John's Achievements

Over 28 years of law enforcement experience, 25 of those years serving the citizens of Highlands County. The following information includes positions held, formal and law enforcement education, awards and certifications.

Positions

Uniform Patrol Officer
Detective Criminal Investigative Unit
Sergeant Uniform Patrol Division
Sergeant Special Investigations Unit
Sergeant Criminal Investigations Unit

Education

Master | Public Administration (MPA)| 2014
- Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida
Bachelor of Arts | Organizational Management | 1999
- Warner Southern College, Lake Wales, Florida
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice | 1998
- South Florida Community College, Avon Park, Florida

Awards

Medal of Honor | Highlands County Sheriff’s Office | 2014 | Awarded for an officer involved shooting in an active shooter incident.
Medal of Merit | Highlands County Sheriff’s Office | 2008 | Awarded for involvement in investigating and dismantling scores of illegal marijuana (cannabis) grow houses.
Officer of the Year | Sebring Police Department | 1997

Certifications

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Leadership Academy

Training

Specialized Training 1995-2023 completion of over 1,000 hours of advanced and specialized training to include:

Polk State College: Investigation & Supervision of Officer-Involved Deadly Force Incidents - 2020
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Indoor Cannabis Investigations School – 2013
Multi-Jurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force: Pharmaceutical Drug Investigations – 2009
Middle Management-2008
Florida Narcotic Officers Association: Annual Training & Conference - 2008
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Advanced Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Law Enforcement School - 2008
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Basic Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Law Enforcement School – 2007
Southern Institute of Forensic Science: Specialties in Death Investigation – 2003
John E. Reid Technique Advance Course of Interview and Interrogation-2002
John E. Reid Technique of Interview and Interrogation-2001
Investigator’s Drug School Street Drugs-2001
Developing and Maintaining a Sound Organization-2001
Investigator’s Drug School Street Level Drug Enforcement-1998
Narcotics Identification & Investigation – 1997
Advanced Training in Computer Applications-1997
The Commission on Criminal Justice Standards & Training: Advanced Training in Sex Crime Investigations - 1996
Violent Crime Investigations – 1996
Advanced Report Writing-1996