Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Promotions

                                                                                                               NEWS RELEASE #: 16-204 - NOVEMBER 7, 2016


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Newly promoted sergeants Robert Nichols and Lewis Hirtzel with Sheriff Knight.

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight is pleased to announce the promotion of two Sarasota County Sheriff's Office deputies to the rank of Sergeant.

Corrections Deputy Lewis Hirtzel is promoted to the rank of Sergeant assigned to the Courts/Corrections Division. Lewis began his career at the sheriff's office in 2010 as a Corrections Deputy. A valued and respected member of the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT), Lewis has received multiple nominations for Deputy of the Month while serving as officer in command of the west wing. He is currently working towards his Bachelor of Science in Public Administration.

Deputy Robert Nichols is promoted to the rank of Sergeant assigned to the Law Enforcement Division. Nichols began his career at the sheriff's office in 2004 as a Patrol Deputy. He served in the Criminal Investigations Section as well as the Tactical Unit, receiving a Unit Citation in 2013 for exemplary work. Nichols has been recognized by numerous agencies and offices, including the Secret Service, Sarasota/Manatee Airport Authority and the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Religion from Appalachian State University.

"We believe in recognizing hard work and dedication to excellence," said Sheriff Knight. "These gentlemen have displayed their value to our agency and to their community. It is a true privilege to promote them through the ranks."