Pictured left to right: Personnel Manager Emily M. Mruczek and Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman; Sergeant Scott A. Kinney and Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman; Sergeant Samuel R. Lutz and Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman.
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman presented several awards during a ceremony Monday to recognize the 2024 Supervisors of the Year.
Personnel Manager Emily M. Mruczek is named the 2024 Civilian Supervisor of the Year. During 2024 Mruczek brought automation and modernization to the agency’s recruitment and hiring process, facilitating a streamlined and electronic application process. The new process allows collaboration with staff members while increasing productivity and documenting the process. Additionally, Mruczek brought computerization to the oral board process making it more efficient and putting the focus on the candidates. Mruczek also coordinated the agency’s attendance at 48 job fairs locally and throughout the surrounding counties, a significant increase from 2023, helping the agency reach a larger number of qualified applicants. Mruczek’s outstanding and exemplary performance in her position has been a model for others in her bureau and the sheriff’s office.
Sergeant Scott A. Kinney is named the 2024 Courts and Corrections Supervisor of the Year. He has shown tremendous leadership in overseeing the Receiving/Maintenance and Offender Work Program (OWP) and collaborated with Sarasota County Facilities Maintenance Division helping to ensure secure and efficient operations. Under his guidance, the facility has met and exceeded safety and operations standards resulting in an Excelsior Status rating for the fifth consecutive assessment. Kinney has overseen key projects including recreational yard roof replacement, office renovations, and many more. Under his supervision at OWP, his respectful working relationship with county personnel, external vendors, and his own team has resulted in successful project completion. He coordinated and participated in Hurricane Milton storm preparation, cleanup, and removing debris from county offices. Sergeant Kinney’s dedication to people, his community, and the agency have shown him to be a valuable leader in the Courts and Corrections Division.
Sergeant Samuel R. Lutz is named the 2024 Law Enforcement Supervisor of the Year. Lutz has shown himself as a valuable member of the Special Operations Bureau balancing his duties and responsibilities between the Marine, Traffic, and Aviation Units. As the Marine Unit Supervisor, Lutz responsibly carries out the administrative duties and budget negotiations of the unit and has strengthened the agency’s partnership with the West Coast Inland Navigational District (WCIND). He was instrumental in coordinating rescue efforts with neighboring law enforcement agencies during Hurricane Debbie including evacuating 587 people, 11 animals, and assisting EMS with two patient transports. Outside of the Marine Unit, Sgt. Lutz has been part of the remarkable enforcement efforts of the Traffic Unit and has been an exceptional member of the Aviation Unit for more than a decade. Sgt. Lutz’s wide range of knowledge and experience has made him a respected and trusted leader at the sheriff’s office.
“These supervisors bring exceptional qualifications and leadership skills to the work they do at the sheriff’s office,” said Sheriff Hoffman. “We applaud all three of them and are grateful for their dedication to the agency and our community.”