Sheriff Wayne Ivey – Sheriff of Brevard County
Sheriff Wayne Ivey has over forty years of public safety service. His career includes both law enforcement and correctional disciplines. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy 237th Session and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Supervision and Management from Daytona State College. His background in law enforcement includes Management, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Patrol Services, Public Integrity Investigations, and Corrections.
Prior to being elected in 2012, Sheriff Ivey served the citizens of the State of Florida as the Resident Agent-in-Charge for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. As a member of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Sheriff Ivey developed numerous programs that were not only nationally recognized for their innovation, but were identified as national models to investigate crime.
Sheriff Ivey has testified before the United States Congress on law enforcement related matters and has extensive experience in the area of crime prevention innovation. Sheriff Ivey speaks regularly on topics such as Community Policing, Protecting Our Constitution, Animal Cruelty Prevention, Identity Theft, Crime in America, Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Illegal Immigration, Leadership, and Self Defense through Mental Preparedness. He firmly believes that crime prevention and education are vital to reduce our crime rate and protect our community.
Sheriff Ivey was appointed to serve as the Chairman of the Florida Sheriffs Association training committee; and by the Governor to the Criminal Justice, Standards and Training Board; as well as serving on numerous non-profit boards throughout Brevard County. He is the recipient of the President’s Award for efforts in crime prevention and community awareness from the Florida Crime Prevention Association (FCPA), and the NRA Defender of Freedom Award.
Commander “Junny”
Commander “Junny” is a ten-year law enforcement canine serving his entire career with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. “Junny” was donated to our agency at just 10 weeks old by the Jimmy Ryce Foundation and was named by our citizens in honor of Junny Rios Martinez, a little boy who was tragically victimized in our community in 1991.
Recognized as “America’s Top Police Dog,” Commander “Junny” is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Tracking School at Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in Tallahassee, FL, and also holds a degree from Paws and Stripes College as a “Child Comfort Dog.” His background in law enforcement includes Search and Rescue, Missing Children Investigations, Child Safety Programs, Fugitive Apprehension, Project Lifesaver, Crime Prevention, Animal Adoption Specialist, and Community Relations.
Throughout his career, Commander “Junny” has served the agency in Corrections, Crime Prevention, Animal Services, Media Production, and Community Relations. In addition to his normal duty assignments, “Junny,” in partnership with the SPCA, is a participant in a Child Safety Book that provides child safety awareness. Commander “Junny” was recognized as a “2019 Brevard County Humanitarian of the Year” award winner for his outstanding commitment and service to our community as an Ambassador of our agency.
When not working, Commander “Junny” enjoys spending time with his family, swimming, eating barbecue and of course, taking naps!
Undersheriff Douglas Waller
Undersheriff Douglas Waller is a thirty-nine-year law enforcement veteran with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Undersheriff Waller holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida State University, and Master of Arts Degrees from Webster University in Human Resource Development as well as Management and Leadership. He has proudly served the agency as a Deputy, Agent, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Major, Commander, and Chief Deputy. His career also includes assignments to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the supervision of multiple local/state and federal Task Force Units, and the supervision and direction of the agency’s Criminal Investigative Services. Undersheriff Waller manages the agency’s budget and led over 1,600 members, overseeing operations, critical investigations and significant responses for the safety and security of Brevard County. Undersheriff Waller is the recipient of State, National, and International recognition, to include the Child Abuse Task Force Governmental Leader of the Year, Brevard County Manager of the Year and Humanitarian of the Year. Undersheriff Waller was the first employee of the Sheriff’s Office to serve in every attainable rank and over his distinguished career has commanded every aspect of the agency. He is a graduate of the 204th Session of the FBI National Academy, and the Southern Police Institute (University of Louisville) 25th Command Officers Development Course.
Undersheriff Waller is a past Board member of the Serene Harbor Domestic Violence Shelter, and Central Florida Crimeline.
