Our agency members are no strangers to answering when duty calls. For the last 28 years, Santa has made a special call to the sheriff requesting assistance for families in need each holiday season.
On Saturday, December 4th, hundreds of participants joined the PCSO at Fort De Soto Park for Ride & Run with the Stars (RRWTS), which benefits the Sheriff’s Christmas Sharing Project. RRWTS is the largest law enforcement organized holiday charity fundraiser in the Tampa Bay area, and to date, has raised over $900,000. This year, approximately $75,000 was raised and agency members were able to use proceeds to shop for more than 200 families on Tuesday, December 17th at the Walmart on Missouri Avenue in Largo.
“We were approached about six weeks ago to partner with PCSO and really jumped at the opportunity,” said Preston Payne, Walmart Store Manager. “We enjoy being able to team up with the sheriff’s office because it exposes our associates to community involvement while assisting deputies in brightening the holiday season for families in need.”
Members from the Department of Detention and Corrections, Youth Education Section, Community Policing Unit, and more, joined forces and became Santa’s elves as they gathered items on each family’s wish list.
“It means a lot to be able to raise enough funds to support families in need,” said Sergeant Cassie Naylor from the Department of Detention and Corrections. “I chose to shop today alongside my work family for the satisfaction of being able to shop for those who are less fortunate. Providing kids with some of their different wants and needs is so rewarding.”
While toys and bikes were the most wished for items, some lists included more than just toys. For some, their wish list included necessities like new shoes, clothes, and socks.
Being given the opportunity to shop for families in need hits close to home for many members as well, like Deputy Eddie Martinez from the Community Policing Unit. “I know growing up as a kid I didn’t always have everything I needed, so being able to shop for kids that don’t have much and to provide them with exactly what they want, whether that be a video game or a ride-on toy, makes this experience and opportunity so rewarding and special.
In Chris Van Allsburg’s timeless children’s book, "The Polar Express,” the conductor was quoted saying, “Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” That inspirational quote applies as a reminder that while many of our members won’t be seeing the families on Christmas Day, we know that at least 539 children will be smiling because they got a visit from Santa this holiday season thanks to his elves with a badge.
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ICYMI: Ride & Run with the Stars |
If you've never made it to our signature annual event, spend a minute taking in the sights and sounds of the 28th Annual Ride & Run with the Stars!
From the 25-mile bike race to the 1-mile family fun run, there's something for everyone. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 3rd, 2022 for the 29th Annual Ride & Run with the Stars!
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Communications & Public Education: Looking to 2022 |
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The Public Relations Bureau (PRB) has three sections: Communications & Public Education (CPE), Crime Prevention & Community Awareness, and the Public Information Office (PIO). In total, the bureau is comprised of 16 sworn and civilian personnel, the largest of which is CPE. Its eight civilian members manage all of the traditional PR functions except for media relations, which is handled by the PIO. Major responsibilities of CPE include the writing of agency publications and correspondence, creation of graphics and promotional materials, management of community partnerships, and coordination of public education programs and special events.
CPE has many “wheelhouses,” but one of the busiest is that of Graphics & Multimedia Specialists, Aaron Grudis, Ryan Gordon, and Audio/Visual Multimedia Specialist, Brennan Whipple. They work with team members to transform creative vision into reality. Whether it’s printed materials, photos or videos you’ve seen on social media, or designs on agency vehicles, there’s a good chance their fingerprints are on them. In 2021 alone, the team produced graphics for nearly 75,000 items that were printed and more than 100 videos that were posted on our social media platforms.
“I’ve actively worked as a full-time graphic designer for 24 years. The variety of projects and switching back and forth between who the intended audience is for each project makes working at PCSO unique,” said Senior Graphics/Multimedia Specialist Aaron Grudis. “I’ve worked on paint schemes for an airplane, designed a challenge coin, and designed the agency annual report all within the same week.”
