Jacksonville Sheriff's race 2015

[Cheshire Cat]

There is a very serious competition going on for the office of Sheriff in Jacksonville and the candidates all come with excellent qualifications.  This is going to be an interesting race to watch and the fundraising for the candidates has been brisk and mostly in the six digit range.  The Candidates for Sheriff are:

   Tony Cummings ( Active- Qualified)   DEM   
   Jay Farhat ( Active- Qualified)   REP      
        Jimmy Holderfield ( Active- Qualified) REP   
   Ken Jefferson ( Active- Qualified)   DEM   
   Lonnie McDonald ( Active- Qualified)
   Rob Schoonover ( Active- Qualified)   
        Mike Williams ( Active- Qualified)

[Cheshire Cat]

SOE bio statement for Tony Cummings:


Dr. Tony Cummings is a native of Jacksonville with 25 years of law enforcement experience, who has called the First Coast his home for over 40-years. He has a wife, Dr. Andrea Cummings, two daughters Kyra and Eleana, and a sharp-eyed K-9 named Rusty.

Dr. Cummings grew up in a low-income, single parent, household on Jacksonville's northwest side of town with his sister, Denise, and two brothers, Morris and Derrick. His mother, the late Eleanor Cummings, worked multiple jobs at a local nursing home and janitorial service to put food on the table for him and his siblings. His mother instilled in him the importance of God and family in his life. She also insisted that he focus on his education and becoming a productive member of society. Her drive and commitment to her children's future helped to keep them away from the drugs and gang activity that seemingly had a stranglehold on their neighborhood at the time.

In 2005, Dr. Cummings earned his Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He also holds a graduate degree in Organizational Management and undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Criminal Justice. In addition, Dr. Cummings holds a Professional Certification in Education Leadership (All Levels).

Dr. Cummings, then ranked private Cummings, joined the United States Army Military Police in 1989, where his duty assignments included a tour in Russian occupied Berlin, Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall, an assignment with the U.S. State Department (top secret clearance), and a highly prestigious tour in Washington D.C. He received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1994 at the supervisory rank of sergeant, and continued his law enforcement career in 1995, as a civilian, by joining the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO).

In his career with the JSO, Dr. Cummings has worked in both the patrol and detective divisions of the agency. His assignments included working as a Field Training Officer, Burglary Investigator, Undercover Narcotics Agent, and Missing Persons Investigator; an extension of JSO's Homicide Unit. He also provided ethics training to the Community Service Officers formerly employed with the agency.

In 2012, Dr. Cummings was awarded the Six Pillars of Character, JSO Employee of the Year, for his work in helping to save Jacksonville's youth from the streets one child at a time. He was recognized for his efforts in the September 2011 edition of the Justice Coalition's Victim Advocate. In addition, Dr. Cummings was awarded Officer of the Month honors for his work as a Missing Person's Investigator in helping to positively identify the remains of three (3) missing person victims reported missing in the late 80's and 90's. His direct involvement in securing DNA from family members of the deceased and coordinating his investigative efforts with personnel from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, helped to bring much needed closure to each of the victim's families.

In addition to his investigative duties and responsibilities with the JSO, Dr. Cummings worked as an adjunct professor in 2007 with Keiser University in their Crime Scene Technology (CST) program. He taught the following CST courses to young aspiring Criminal Justice majors: Legal Aspects of Crime Scene Careers, Hazardous and Unusual Crime Scenes, Introduction to Forensic Science, Fingerprint ID and Development, Crime Scene Safety, Crime Scene and Evidence Photography, and Crime Scene Procedures.

Learn more about the candidacy of Dr. Tony Cummings at www.tonycummingsforsheriff.com.

Tony T. Cummings, Ed.D.
Note: The candidate's photograph and s

[Cheshire Cat]

SOE bio Jay Farhat:

Jay Farhat for Sheriff
Jay@FarhatForSheriff.com

www.FarhatForSheriff.com


An Experienced, Dedicated Law Enforcement Professional

Jay Farhat is a Jacksonville native with more than 22 years of diverse
professional law enforcement experience covering a wide variety of specialty
areas from patrol officer to senior leadership positions at the Jacksonville
Sheriff’s Office.

Jay worked his way through the ranks to serve as a supervisor in some of the
department’s most prestigious, demanding units. He was appointed to the
State Attorney's Office as a Special Investigator and led investigations in the
Major Crimes Unit, Repeat Offender Court, Special Prosecution and Juvenile.
He now supervises Homicide detectives in JSO’s pinnacle investigative unit.