Chief Deputy Michael DeMorat
Chief Deputy Mike DeMorat is a thirty-three-year law enforcement veteran with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Deputy DeMorat holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy 277th Session. He has served as a Deputy, Field Training Officer, Sergeant, General and Major Crimes Unit Agent, Lieutenant, Major, Commander, and Judicial Services Chief. His career also includes assignments as a Major in Special Operations, Countywide Watch Commander, and Commander of Court Services. Chief Deputy DeMorat is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute (University of Louisville) Command Officers Development Course, and the FBI-LEEDA Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives.
Chief Deputy DeMorat is a former Board member of the Serene Harbor Domestic Violence Shelter, the Space Coast Early Intervention Center, and Central Florida Crimeline.
Chief Dan Singleton – Investigative Services
Chief Dan Singleton is a twenty-eight-year law enforcement veteran with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Singleton holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Arts Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University. He has served as a Deputy, Agent, Sergeant, GAMEOVER Task Force Sergeant, Lieutenant, Major, Countywide Watch Commander, Precinct Commander, Commander of Criminal Investigative Services, and Judicial Services Chief. His career also includes an assignment to the Bomb Squad as an FBI-certified bomb technician. Chief Singleton is a graduate of the FBI National Academy 284th Session, the FBI-LEEDA 97th Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives, and a 2016 graduate of Leadership Brevard.
Chief Singleton currently sits on the Board of Directors for Space Coast Discovery.
Chief Administrative Officer Brett Carman
Chief Administrative Officer Brett Carman joined the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in April 2023 and manages all administrative units for the agency, including Finance & Budgeting, Information Technology, Human Resources, Central Logistics, Fleet Maintenance, Accreditation, and Evidence. These units provide the infrastructure and support to the Law Enforcement professionals that operate the mission of the Sheriff’s Office.
The Administrative Units also interface with Brevard County leadership, State of Florida, and local community law enforcement and elected officials within and outside of Brevard County on a regular basis in providing support to the Sheriff’s Office and its employees.
Brett’s experience includes over 30 years in executive leadership roles in the Aerospace sector, including several years at Kennedy Space Center leading the Finance organization during the Space Shuttle program, an international assignment with Boeing, and over 20 years leading the international launch consortium, Sea Launch as the CEO, COO, and CFO. Brett also consulted for other start-up organizations as CFO preparing long-term business plans and financial audits supporting their investment needs.
Brett received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from California State University, Long Beach and his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology. He has also completed several executive continuing education courses at the Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia.
Chief Legal Counsel Laura Moody
Chief Legal Counsel Laura Moody joined the BCSO in July 2019 as Legal Counsel after serving as an Assistant State Attorney at the Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit from 2007 through 2019, most recently serving as a Felony Trial Division Chief from 2016-2019 and the Elder & Economic Crimes Division Chief from 2011-2016.
As Chief Legal Counsel for the Sheriff’s Office, Ms. Moody oversees the Legal Services Unit which is responsible for litigating asset forfeitures, risk protections orders, public records, and other matters on behalf of Sheriff Wayne Ivey and his staff. Chief Moody prepares policy, procedure, legislative and caselaw updates; legislative proposals; contracts; and conducts trainings for law enforcement and the community regarding criminal justice matters. Chief Moody coordinates with outside counsel, as needed, on specialized assignments and cases, and interfaces with the State Attorney’s Office, Judiciary, and other components of the local criminal justice system on behalf of BCSO.
Chief Moody was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis as a Trustee of the Eastern Florida State College Board of Trustees in May 2022; she is President of the Vassar B. Carlton Inn of Court for the 2024-2026 term; and she was the Vice Chair of the Bar Grievance Committee for the 18th Judicial Circuit in 2021. Chief Moody is a graduate of the 2015 Class of Leadership Brevard.
Chief Moody graduated as Valedictorian of Florida A&M University College of Law in 2007; she earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida in 2003; and she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences/Psychology from Flagler College in St. Augustine in 1999.
