Lieutenant Jeffrey Vajdik, Animal Services Supervisor Crystal Davis, Sergeant Mark Lefebvre, Emergency Operations Supervisor Linde Bryington, Lieutenant Debra Kiner, Sergeant Tara Shea, Captain Joe Giasone, Emergency Operations Manager Kristen Fitzpatrick, and Sheriff Tom Knight. 

Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight is pleased to announce the promotion of eight Sarasota County Sheriff's Office members.

Lieutenant Joe Giasone is promoted to the rank of Captain assigned to the Court Services Bureau. Giasone began his career at the sheriff's office in 1992 as a Communications Operator. He served in the Patrol Bureau as well as the Tactical Unit, and most recently, in the Criminal Investigations Section. Giasone earned his bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida and master's degree from St. Leo University. He has also earned several credentials through continued law enforcement coursework and training.

Sergeant Debra Kiner is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant assigned to the Law Enforcement Division. Kiner's career at the sheriff's office began in 2004 as a patrol deputy and on her first day, was asked to assist during Hurricane Charley. Kiner served in the Youth Services and Criminal Investigation sections, and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of South Florida.

Sergeant Jeffrey Vajdik is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant assigned to the Courts and Corrections Division. Vajdik's career at the sheriff's office began in 2004 as a corrections deputy in the jail. He is currently the CERT team leader and has several credentials earned from law enforcement and corrections-oriented training over the years.

Detective Mark Lefebvre is promoted to the rank of Sergeant assigned to the Patrol Bureau. He began his career at the sheriff's office in 2003 and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida.

Deputy Tara Shea is promoted to the rank of Sergeant assigned to the Courts and Corrections Division. She began her career at the sheriff's office in 2008 and is working towards completing her education.

Emergency Operations Supervisor Kristen Fitzpatrick is promoted to the rank of Manager assigned to the Emergency Operations Bureau. She began her career at the sheriff's office in 2000 and earned her associate degree from Columbia Southern University.

Communications Operator I Linde Bryington is promoted to the rank of Supervisor assigned to the Emergency Operations Bureau. She began her career at the sheriff's office in 2006 and earned two bachelor's degrees from the University of South Florida.

Animal Care Technician Crystal Davis is promoted to the rank of Animal Services Supervisor assigned to the Special Operations Bureau. She began her career at the sheriff's office in 2003.

"It is always rewarding when we can promote our members from within," said Sheriff Tom Knight. "These men and women have shown their commitment to service and to the citizens of Sarasota County and it is my pleasure to support them as they take this next step. Through continued leadership training and best practices, I have no doubt that these newly promoted supervisors will be equipped with the knowledge they need to perform at the highest level."