For most members of CPE, no two days are the same, but for Public Relations Specialists Nicole Prohaska and Verliz Williams, working on special events like the Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial ceremony, Annual Agency Awards ceremony, Ride & Run with the Stars, and the Retiree Holiday Picnic, there is never a dull moment. Amidst special events throughout the year, Prohaska and Williams facilitate public education programs, like the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy and coordinate the agency’s presence at events in the community through the Speaker/Asset Request process. Just this year, they helped facilitate nearly 200 events which, due to the impacts of the pandemic, is down from more than 500 during an ordinary year.
“While our job is anything but normal, being able to interact with the community on a regular basis and meet people from all walks of life is really the most fun and rewarding part about working in Communications and Public Education,” said Williams.
Capturing, creating, and sharing the latest graphics, agency updates, or even safety reminders like the Crime Prevention “Tip of the Week” is the responsibility of the newest member of CPE, Social Media Specialist Ashley Cooley. “Having already worked in the agency for the past two years, I was always interested in seeing what more the agency had to offer. Now through this position I’m able to explore and have the opportunity to share those stories and experiences with the public and even some agency members. It’s very exciting.”
For the manager of CPE, Ricky Butler, it comes down to the people of the agency and telling their stories. “Members of our agency do all the heavy lifting whether they’re out on the road, working intake at the jail, or turning wrenches on vehicles. Our job is to tell their stories and through that, help the public understand who we are as an agency and what we do,” Butler said. As manager of the team, every graphic, letter, article, or video produced comes across his desk for review. According to Butler, his favorite and least favorite parts of his job are one in the same. “I like being busy and getting into as much as I can, which is a daily opportunity, but you also have to keep tabs on what everyone’s doing and find time to actually think through ideas. It’s a balancing act,” he added.
CPE is just a small part of what makes the sheriff’s office function, but they are a large part of making sure the story of our agency is told in an engaging and creative way. As a busy 2021 holiday season comes to an end, CPE is preparing for a busy year ahead as events and programs ramp back up, most notably the Sheriff’s Citizens Academy, Sheriff’s Teen Citizens Academy, and the Sheriff’s Discovery Day program. You can learn more about the agency’s public education program offerings and other opportunities to get involved by checking out the “Programs & Services” tab of www.pcsoweb.com.
To keep up with CPE, follow PCSO on all major social networking platforms or visit pcsoweb.com/events to see where you can find them next.
Currently, CPE is looking to add one more member to the team. If you enjoy working in the communications realm, and are ready for your next professional challenge, consider applying for our Public Relations Specialist position. To see additional requirements related to this position visit our current openings click here.
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With Christmas quickly approaching and New Year’s Eve just around the corner, celebrations are in order for many. Ensure that you and your loved ones celebrate responsibly by practicing these safety tips:
- Making a “pour” decision by drinking and driving could lead to serious consequences. Be responsible and designate a driver for the night or use a ride share app to get you where you need to be. If you’re hosting a gathering, establish an agreement with your guests to not drink and drive. Collect their car keys and provide them a place to stay if they’re unable to get a ride home in a taxi or via ride share app.
- What goes up, must come down, so avoid celebratory gunfire. Stray bullets can seriously injure those around you or someone else in your community. Keep celebrations limited to confetti poppers, noise makers, and smaller fireworks that can be purchased in a major retail store.
- We recommend leaving the fireworks to the professionals, but if you plan on using fireworks this year, be sure to douse them in water after use to avoid accidental fires. Also, be sure to not point or throw fireworks in the direction of another person.
- Criminals don’t take the holidays off, so if you see something, say something.
- No matter how you celebrate, creating new memories with your loved ones and taking the time to reflect on this past year, shouldn’t come at life changing cost. Celebrate responsibly.
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Job Feature: Safe Harbor Community Shelter Technician
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Do you have a heart for those in our community that need help getting back on their feet? Pinellas Safe Harbor is looking for caring and responsible individuals to assist in the security and well-being of their residents as Community Shelter Technicians. To learn more and apply, click here.
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