Chief Technology Officer – Robert Urie
Chief Technology Officer Robert Urie has over twenty-five years serving in an Information Technology leadership role within Law Enforcement agencies. His area of expertise centers on enhancing technology systems and processes that prioritize customer satisfaction.
Before joining the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Urie served as the head of IT for agencies such as the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
In his capacity, Mr. Urie assumed responsibility for the 800 Mhz Radio Systems and fulfilled the role of 911 Communications Manager.
Mr. Urie has a Bachelor Degree in Public Administration from Flagler College and is a graduate of Florida Institute of Government at Florida State University.
Commander Jimmy Donn – Staff Services
Commander Jimmy “JD” Donn is a fifty-three-year law enforcement veteran. He has proudly served with both the Titusville Police Department and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Commander Donn currently serves as the Commander of the Office of Professional Standards. Commander Donn holds an Associate of Science Degree from Brevard Community College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Central Florida. He has served as a Deputy, Agent, DEA Task Force Agent, and Investigative Supervisor in narcotics at the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant. Commander Donn previously served as an Inspector, Major and Commander of the North Precinct. He is a graduate of the DEA Supervisory Training Course, Florida Sheriff’s Association Executive Training, and the FBI-LEEDA 12th Executive Leadership Course.
In the area of community service, Commander Donn has served as a non-attorney member for the Florida Bar on the 18-B Grievance Committee; Honorary ‘Life-Time’ Law Enforcement Member of the Florida Sheriffs Association; past member of the Titusville Chamber of Commerce Advisory Committee; a past participant of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for Parrish Medical Center – Port St. John expansion project; past member of Rotary International; past member of Titusville Elks Lodge; past member of ‘Fraternal Order of Eagles’; active member of Moose International; and active involvement with various area youth sports as coach and program support.
Commander Stephen Fernez – Jail Operations
Commander Stephen Fernez is a twenty-two-year law enforcement veteran who currently serves as the Commander of Brevard County Jail Operations which includes providing oversight of the jail and assuring the proper care, custody, and control of the inmates. Commander Fernez holds a Doctorate Degree of Education in Leadership from Trevecca University. He has served as a Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Corporal, Agent, Sergeant, Investigative Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Major. His career also includes assignments as Sergeant over the Special Investigations Unit, Agent in the General Crimes Unit, and Major over the Special Operations Unit. He has attended training through FBI-LEEDA, DEA (Basic and Advanced), and has a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership from Cornell University
Commander Alex Fischback – West Precinct
Commander Alex Fischback is a thirty-five-year law enforcement veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. He currently serves as the Commander over our West Precinct. Commander Fischback has proudly served as a Reserve Deputy, Deputy, Field Training Officer, Corporal, Agent, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Major. Commander Fischback holds an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Brevard Community College and is a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Award for his completion of the Supervisory Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute and the Executive Leadership Institute. Commander Fischback is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute (University of Louisville) 29th Command Officers Development Course.
Commander Theresa Garcia – Unified Communications Center
Commander Theresa Garcia is a twenty-seven-year law enforcement veteran. Commander Garcia holds the responsibility of overseeing the Unified Communications Center located at the Emergency Operations Center, and the Records Unit. She began her career in 1997 as a dispatcher before becoming a Police Officer with the Winter Haven Police Department. She later joined the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff serving as a Detective in both General Crimes and Strategic Investigations Units. As she rose through the ranks, she served as the Organized Crime Sergeant, Strategic Investigations Lieutenant, Captain of Professional Development, and Director of the Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety at Polk State College.
Commander Garcia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management, and a Master’s Degree in Management, both obtained from Warner University. Additionally, she is a distinguished graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, as well as the Senior Management Institute for Police.