Jay is also a devoted husband, father, small business owner and an active
community leader. He is thoroughly prepared and committed to providing
public safety and justice for all Duval County citizens as our next sheriff.

Extensive Professional Law
Enforcement Experience

•   Wolfson High School Graduate, Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with Criminology Minor from Florida State University
•   More than 22 years of meritorious service with JSO and the State Attorney’s Office
•   Responsible for supervision of JSO homicide detectives who conduct complex investigations and control major crime scenes
•   Supervised State Attorney’s Office Youth Mediation Program, served as a special SAO Investigator and the liaison between a SAO and JSO
•   Served as a supervisor in Family Violence, Aggravated Child Abuse and Traffic/Special Events among many other positions

Distinguished Service to Our Community

•   School Advisory Council for Hendricks Avenue Elementary School
•   Jacksonville Youth Sanctuary Board of Directors
•   San Marco Preservation Society
• University Club of Jacksonville Board of Directors
Catholic Charities Board of Directors
•   Lakewood Presbyterian Day School Board of Directors
•   Youth Sports Coach and Duval County Public Schools “Reading with the Stars” Volunteer
•   Rotary Club of San Marco (Paul Harris Fellow)
•   Executive Board of Directors, Trustee for Fraternal Order of Police

Dedicated Husband, Father, Youth Advocate

Jay has been dedicated and engaged in making Jacksonville a better place to live and raise families. Aside from his work at JSO, he has served our community in numerous nonprofit leadership positions, many of them focused on helping local youth. He and his wife Renee have two sons who attend public schools. They are active members of Assumption Catholic Church.

www.FarhatForSheriff.com ~

Facebook.com/FarhatForSheriff

[Cheshire Cat]

SOE bio for Jimmy Holderfield:

Candidate's Statement

Jimmy A. Holderfield

Jimmy Holderfield’s vast experience, combined with his extensive community involvement, makes him uniquely qualified to lead the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. His vision for the JSO is to connect, protect and serve to better safeguard our quality of life. A police presence is important not just when there is something is going on in your neighborhood.

In September 2013, JIMMY retired from JSO with 35 years of experience and public service. His most recent post was as Director for JSO’s Department of Corrections, a position Jimmy earned in 2010. As Director, Jimmy oversaw the jails, prison and Division of Health Services along with an approximately $83 million budget. Jimmy was also responsible for upwards of 1,000 correctional and civilian employees in addition to the inmates or other persons under the care, custody and control of the JSO.

Having risen through the ranks, Jimmy has an extensive background and invaluable experience that garners him respect. He has worked in every facet of the JSO starting as a corrections officer in 1978, then a police officer, a motorcycle officer, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, a Sergeant, the Chief Investigator for the Office of General Counsel, Police Assistant Chief for the Community Corrections Division, Police Chief for the Prisons Division, Police Assistant Division Chief followed by Police Chief for the Human Resources Division.

In regard to his commitment to our community, there is an excellent chance you will see Jimmy around town. Jimmy’s public service and special interests range from having served as Past Chairman of the Jacksonville Ethics Commission, to the 2010 CEO of the Morocco Shriners, to President of the Board of Directors for the City and Police Federal Credit Union, to Board Member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, to 2012 Leadership Jacksonville, to Rotary to name a few.

On a personal note, Jimmy grew up in Jacksonville. His father was a mechanic with trucking company and his mother a homemaker. Jimmy is the oldest of three children.

Jimmy graduated from Paxon High School in 1977. His advanced education and training includes an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has attended numerous professional training seminars along with certification courses.

Jimmy is happily married to Pam, his wife of 34 years as of 2013. They have two sons, James and Kenny. James (wife Kristen and daughter Olivia) is a patrol officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and assigned to Zone 5. Kenny is a student at UNF.

Thank you for your time. Please visit www.saferjax.com to learn more about Jimmy’s campaign to become our next Sheriff.

