Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight is pleased to announce the promotions of Lieutenant Debra Kiner and Detective Jason Smith.

 

Lieutenant Debra Kiner is promoted to the rank of Captain assigned to the Courts and Corrections 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. She promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2011 and was soon assigned to the Criminal Investigations Section. In 2017, Kiner was promoted to Lieutenant and served again in the Patrol and Investigations Bureaus. She eventually transferred to the Special Operations Bureau to oversee the Youth Services Section, Crime Prevention Unit and Homeless Outreach Team. Throughout her career, Kiner was nominated for Employee of the Month and graduated from both FBI-LEEDA’s 306^th Command Institute and the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officer Development Course. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Florida.

 

Detective Jason Smith is promoted to the rank of Sergeant assigned to the Law Enforcement Division. Smith began his career with the sheriff’s office in 2009 after graduating with his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. In 2012, Smith joined the agency’s SWAT Team and over the years worked in the Patrol Bureau, Tactical Unit, and most recently in the Special Investigations Section. Smith earned a Lifesaving Award in 2014 and Meritorious Achievement Award in 2018. He is trained in several areas to include force on force training house and firearms instruction, as well as advanced interrogation and investigative interviewing. Smith worked during the 2012 Republican National Convention, is a Rappel Master, and has attended the Tactical Team Leader Development Course through the Florida SWAT Association.  

 

“We believe in challenging our members to be their very best,” commented Sheriff Tom Knight. “Captain Kiner and Sergeant Smith are both great examples of members who continue to train and educate themselves in order to excel in their field. I am certain they will both continue to be excellent leaders for their colleagues and community.”