Commander Alex Herrera – East Precinct
Commander Alex Herrera is a twenty-eight-year law enforcement veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. He has served as a Deputy; General Crimes Agent; Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Agent; Homicide Agent; Sergeant; Lieutenant; Public Information Officer; Traffic Homicide Unit supervisor; Canine Unit supervisor; and Career Development Unit Lieutenant where he oversaw the Recruitment, Background, and Training for the agency as well as the Field Training Program. He also served as the Professional Standards Major where he continued to supervise the Field Training Program, Judicial Process Unit, and Public Information Officer.
Commander Herrera is currently assigned as the Commander of our East Precinct where he oversees all law enforcement operations for Merritt Island, and also leads the Aviation Unit, Agricultural/Marine Unit, Traffic Unit, and agency volunteers. Commander Herrera is a proud graduate of the University of Central Florida and holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. He has successfully attended numerous leadership training courses and is a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award for his completion of the Supervisor Leadership Institute, Command Institute, and the 12th Executive Leadership Institute. He has also attended the F.B.I. Florida Executive Development Seminar and is an F.D.L.E. certified instructor with a special focus on Leadership and Leadership Development.
Commander Byron Keck – Port Canaveral/Canaveral Precinct
Commander Byron Keck is a twenty-nine-year law enforcement veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and is currently assigned as the Commander of both Port Canaveral and the city of Cape Canaveral Precinct. Commander Keck’s unique assignment includes the direction and leadership of both law enforcement and seaport security aspects. Commander Keck holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. He has served as Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, AG/Marine Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and Countywide Watch Commander. His career also includes an assignment as a Lieutenant in Operational Services overseeing many of the agency’s specialty units, including Ag/Marine, K-9, EOD, Traffic, and Volunteers. He also served as the law enforcement liaison to the county Emergency Operations Center. Commander Keck is a member of the area maritime security committee and serves on the Central Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force maritime sub-committee.
Additionally, Commander Keck is a twenty-eight-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard Reserve, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy and holds a Master Captain’s license.
Commander Ron Little – South Precinct
Commander Ron Little is a twenty-eight-year law enforcement veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office who currently serves as the Commander of our South Precinct. Commander Little holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. He has served as a Corrections and Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Staff Services Unit Agent, General Crimes Unit Agent, Patrol Sergeant, FTO Coordinator Sergeant, Investigative Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Career Development Unit Lieutenant, Investigative Lieutenant of the Violent Crimes Division of Criminal Investigative Services, and Professional Standards Unit Major. His career includes a 19-year assignment to the SWAT team, with 4 years as the Assistant Commander. He is also a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Award for his completion of the Supervisory Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute, and the Executive Leadership Institute.
Commander Carlos Reyes – North Precinct
Commander Carlos Reyes is a twenty-eight-year law enforcement veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and currently oversees the daily operations of our North Precinct, K-9 Unit, and Critical Incident Stress Management team. Commander Reyes holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Master’s Degree in Organizational Management. He has served as a Patrol Deputy; and an Agent in the General Crimes, Special Victims, FBI JTTF, and Homicide Units. He has served in supervisory assignments as a Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and as an Investigative Sergeant and Lieutenant in the Major Crimes Division at Criminal Investigative Services. He also served eleven years as a SWAT team crisis negotiator and team leader.
Commander Reyes is a current board member at the Palm Point Behavioral Health Center.
Major Robert Cline – Public School Security and Juvenile Programs
Major Robert “Bobby” Cline is a twenty-four-year law enforcement veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and currently serves as the Major over District and School Security. He is tasked with managing and coordinating the School Resource Officer program along with helping to ensure the safety and security of our schools and students.
Major Cline began his professional career with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office as a Public Service Aide and has served as a Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and Countywide Watch Commander. His career also includes special unit assignments as Sergeant over the Community Services Unit, BCSO Diver, and Special Response Team Deputy.
Major Cline holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies from Barry University and a Master’s Degree of Public Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology. He is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute (University of Louisville) 85th Command Officer’s Development Course and the recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Award for his completion of the Supervisory Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute, and the Executive Leadership Institute. Major Cline currently sits on the board for the Central Florida Crimeline.