[Cheshire Cat]

SOE bio for Ken Jefferson:


Ken Jefferson for Sheriff
www.ken4sheriff.com

For twenty-four years, Ken Jefferson served his community as a law enforcement officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. During his illustrious career, he experienced and was exposed to all aspects of the department. After being hired by JSO in 1986, Ken patrolled our streets vigorously, responding to calls for service from the public, building relationships with members of the community, and routinely implementing problem-solving methods to combat recurring crime trends. He went on to serve as a detective in the Inspections and Accreditation Unit, helping to ensure that the Sheriff’s Office maintained the rigorous standards set forth by the various accrediting agencies. As both a Field Training Officer and a Certified Academy Instructor, Ken mentored and educated police officers, both new and veteran. He worked as an investigative detective in both the Burglary and Sex Crimes Units, often developing relationships with victims and their families as he relentlessly pursued justice for them. After becoming a recruiter for the agency, Ken fostered relationships with prospective employees and those citizens who had an interest in the field of law enforcement. As a Federal Program Coordinator in charge of the Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) Program, he taught and mentored the most vulnerable and at-risk youth in the community. The varied and diverse experiences Ken had during his career prepared him well for his final role, JSO’s Public Information Officer, in which he became the face of the department for five years. It was during those final years that Ken had the opportunity to speak with a wide array of Jacksonville’s current residents, learning about their daily lives and discussing the issues that are of greatest concern to them.

Ken has been recognized by numerous agencies for his stellar work as a member of the Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida praised him for his outstanding display of leadership, commitment and coordination of the DEFY Program. The Federal Bureau of Investigation presented Ken with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award for his selfless dedication and outstanding leadership to the nation’s communities. Ken became the only person to be named Florida’s Public Information Officer of the Year two years in a row by the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officers’ Association; he was given the award for professionally representing the public image of his agency, successfully managing crucial information during ongoing crises, and effectively delivering routine information to the public. Ken was also presented with a lifesaving award after rescuing three young girls who had become trapped in a sinking vehicle.


After his career with JSO, Ken served as the Expert Crime Analyst for a local news station, appearing daily to offer commentary on breaking news, current crime trends, and crime prevention tips. Currently, Ken runs the organization he founded, Jefferson Consulting Group, which has allowed him to conduct workshops and seminars on self-empowerment all across the nation. As a motivational speaker, he has been invited to speak at many local and national conferences to discuss safety concerns for children and senior adults, ways to enhance communication between government agencies and the public, principles of corporate risk management, and the best plan of action for building an effective coalition. Ken also serves on the boards for many organizations, including the Justice Coalition, Operation Save Our Sons, Project SOS, Keiser University, Girls Inc., Johnson Family YMCA, Clara White Mission, and Prisoners of Christ Ministry. Ken earned his master’s degree in theology and holds an honorary doctorate from St. Thomas Christian University. He is also a graduate of Lifework Leadership and Leadership Jacksonville. He is married and the father of five children—one a teenager—and faithfully serves as a member of Impact Church.

Ken believes our community needs a Sheriff who is not only richly experienced in the field of law enforcement, but is also deeply rooted in the community and is ready to work tirelessly to address the concerns of each citizen who lives and works in our great city and county. Ken is that man and he is ready to serve as your next Sheriff.

[Cheshire Cat]

SOE bio for Lonnie McDonald:

Lonnie McDonald is an American Patriot. He has served our city and our great nation as a Law Enforcement Professional for the past 33 years. During his decorated tenure with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Lonnie served as an Assistant Chief and Commanding Officer for multiple units, and collaborated with the FBI and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) on the largest cash robbery in the history of the United States.

Career Highlights:

• Commanding Officer for Violent Crimes; Organized Crime; Special Events; SWAT; and First Responders
• Co-wrote operational plans to implement the K-9 Unit and served as a K-9 Officer
• Developed Violent Crimes Program with Organized Crime Unit to identify repeat violent offenders
• Implemented Crime Analysis Program to identify habitual offenders and reduce violent crime
• Implemented Crime Free Housing Program to reduce crime in apartment communities

Global Experience

Lonnie McDonald is a born leader. He recently returned from his second tour in Afghanistan as a civilian contractor assigned to Task Force Patriot in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a Law Enforcement Professional (LEP), Lonnie worked directly with senior Afghan police officers, Afghan military personnel and command staff to directly support antiterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

Education and Training

• Secret Service Dignitary Protection Seminar, 2010
• FBI National Academy, Quantico 2009
• DEA Drug Unit Commander Training, Quantico 2003
• FBI Executive Fellowship Training, FBI HQ Washington D.C., 1999
• Gun Enforcement and Prosecution, Department of Justice
• Incident Response to Terrorist Bombing, New Mexico Tech
• NFL Security Seminar, Chicago
• Florida State University, 1980 B.A. Criminology
• Bishop Kenny High School, 1975

Lonnie grew up on the northside of Jacksonville. He has three children, and attends Christ's Church of Mandarin.

