Villagers enrolled in the Sumter County Sheriff’s Citizens Academy were riveted this past week as Lt. Mike Ross prepared them to be ready should an armed intruder suddenly storm an event.
The training came at a time of heightened national awareness of the need for such preparedness after this past week’s headlines were dominated by violent attacks at a Michigan synagogue and a Virginia university.
Lt. Ross conducted the active shooter class as part of the Sumter County Citizens Academy which was held at the Ezell Recreation Center in The Villages.
The Citizens Academy has been offered by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office for more than 20 years. Hundreds of residents have attended the academy over the years and have learned about the work that the sheriff’s office does to combat crime. At the end of the 10-week program, residents are awarded a certificate by Sheriff Pat Breeden. Twenty-five residents completed the 10-week course this past week and received a certificate of completion from Sheriff Breeden.
Residents can register for the next Citizens Academy which is scheduled to begin Sept. 1. Most classes will be held at the Ezell Recreation Center near Sawgrass Grove. Most classes run from 1 to 3:30 p.m. but on “field trip” days, it could be closer to 4 p.m. before residents are back at the recreation center. For registration and more information call (352) 689-4604.
Citizens Academy Schedule
1 to 3:30 p.m
Ezell Recreation Center
September 1
Ezell Recreation Center
HONOR GUARD PRESENTING THE COLORS
SHERIFF PAT BREEDEN & UNDERSHERIFF CHRIS HAWORTH
CAPT. JON GALVIN & DETECTIVE JEFF COHEN – FRAUD
September 8
Ezell Recreation Center
CAPT. ZEKE SHAW, LT. MICHAEL CASSIDY -PATROL OPERATIONS & ZONES
LT. CHRIS THIBODEAU –TRAFFIC UNIT
INSPECTOR JAMES ACGUIAR – PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS & ACCREDITATION
September 15
Sheriff’s Office 250 E McCollum Ave Bushnell, FL
CAPT. JON GALVIN & LT. TOM FORD – CRIMINAL INVESTIGATONS
LT. JOEL MULLINS -FORENSICS, EVIDENCE & FINGER- PRINTING
September 22
Ezell Recreation Center
CAPT. DARRIN SEGREST & LT. MICHAEL CALLAWAY -SCHOOL PROTECTION
LT. MIKE ROSS -DIVE TEAM & WATER PATROL
September 29
Sheriff’s Office 7361 Powell Rd. Wildwood, FL
CAPT. JON GALVIN & SHARON DONCOURT – VICTIMS ADVOCATE
CAPT. DARRIN SEGREST, CAREN HOLLOWAY -COMMUNICATION CENTER (Dispatch)
October 6
Sumter County Detention Center 219 E Anderson Ave Bushnell, FL
MAJ. REACE THOMPSON, CAPT. JASON REID – JAIL
LT. DAVE CLARK -K-9
October 13
Ezell Recreation Center
CAPT. ROBERT SIEMER -NON-TRADITIONAL LAW-ENFORCEMENT SERVICES
SUSAN COOK – D.R.E.A.M PROGRAM
DENNIS KELLENBERGER -FLORIDA SHERIFFS YOUTH RANCHES
BETH HUNT & THERESA COOPER -COMMUNITY OUTREACH
October 20
Sumter County Courthouse 225 E McCollum Ave Bushnell, FL
MAJ. REACE THOMPSON, CAPT. PAGE LOCHRIE -COURT HOUSE SECURITY
HONORABLE PAUL L. MILITELLO -SUMTER COUNTY JUDGE
October 27
Ezell Recreation Center
CAPT. JON GALVIN & LT. LUCAS BROWN -VICE, SWAT & DEPUTY DONALD HENSHAW-DRONE
November 3
Ezell Recreation Center
LT. DAVE CLARK – ACTIVE SHOOTER PRESENTATION GRADUATION