Major Alan Confreda – Countywide Watch Commander
Major Alan Confreda is a twenty-four-year law enforcement veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and currently serves as a Countywide Watch Commander. He has proudly served as a Deputy, Field Training Officer, Agent, Patrol Sergeant, Sergeant of the Tactical Team and the GAMEOVER Taskforce, Patrol Lieutenant, Major Crimes Lieutenant and Major. Major Confreda attended Eastern Florida State College and the University of Central Florida. He was a 21-year member of the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team proudly holding the titles of Team Leader, Assistant SWAT Team Commander, and SWAT Team Commander during his SWAT career.
Major Quincy Hines – Commander of Court Services
Major Quincy Hines is a twenty-two-year public service veteran of Brevard County, which includes three years as a firefighter prior to his law enforcement career with BCSO. He currently serves as the Commander of our Court Services Unit. Major Hines holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. He has served as a Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Patrol Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. He has held assignments in multiple countywide proactive units, in our training unit as both a member of the training staff and later as the unit supervisor, as the FTO Program Coordinator, General Crimes Sergeant, overseeing the Judicial Process Unit, and as supervisor of our Special Operations Division. Major Hines has been a member of our SWAT team since 2008 and currently serves as the Team Commander. He is an FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Award recipient, having completed the 72nd Supervisor Leadership Institute, the 301st Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives, and the 711th Executive Leadership Institute.
Major Brian Neal – Professional Standards
Major Brian Neal is a twenty-seven-year law enforcement veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office who currently serves as the Major over the Professional Standards Unit. Major Neal holds a Degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Florida State. He has served as a Deputy, Agent, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. As an Investigative Agent, he held assignments with General Crimes, IRS/Secret Service Task Force, and Sex Offender Registration and Tracking assisting with Internet Crimes against Children. He has held supervisory assignments in the Special Investigations Unit, Economic Crimes Task Force, Victim Services, Sex Offender Registration and Tracking, and Digital Forensics. Major Neal previously held command over District and School Security and previously served as the law enforcement liaison at the county Emergency Operations Center. He is also the recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Award for his completion of the Supervisory Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute, and the Executive Leadership Institute, and is a 2023 graduate of the National Public Safety Innovation Academy.
Major Neal currently serves on the board for Brevard 211 and is a former board member of Central Florida Crimeline.
Major Vere Samuel – Jail Administrative Major
Major Vere Samuel is a sixteen-year member of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and currently serves as an Administrative Major at the County Jail Complex. Major Samuel holds a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. Major Samuel is a certified Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission (FCAC) Assessor, and a Florida Model Jail Standard (FMJS) Inspector. He is a First Aid, Defensive Tactics, and General Corrections Instructor at the Eastern Florida State College Public Safety Institute. With a deep passion for teaching, he has been instructing at the Corrections and Law Enforcement Academies for the past 9 years. Major Samuel is currently the Commander of the Corrections Response Team (CRT) and has been a member of the CRT for a total of 10 years. Major Samuel has spent a total of 9 years as assistant coach and head coach of both the boys and girls varsity soccer teams at Astronaut High School. He has also proudly traveled on 4 missionary trips to the island of Haiti, where he taught children the English and Science.
Major Brad Thomas – Countywide Watch Commander
Major Brad Thomas is a twenty-five-year veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office who currently serves as a Countywide Watch Commander. He has proudly served as a Deputy, Field Training Officer, Agent, Patrol Sergeant, Investigative Sergeant of the Special Investigations Unit, GAMEOVER Taskforce, General Crimes Unit, Patrol Lieutenant, Major Crimes Lieutenant, and Major. Major Thomas holds an Associate of Science degree from Herzing University and is the recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Award. He is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute (University of Louisville) 59th Command Officers Development Course. Major Thomas served as a SWAT operator and Sniper Team Leader for 20 years.