To learn more, please visit the campaign website at www.yourjaxsheriff.com.

Contact Information

Lonnie McDonald for Sheriff Campaign
7707 Merrill Rd., P.O. Box 8043
Jacksonville, FL 32239

Kelly Harrison, Campaign Manager
904-759-7081
info@yourjaxsheriff.com

[Cheshire Cat]

SOE candidate bio for Rob Schoonover


Rob has been a member of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for 33 years. Rob began his career as a Correctional Officer in 1981. In 1984 Rob continued his career as a police officer. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1994 and then promoted to his present position of Lieutenant in 2006. Rob has served in a variety of positions throughout his career, having an extensive background with wide-ranging experience.

Rob originally served in Patrol, following with positions in Traffic/Motorcycle, the Detective Division, and Polygraph Examiner.

When promoted to Sergeant, Rob worked in Patrol, Community Oriented Policing Unit, Field Training Unit, and was assigned the Assistant Director of the Police Training Academy.

As Lieutenant, Rob worked in Patrol, Community Affairs; Special Events/Secondary Employment, Lieutenant in charge of the school resource officers within the Duval County school system, and the Police Athletic League as Executive Director. Rob was offered the position of Unit Commander of the Sex Crimes/Child Abuse/Domestic Violence Unit and continued his career as the Unit Commander of Homicide/Cold Case/Missing Persons Unit.

Rob is presently serving as Lieutenant Patrol Watch Commander of Zone 6.

Throughout Rob’s career he has been involved in Special Events; providing escorts to dignitaries, working the Command Center for Special Events such as the Super Bowl, the Annual FL-GA Football Game, Gator Bowl Game, Gate River Run, and the 26.2 Donna Deegan Marathon. Rob is the Director of Security for the Suns Baseball organization and has held that position for the past 10 years.

Rob is a member of the International Homicide Investigations Association, the Florida Homicide Investigations Association and the Child Abduction Response Team. Rob participated in the Bank of America Leadership Development Institute in 2009 traveling alongside leaders from other communities comparing ideas and issues. Rob has also served on various Boards, such as the Sexual Assault Advisory Council, Sexual Assault Interagency Council, the Northeast Florida Task Force Against Domestic Violence, the Child Abuse Prevention and Permanency Task Force, and was a Past Board Chairman of the Child Protection Team, the Community Alliance of Northeast Florida, and the National A.A.U. Basketball Tournament. Rob served 8 years on the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Board of Directors and is a past member of the East Arlington Rotary Club. Rob volunteers with the Gator Bowl Association and the Golden Retriever Rescue, to name a few.

Rob is a member of Christ’s Church in Mandarin. He has been married to his wife, Jeannie Schoonover for 23 years. They have a daughter Stacy Schoonover who is presently studying at Boston University.

Thank you for your time, interest and support in getting to know me a little better. My motto is Fresh Start, Fresh Ideas - Experience for a SAFER Jacksonville! I look forward to letting you know how I plan to put these goals into place! I am looking forward to working with you and for you in the upcoming campaign and as your next Sheriff!

[Cheshire Cat]

SOE candidate statement for Mike Williams:


Born and raised in Jacksonville, married, and raising a family of three sons here, Mike served in the Air National Guard, and began his successful career at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 1991.

As a young patrol officer, he worked ”the beat” in downtown Jacksonville. Mike began early on to develop relationships with citizens and business leaders. He quickly earned a reputation as a police officer who cares about people and likes to help them solve problems.

Mike earned his way to the appointed position of Director of Investigations and Homeland Security, where he led the effort to bring the Jacksonville community and North Florida Region as much Homeland Security funding as possible. With more than $10 million in grants awarded locally, JSO deploys some of the most advanced technology available today in its battle against domestic terrorism, the drug trade, and organized crime. As a result, JSO is saving taxpayers millions of dollars.

Mike has accomplished a lot during more than 22 years with the JSO. Throughout his ascent to the department’s top tier of executive management, Mike Williams has never forgotten that the agency’s success depends on all officers listening to the community they serve. He is constantly in search of how to best address criminal activity that threatens our quality of life.

