Pictured left to right: Reentry Navigator Fernando Rivera-Lugo and Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman; Detective Carlos D. Verdoni and Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman; Corrections Deputy Rusty C. Ayers and Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman; Communications Operator III Noah P. Carroll and Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman.
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman presented several awards during a ceremony Monday recognizing the 2024 Employees of the Year.
Reentry Navigator Fernando Rivera-Lugo is named the 2024 Civilian of the Year. Rivera-Lugo has worked tirelessly to address and overcome the numerous barriers that individuals face during their reintegration including challenges related to housing, employment, health insurance, transportation, identification, and education. His efforts make a remarkable difference in the lives of those he serves. Additionally, Rivera-Lugo was involved in two major projects in 2024. In the first, he assisted the Criminal Justice Standard and Training Commission as a subject matter expert who participated in the revision of the Basic Recruit Training Program for Florida Correctional Officers. In the second, he took part in aiding homeless citizens with a backpack program that inspired other community groups to donate allowing more individuals to receive the backpacks. Rivera-Lugo fostered hope and resilience through his work and made a difference for the well-being of the Sarasota community.
Detective Carlos D. Verdoni is named the 2024 Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year. Verdoni was instrumental in the establishment of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit and continues to mentor other detectives. He has led the way in financial crimes and is recognized as a subject matter expert throughout the state. He spearheaded the fraud education outreach program and has led many informational lectures and seminars for local citizens on fraud prevention. Additionally, he is known nationally as a subject matter expert in Cryptocurrency and has worked with the Florida Stateside Prosecutor’s Office culminating with the seizure and recovery of several hundred thousand dollars for Sarasota victims. Verdoni has worked tirelessly on warrant and other scams uncovering a sophisticated fraud organization which was being run from a prison out of state. This case included working collaboratively with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and U. S. Attorney’s Office. Detective Verdon’s dedication and relentless efforts show in all that he has achieved at this agency.
Corrections Deputy Rusty C. Ayers is named the 2024 Court and Corrections Deputy of the year. Ayers was instrumental in establishing the new Corrections Academy and exceeded all expectations. He created the schedule for the attendees and helped select and assign the instructors who participated in the inaugural academy. Ayers ensured the certification for each instructor and was instrumental in creating the chapter tests, makeup tests, and practice state examinations. He is also a certified instructor for all three phases of high liability training required of all recruits and was intricately involved in all aspects of the academy from start to finish. Deputy Ayers’s attention to detail and unmatched work ethic got the Sarasota County Corrections Training Academy off to a successful beginning and set an example of excellence for all who attend.
Communications Operator III Noah P. Carroll is the recipient of the 2024 Quality Assurance of the Year Award. After 45 calls were reviewed for quality assurance, Carroll earned all high compliance marks for medical and fire calls and an overall 100% compliance for law calls. His professionalism and dedication exemplify the qualities of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. Carroll’s commitment to serving the community and his exemplary performance during the year reveal why he was presented with this award.
“These members are standard-bearers for our agency,” said Sheriff Hoffman. “It is an honor to work alongside them and to watch how they model excellence and commitment for everyone who knows them.”