Sheriff Knight Honors 2016 Employees of the Year

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Left to right: Sergeant Mark Lefebvre, Crime Scene Analyst Jessica Hendrickson, Operator II Tia Brand, Deputy Anthony Zaccaria and Sheriff Tom Knight.

                                                                                                                                                           MARCH 29, 2017

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight today recognized the 2016 Employees of the Year.

Detective Mark Lefebvre, 2016 Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year, is recognized for his leadership, high moral character, and commitment to the agency's philosophy of rightful policing. Lefebvre joined the sheriff's office in 2003 and has been assigned to the Criminal Investigations Section since 2005. Known as a seasoned investigator, Lefebvre led several major investigations in 2016 while balancing the training of three new detectives. He also participated in the agency's strategic planning process and Rightful Policing Strategy workshops. Lefebvre received compliments from the State Attorney's Office on his exceptional work and caseload. On March 24, 2017, Lefebvre was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Crime Scene Analyst Jessica Hendrickson is recognized as the 2016 Civilian Employee of the Year. Hendrickson joined the sheriff's office in 2006 and not only is she tasked with training new hires but she is also recognized for dedicating more than 430 hours to specialized training. She is also one of two analysts at the agency who holds a distinguished certification from the International Association for Identification. In 2016, Hendrickson responded to 196 requests for forensic services calls, was routinely called out to scenes on her days off and took the lead on three of seven homicides that occurred in Sarasota County. She is notably dedicated, hardworking and confident in her skills, making her a true asset to the Forensic Services Bureau and to the agency.

Operator II Tia Brand received the 2016 Emergency Operations Bureau Quality Assurance Award, for the third year in a row. Brand joined the sheriff's office in 2010 and after completing the call taking program, proceeded through Emergency Medical Dispatch and Emergency Fire Dispatch training, before becoming a Communications Training Officer. In 2012, she was elevated to a Communications Operator II. The Quality Assurance Award is based on a combination of overall quality assurance scores, the number of calls audited and scores on pre-arrival instructions, and Brand scored 99.89% on all calls reviewed.

Deputy Anthony Zaccaria, 2016 Corrections Deputy of the Year, joined the sheriff's office in 2013. Worthy of recognition is Zaccaria's assignment to the Addiction Recovery Pod in the Sarasota County Jail. Deputy Zaccaria is known for taking an active role in the inmate recovery process by displaying genuine interest in their well-being and helping to guide and mentor inmates to make better choices and prepare for life after incarceration. He has received several letters from former inmates thanking him for his dedication and support. Deputy Zaccaria is a firm believer in the agency's philosophy of rightful policing and rehabilitation through meaningful alternatives to traditional incarceration. He provides an outstanding example for new employees, peers and inmates alike and is someone this community can truly be proud of.

"While all of the men and women of the sheriff's office perform to the highest standards of professionalism," said Sheriff Knight, "these four honorees are absolutely deserving of this recognition. Through a true commitment to our values as well as the practice of rightful policing, these men and women are a fine example of what it means to serve Sarasota County."