Law Enforcement Officials from Citrus, Lake, Pasco, Sarasota, Sumter Counties Part of Class

Saint Leo University’s 22nd Command Officer Management Cohort Graduates

Law enforcement officers from five Florida counties, who make up the 22nd cohort of Saint Leo University’s Command Officer Management Program, received their diplomas on September 16.

A graduation ceremony was held at the Tavares Pavilion on the Lake in Tavares, FL. This cohort was hosted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Peyton Grinnell was the keynote speaker.

Saint Leo University’s Command Officer Management Program was designed to provide onsite education that prepares law enforcement officers for the transition to command staff by addressing areas such as leadership, ethics, human resources, critical incident management, and other relevant administrative competencies. The 18-credit hour certificate program consists of six courses during six months (three terms) for undergraduate or graduate academic credits. 

Class XXII graduates and their agencies are:

● Citrus County Sheriff’s Office: Sergeant Bobby Price;

● Lake County Sheriff’s Office: Sergeant Timothy Beary, Sergeant Robert Casaburi, Sergeant Brian Forst, Sergeant Gerald Green, Sergeant David McDaniel, Sergeant Nate Pickens, Lieutenant Elvin Rodriguez, who also served as the class president, Corporal Bret Rutzebeck, Corporal Keith Sommer, and Sergeant Billy Walls;

● Pasco County Sheriff’s Office: Sergeant Eric Cayer and Lieutenant Luby Fields;

● Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office:  Lieutenant Joseph Mitchell and Lieutenant Ivan Nelson; and,

● Sumter County Sheriff’s Office: Sergeant Dave Clark and Sergeant Clinton Hayes.

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, offering 57 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs to more than 18,200 students each year. Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks, the private, nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education to learners of all backgrounds and ages in the liberal arts tradition. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a residential campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, 16 education centers in five states, and an online program for students anywhere. The university is home to more than 98,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.

Media Contact: Mary McCoy, University Writer & Media Relations, mary.mccoy02@saintleo.edu, (352) 588-7118 or cell (813) 610-8416