

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. Endo, a 4-year-old German shepherd and Volusia County K-9, is still out there going
after bad guys.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

He is a Medal of Valor and Purple Heart recipient after being shot in November, but remains on the job, doing so
well that even a suspect arrested Thursday seemed impressed.
Endo responded with his handler to a buy-bust narcotics operation Thursday after the suspect ran Daytona Beach
police tried to arrest him.
Tethered to Volusia County
Sheriffs Deputy Brett
Whitson by a 30-foot leash,
Endo tracked the suspect
through the brush and under
two fences before finding him
under a porch at a residence
in the 600 block of Magnolia
Avenue.
Endo grabbed the suspect by
the thigh and dragged him
from under the porch, police
documents said.
The man, later identified as
Sherman L. Atkins, 21, of
Daytona Beach, then attacked
Endo, holding the K-9s head
and neck to the ground with
his forearm, Whitson
reported.
After repeatedly ordering
Atkins to release Endo, the suspect finally yielded and put up his hands, a charging affidavit said.
Atkins was taken into custody and Daytona Beach Fire and Rescue responded to treat several puncture wounds on
his leg.
While being treated, Atkins told Fire and Rescue personnel that he was impressed by Endo.
Thats a good dog, but f--- him, Whitson quoted Atkins as saying.
Atkins was taken to Halifax Hospital for additional treatment and was then booked into the Volusia County Jail.
He was charged with battery of a police dog, resisting an officer without violence, sale of cocaine and numerous
outstanding warrants.
He was being held in lieu of bonds totaling $78,000.
No injuries to Endo were reported in the affidavit.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

263rd SESSION IN QUANTICO

Lt. Henderson: FBI Academy grad

t. Brian Henderson was among 230 law enforcement officers who recently graduated from the prestigious
FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. The 263rd Session of the National Academy consisted of men and
women from 47 states, the District of Columbia, 27 international countries, four military organizations and
five federal civilian organizations.
The graduation ceremony took place on March 18. Himself a graduate of the FBI
Academy, Sheriff Johnson said he was very proud of Lt. Henderson. Brian should be
commended for his dedication and commitment to the highest standards of the law
enforcement profession, the sheriff said of the 33-year-old Henderson, who has been
with the Sheriffs Office for 14 years.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy program offers
10 weeks of advanced communications, leadership and fitness training for selected
officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies. More than 49,000
people have graduated from the FBI National Academy since it began in 1935. Academy
graduates often return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions. This is the
type of advanced training that helps position the Sheriffs Office to meet the challenges of
the future, added Sheriff Johnson.

Henderson

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

DISTRICT 4 OUTREACH

Connecting on the court

The final score was inadvertently misplaced,
but this week, everybody who showed up on
the court at Florida United Methodist
Childrens Home came away with a win.
FUMCH, a home in Enterprise for abused,
abandoned, neglected or dependent children,
is a place with frequent calls for service. To
address that, our District 4 personnel have
been working to get to know the kids and
employees there.
The idea behind the rec play is to create
some positive interaction between these atrisk children and the deputies that serve
them, said District 4 Capt. Erik Eagan.

Capt. Erik Eagan and Sgt. Pat Leahy played some overtime with two of FUMCH's junior
players.

The effort in building a better relationship

with the residents and staff at FUMCH has already paid off and we have seen a reduction in calls for service, Sgt.
Pat Leahy said.
After the game, kids and deputies gathered around the FUMCH swimming pool for a cookout.
Look for more outreach efforts from us on Facebook and elsewhere as we continue to encourage kids to see a
deputy as a person beyond the badge and uniform.

