NEWS RELEASE 25-003 - JANUARY 30, 2025
Pictured left to right: Sergeant Brandon Burnside, Lieutenant Sean Brophy, Sergeant Stefanie Silva, Manager Faithe Johnson, Assistant Chief Pilot Chris Laster, and Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is proud to announce the promotion of five sheriff’s office members in a ceremony held on January 30, 2025.
Deputy Pilot Chris Laster was promoted to assistant chief pilot with the agency’s aviation section. He joined the sheriff’s office in 1994 and was assigned to the patrol bureau. Prior to his appointment, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served a tour in Operation Desert Storm where he earned multiple awards and recognitions. He promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2005 and continued to serve in patrol, mounted, honor guard, as a field training deputy, and in aviation as both a tactical flight deputy and a pilot. He's been nominated twice for Employee of the Month, nominated in 2002 for the Deputy of the Year, and has been awarded two unit citations. Assistant Chief Pilot Laster holds an Associate in Arts Degree and is a police mounted trainer for law enforcement officers throughout the country.
Deputy Brandon Burnside was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the agency’s patrol bureau. Prior to being hired by the sheriff’s office in 2014, Sergeant Burnside served as a police officer with the City of Venice Police Department. In March 2018, he became a field training deputy for the sheriff’s office and in September 2020 he received a lifesaving award for his assistance in providing CPR and reviving a local community member. In May 2021, he received the Heroic Achievement Award for his role in stopping a vehicle traveling the wrong way on I-75. Sergeant Burnside holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology.
Deputy Stefanie Silva was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the agency’s patrol bureau. She joined the agency in 2017 as a deputy and served in patrol. Prior to her appointment, she served for several years as a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol. In March 2021, she became a field training deputy and in 2023, she transferred to the agency’s tactical unit. She was nominated in both 2019 and 2021 for the Law Enforcement Division’s Employee of the Month. Sergeant Silva holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
Fiscal Supervisor Faithe Johnson was promoted to payroll manager in the agency’s Finance Bureau. She joined the sheriff’s office in 2023 having previously spent several years as a director of an area preschool program. Manager Johnson has attended several conferences in support of her position and holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education. She has been described by her peers as a consummate leader who exhibits characteristics for all to emulate.
Sergeant Sean Brophy was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the agency’s patrol bureau. Prior to being hired as a patrol deputy by the sheriff’s office in 2004, he served as a police officer with the Milford (MA) Police Department. In March 2007, he became a field training deputy and in June 2012, he was promoted to sergeant where he served in both the patrol bureau and the agency’s civil section. Lieutenant Brophy is a graduate of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Association’s (FBI-LEEDA) 286th Supervisory Leadership Institute for Law Enforcement Executives. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and is a certified private pilot.
“We’re proud to celebrate these accomplishments,” said Sheriff Hoffman. “The hard work and perseverance of these members is a testament to the values of our agency. We wish them luck in their new positions as they continue to work to make Sarasota County a safe and inviting community.”