SARASOTA COUNTY, August 9, 2018 – The
Sarasota County Schools Police Department (SCSPD) officially welcomed 12
officers and 2 sergeants into its ranks today after holding an Oath of Office
ceremony on Wednesday. The School Board of Sarasota County approved the
officers and sergeants at Tuesday evening’s Board meeting.
“We are extremely excited and proud to
welcome these fine men and women into the Sarasota County Schools family,” said
Todd Bowden, superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. “The talent amassed in
this group of stellar law enforcement officials is impressive. We appreciate
how the community has embraced our officers and sergeants, and look forward to
working collaboratively to keep our campuses safe.”
“Our children are the leaders of
tomorrow and we are honored to protect them,” commented Michael Andreas,
director of Safety & Security of Sarasota County Schools. “We have
assembled an incredible team that boasts a wide variety of skills and
experience. The men and women of the SCSPD are talented, driven and acutely
focused on keeping our students and school personnel safe and secure.”
“I am humbled to lead these outstanding
men and women,” noted Paul Grohowski, chief of police of the SCSPD. “The
interview process was difficult and intense, but these officers and sergeants
passed with flying colors. All of them have exactly what it takes to serve our
schools and protect our community’s most precious gift, our children. Combined,
the SCSPD has over 544 years of law enforcement experience. We are committed to
excellence and delivering quality care and security.”
Please join us in recognizing the
newest members of the SCSPD:
- Sergeant Steve Kim
- He is a veteran of the United States
Marine Corp. with 10 years of law enforcement experience. Sergeant Kim has
served with the Port St. Lucie Police Department and Oviedo Police Department.
- Sergeant Todd Perna
- He has proudly served for the past 15
years at the Sarasota Police Department. Sergeant Perna was a member of the multi-agency
Gang Task Force here in Sarasota County for 12 years.
- Officer Joseph Hayes
- He has 31 years of law enforcement
experience, 21 of which were as a supervisor in some capacity or another.
Officer Hayes has served as a SWAT Team Member, a Detective and a Narcotics
Detective, among other assignments. He will initially provide relief/back up to
allow two of the assigned officers to attend a one-week CIT course in late
August.
- Officer Michael Halpin
- He faithfully served the citizens of
New York City as a NYPD Officer from 1996 to 2016. Officer Halpin served in the
highly-elite, Counter-Terrorism Unit in Manhattan South, among other
assignments. He will initially provide relief/back up to allow two of the
assigned officers to attend a one-week CIT course in late August. Officer Halpin
is also being tasked to assess the security plans for the upcoming football
season and to work with the athletic directors throughout the county for
purposes of risk-assessment at large, public gatherings.
- Officer Marino Rotondo
- He joins SCSPD from the East
Rutherford, New Jersey Police Department. Officer Rotondo served with
distinction for 18 ½ years in both the Patrol Division and was the Supervisor
of the Traffic Safety Bureau for over 14 years. He will be the School Resource
Officer at Cranberry Elementary School.
- Officer Robert Giarraputo
- He served with the NYPD with
distinction for 20 years. Officer Giarraputo was heavily commended for his
efforts in the restoration of the Williamsburg Neighborhood, efforts that were
recognized by the Honor Legions and the American Legions. He will be the School
Resource Officer for Alta Vista Elementary School.
- Officer John McDaniel
- He started his service in law
enforcement as a Police Cadet at the age of 19. Office McDaniel has served as a
Detective, a Patrol Sergeant and an Assistant Chief of Police, among other
varied assignments. He will be the School Resource Officer at Atwater Elementary
School.
- Officer Courtney Zak
- She served with distinction at the St.
Petersburg Police Department for 12 years. Office Zak has served as a Field
Training Officer, a Community Service Officer and a Hostage Negotiator, among
other assignments. She will be the School Resource Officer at Southside
Elementary School.
- Officer James O’Leary
- He has over 30 years of law enforcement
experience from the Norwalk Connecticut Police Department. Officer O’Leary
served with evident distinction, earning the Officer of the Quarter award an
unprecedented six times. He will be the School Resource Officer at Toledo Blade
Elementary School.
- Officer Salvatore Gianino
- He is a 20-year veteran Officer from
the NYPD. Officer Gianino served in numerous capacities, most notably a member
of the highly-elite Counter-Terrorism Unit. He will be the School Resource
Officer at Tuttle Elementary School.
- Officer John Dominguez
- He is an Army veteran with 13 years of
law enforcement experience. Officer Dominguez served two highly successful
overseas deployments and has experience in Narcotics and Criminal
Investigations. He will be the School Resource Officer for Gulf Gate Elementary
School.
- Officer James Wheatley
- He served with the Wharton Police
Department for 21 years. Officer Wheatley has served as a DARE Officer as well
as a Sergeant for 12 years in Patrol. He will be the School Resource Officer at
Bay Haven School of Basics Plus.
- Officer James McCarrick
- He served the Wheeling Illinois Police
Department for 27 years. Officer McCarick has served as a Detective, a Youth Officer
and an Evidence Technician, among other assignments. He will be the School
Resource Officer at Glenallen Elementary School.
- Officer Mary McCarrick
- She served the Chicago Police
Department for 27 years. Officer McCarrick has served as a Field Training
Officer, a Detective and a member of a pick-pocket task force as a Tactical
Team Member. She will be the School Resource Officer at Lamarque Elementary
School.
About Sarasota County Schools
Sarasota County Schools is
committed to providing unrivaled academic, emotional and civic growth to every
student, every day. As one of the leading employers on the Suncoast, Sarasota
County Schools boasts 53 schools that expertly cater to the diverse needs of
over 43,000 students. We are one of two Florida school districts to
consistently earn an A-grade every year since 2004. Our passionate educators
empower students to take charge of their academic and personal success, a
practice we believe fosters lifelong growth and achievement. We actively
maintain the district’s tradition of excellence and ensure that tradition
extends to all students. Our commitment to our students extends beyond graduation
to make sure they not only graduate on time, but do so college and career
ready. Want to take your student’s education to the next level? Connect with us
on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or visit www.SarasotaCountySchools.net.
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