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

Promotions, awards and staff changes

Promotions

March
2015 Deputy of the Year Roy Galarza
2015 Investigator of the Year Jayson Paul
2015 Civilian Employee of the Year Patrick
Harding
2015 Telecommunicator of the Year Kristi
Castelli
2015 Volunteer of the Year Sandra Carlson

January
Christy Bourke-Stirrup, promoted to Senior
Deputy
Dennis Dearborn, promoted to Senior Deputy
Anthony Zimmerer, promoted to Senior
Deputy
February

Departures

Eric Dietrich, promoted to Chief Deputy

December

March

Samantha Collins, Office Assistant III

Buddy Klepper, Deputy II
Brian Schiffli, Telecommunicator
Haleigh Greer, Office Assistant III
Truc Nguyen, Telecommunicator
Jairo Fernandez, Reserve Deputy
Randy Collier, Telecommunicator

Patrick Allison, promoted to Senior Deputy

Karen Pierce, promoted to Sergeant

Awards
February
Deputy of the 4th Quarter Brett Whitson
Investigator of the 4th Quarter Jayson Paul
Civilian Employee of the 4th Quarter Patrick
Harding
Telecommunicator of the 4th Quarter Kristi
Castelli
Volunteer of the 4th Quarter Sonia Cortes
Medals of Merit to Paramedic Michael Miller
and Air One Pilot Steven Whaley for their
roles in locating an airplane crash site Oct. 10,
2015, in a remote area of Seville.
Medals of Merit to Deputy Andrew Jenkins
and Deputy Michael Sawicki for resuscitating
an unresponsive female victim at a crash
scene Dec. 15, 2015, saving her life.
Medal of Valor and Purple Heart to K-9 Endo
for his actions Nov. 4, 2015, on a call
involving an armed, fleeing suspect. Despite
being shot in the neck during the incident,
Endo remained vigilant and poised and was
willing to re-engage the suspect in order to
protect the lives of his fellow deputies.

January
Timothy Bannas, Reserve Deputy
Agnes Bischoff, School Crossing Guard
Jerry Betz, Deputy II
Rodney Turner, CPS
Timothy Kiesel, Telecommunicator
Shawn Wheeler, Telecommunicator
Andrew Cotton, Deputy II
Ken Hunt, Deputy II
Stacy Riney, Telecommunicator
Ralph Brown, Sergeant
February
Kimberly Reader, School Crossing Guard
Ashley Fowler, Telecommunicator
Antoinette Arcuri, Social Worker
March
Jessica McGloin, Telecommunicator

The Green & White: A Volusia County Sheriffs Office newsletter

New hires
December
Richard Herr, School Crossing Guard
Mary Greer, School Crossing Guard
Lindsey Campbell, Telecommunicator

After 32 years of loyal and dedicated

service to the Volusia County Sheriffs
Office, Captain Ray Ray Almodovar is
retiring. Please join us at the District 6 office
in DeBary on Thursday, April 7, 2016 to wish
him well on the next chapter of his life.
Visiting hours are from 0930-1130 and
1330-1530.

January
Nancy Kokoszka, Office Assistant III
Judith Valentine, School Crossing Guard
Robyn Blakely, Office Assistant III
Gina Place, Telecommunicator
Sara Doroski, Telecommunicator
Kimberley Morgan, Telecommunicator
Diane Thomas, Telecommunicator
Tyler Zentz, Telecommunicator
Lynn Sloan, Telecommunicator
Marjorie Tanko, Telecommunicator
James-David Negley, Telecommunicator
Aleasha Murphy, Telecommunicator
Christina Milian-Gandia, Telecommunicator
LaQuisha Lesane, Telecommunicator
Fawwaz Massoom, Telecommunicator
February
Joanne Gucciardo, School Crossing Guard
Alexis Granito, Office Assistant III
Joshua Brown, Office Assistant III
Lisa Linden, Office Assistant III
Aimee Morgan, Office Assistant III
Bethlyn Brown, Office Assistant III
Lisa Gailey, Office Assistant III
Robin Calogero, School Crossing Guard

Submit your news

Contact:
Gary Davidson, gdavidson@vcso.us, Ext. 12167
Andrew Gant, agant@vcso.us, Ext. 15838
Judie Edwards, jedwards@vcso.us, Ext. 12415