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Pictured left to right: Deputies Brody Bauer and Jessica Yoder, Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman; Sewing Coordinator Hubert Mclvor, Certified Addiction Counselor Brittany Henson, Re-entry Navigator Fernando Rivera-Lugo,
Re-entry Navigator Elizabeth Negron, Re-entry Navigator Katie Paterson, Re-entry Navigator Michelle Louis-Schnakenberg, Corrections Treatment Specialist Silma Irizarry, Religious Coordinator John Walker,
Corrections Treatment Specialist Ernest Brinson, Assistant Inmate Programs Coordinator Randy Kesner, Assistant Inmate Programs Coordinator Colleen Barrett, Corrections Deputy Noah Hatt,
Corrections Deputy Kyle Pereira, Corrections Sergeant John Darling, Corrections Lieutenant Arlene Tracy, Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman; Lieutenant Michelle Di Capua, Deputy Tate Anderson, Sergeant Benjamin Smith,
Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman; Andrew DeJonge, Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman.
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman presented several awards at a ceremony on Thursday.
Deputies Jessica Yoder and Brody Bauer received the Life Saving Award for their quick response to a medical emergency. Yoder assessed the victim and found no pulse or breathing, then immediately began chest compressions. Bauer assisted with a bag valve mask. They continued their lifesaving efforts until the Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD) took over. The victim, who survived, later expressed gratitude to the sheriff’s office for the deputies’ heroic actions.
Deputy Joseph Wolleon also received the Life Saving Award for his swift response to a traffic accident. Upon arrival, he found a victim ejected from the vehicle with a severed leg and applied a tourniquet to control the severe bleeding. His decisive actions stabilized the victim, enabling SCFD to provide further care and transport him to the hospital. The victim survived thanks to Deputy Wolleon's extraordinary effort. Deputy Wolleon (not pictured) was unable to attend the ceremony.
The Corrections Program Unit consisting of Lieutenant Arlene Tracy, Sergeant John Darling, Deputies Noah Hatt and Kyle Pereira, Assistant Inmate Programs Coordinators Colleen Barrett and Randy Kesner, Religious Coordinator John Walker, Treatment Specialists Ernest Brinson and Silma Irizarry, Reentry Navigators Michelle Louis-Schnakenberg, Elizabeth Negron, Katie Paterson, and Fernando Rivera-Lugo, Certified Addiction Counselor Brittany Henson, Sewing Coordinator Hubert McIvor, and Vocation Coordinator Perry Sears was awarded a Unit Citation for outstanding inmate rehabilitation and reentry initiatives. Since January 2025, they've expanded programs, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), boosting participation from under 10 in 2018 to over 50 in 2025. With support from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the unit offers training in barista, GED, and forklift certifications, to name a few. In addition to those achievements, Reentry Navigators have assisted 355 clients this year, providing support with housing and employment. The unit also launched the Wet Press cleaning service in June, aiming for agency-wide expansion, soon. Inmates have gained new skills in sewing and repair, using their newly developed talents for the benefit of local nonprofits. Partnerships with over 330 volunteers and organizations like Project 180 and USF highlight their commitment to maintaining the over 60 programs for successful rehabilitation and reintegration.
Lieutenant Michelle Di Capua, Sergeant Benjamin Smith, Deputy Tate Anderson, and Corrections Deputy Lauren Kleinfeldt were presented with the Certificate of Excellence for their outstanding performance on the Physical Abilities Test (PAT) which measures agility, speed, and fitness. The PAT is intended for governing and monitoring the physical capabilities of all sworn members and their ability to perform the tasks as set forth in the job task analysis for the positions of law enforcement, courts, and corrections deputies. The PAT is an annual requirement for all sworn positions in the agency. Corrections Deputy Kleinfeldt (not pictured) was unable to attend the ceremony.
On behalf of the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), Sheriff Hoffman presented a recognition plaque thanking Andrew DeJonge representing DeJonge Excavating Contractors Inc. as FSA Business Platinum Members. This company has been a partner of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office while also supporting the Florida Sheriffs Association through donations that make their state-wide programs possible.
“It is an honor to watch as our members continue to exceed expectations and go above and beyond in their respective positions!” Sheriff Hoffman remarked. “We provide training and equipment, but initiative and action are what make a real difference in our community and change lives.”