Mike Williams demonstrated his readiness to lead the JSO when he:

- Led a nationally recognized SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Team
identified and implemented programs to better fight sexual predators and offenders
- Developed narcotics and gun crime fighting units considered by state and federal agencies to be among the best law enforcement “partners” on complicated cases
- Worked closely with government agencies to secure our Seaports and their enterprises
- Advanced JSO’s commitment to training for the bomb squad and dive team, resulting in both specialities now nationally recognized for their training expertise.

Most recently, Mike Williams served as the appointed Director of Patrol and Enforcement, where his commitment to reducing and preventing crime involved managing a budget of more than $100 million and the 1000-plus sworn patrol officers who protect our great city. Mike retired from JSO in August 2014 - celebrating a decorated and impressive career of service and leadership.

“I am humbled and grateful for the support of my candidacy that is growing every day. Now is the right time to make this transition as I share my vision for the future of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. I am working to win the election and return to the agency as its elected leader in 2015.”

[Cheshire Cat]

Started asking some questions of our candidates for Sheriff.  The first one I asked was posed to candidate Mike Williams because I know a friend of his.  The question was would he support personal video camera's on officers.  His response was that he had no problem with that and would engage a conversation with the public about it.   I will ask the other candidates the same and also inquire as to whether or not they feel the force adequately reflects the ethnic makeup of our city.  Will share what I find out and remind all reading that you can ask questions of those looking for your vote as well or research to see if the topic has already been discussed by them publicly.  It is your right and responsibility as a voter. 

[TheCat]

Thanks for getting these threads started. They're great.

[Cheshire Cat]

You are welcome Cat.  Plan to do something for the Council races as well. 

[Cheshire Cat]

The following is the response to my questions from candidate Ken Jefferson.  Along with inquiring about body camera's I am asking each candidate whether or not the feel the JSO force as it stands is representative of the community it serves, questions asked in that order.  He said:   
- I am not opposed to body cameras on Officers
- I do not think currently the  police department adequately reflects the community that it serves. It needs more work

It is worth noting that Ken Jefferson enjoys a fair amount of name recognition after serving as the crime analyst for News 4.  This can only be helpful to him in a race with a number of good candidates. 

[Cheshire Cat]

There is a debate between the candidates for Sheriff scheduled for Tuesday March 3, 2015 at the IBEW hall located at 966 N. Liberty Street.  The debate begins at 6PM.

[Cheshire Cat]

I received this response from Jay Farhat candidate for Sheriff.  I had asked him if he thought the current JSO force adequately reflected the community it serves and if he supported personal body cameras on officers.  He gave some very good replies.  Here is his answer:

Body Cameras & Make Up of JSO
Jay Farhat (ejfarhat@gmail.com)  Add to contacts  1:25 PM   Keep this message at the top of your inbox 
Cc: Sam Shiver, Renee Farhat
ejfarhat@gmail.com
Hello Diane,

Thank you for taking the time to ask two very valid questions.  I hope my response adequately answers your question or concerns.

1.  The make up of JSO should be a mirror image of the community we serve.  I would encourage our recruiters to market JSO to any qualified candidate in any demographic base that was under represented.


2.  Body cameras are a much more in-depth response.  I would prefer a weapon based camera system to record use of force incidents over body cameras the would be recording all day long.  The vast majority of police contact with the community is non criminal. ALL video footage would immediately become public record and open to the public records request, even the non criminal video.

Anytime the police would be called to your home or business, regardless of the reason; that video would be subject to release by anyone that requested it.  Noise neighbors could literally have you on YouTude the next day.  Witnesses that wish to remain anonymous would not approach officers if they had a camera on.  Additionally there would be a huge cost for storing such data and I would have to create an entire production unit that did nothing but burn copies of video footage from any police contact that peeks public or medias interest.

I see body cameras doing more harm to the community than good.

I'm willing to discuss this matter in much greater detail.

Best regard,

Jay

[Cheshire Cat]

There will be a debate featuring the Republican candidates for Sheriff on February 9, 2015. For location contact: arcgop@gmail.com

Candidates Mike Williams, Jimmy Holderfield, Rob Schoonover and Lonnie McDonald are confirmed participants.

I hope that you can join us on the 9th!

Alexander Pantinakis
President, Greater Arlington Republican Club