Major Thomas is an 8-year veteran of the United States Army and culminated his military career as a Platoon Sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division.
Major Ross Torquato – Jail Watch Commander
Major Ross Torquato is a thirty-one-year law enforcement veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office who currently serves a Watch Commander in the Jail Complex. Major Torquato holds a Master’s Degree in the Administration of Criminal Justice from the Columbia College of Missouri. He has served as a Patrol Deputy, Field Training Officer, Patrol Corporal, FTO Coordinator, Career Development Instructor, Patrol Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant. His career also includes an eleven-year assignment to the SWAT team along with five years in the Career Development Unit. Major Torquato has instructed in eight international law enforcement instructor training conferences, as well as instructing the Florida High Liability conference on three occasions. He is a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy Award for his completion of the Supervisory Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute, and the Executive Leadership Institute.
Major Kim Wilson – Jail Watch Commander
Major Kimberly Wilson is a twenty-eight-year member of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office currently serving as Watch Commander at the County Jail Complex. Major Wilson started her career with the Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Auxiliary Officer until she attended the Corrections Academy and became a Certified Corrections Deputy. Major Wilson holds an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Florida State College. She has served as a Corrections Deputy, Transportation Deputy, Jail Corporal, Jail Sergeant, Training Sergeant, and Jail Lieutenant. In 2001, Major Wilson received her law enforcement certification making her a dual-sworn Deputy. She is a graduate of the Florida Leadership Academy and was named the 2001 Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Deputy of the Year. Major Wilson has received many commendations, letters of appreciation, and awards over the years.
She currently serves on the Regional Board for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Brevard County.
Chief Pilot John Coppola – Operational Services (Aviation)
Chief Pilot John Coppola is a forty-five-year law enforcement veteran of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and is currently assigned to the Aviation Unit. Following high school, he attended the Brevard County Law Enforcement Academy. He joined the Sheriff’s Office in April 1979 as a Patrol Deputy and worked his way to the rank of Lieutenant. As a Lieutenant assigned to the Special Operations Division, he learned to fly helicopters and is currently rated as a Commercial Helicopter Pilot. Chief Pilot Coppola has additional certifications in Bambi Bucket and rescue hoist operations in the UH1H helicopter as well as Float Helicopter operations in the OH 58 helicopter. His career includes a 30 year assignment in the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit.
Director Sondra Collamore – Finance
Director Sondra Collamore has proudly served the citizens of Brevard County for over 24 years. Beginning her career with the City of Melbourne working her way through the ranks to Assistant Finance Director within less than three years. Director Collamore oversaw the implementation of the ERP system for the Finance Department and oversaw the annual audit and preparation of the financial statements, which earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) every year. In 2021, she was employed by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office as an Accountant II and quickly rose through the ranks to Finance Director.
Director Collamore has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida. She has been a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) since 1995 and a Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) since 2008.
Director Collamore served on the City of Melbourne’s 457B Committee and the City’s Employee Benefits Insurance Advisory Committee. She has been a member of the Florida Government Finance Officer Association (FGFOA) since 2000. Director Collamore served on the Certification Committee, which oversees the CGFO program, for the FGFOA for over 14 years and as Chairman for two years. She also was President for the Space Coast chapter of the FGFOA for two years.
Director Lisa Gillis – Human Resources
Director Lisa Gillis is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 26 years of dedicated service in the public sector. She is known for her expertise in labor relations, job analysis, and policy development, consistently ensuring that HR strategies align with the mission and values of public service.
Before transitioning to HR, she built a strong foundation in public communication, website editing, and publishing in both print and electronic mass media. Drawing on this foundation, she successfully led the initiative to modernize the agency public-facing website and played a pivotal role in taking the HR office from paper to digital, implementing electronic management, and automating key HR processes to improve efficiency and accessibility.
Director Gillis has played a lead role in ensuring seamless integration of many significant interlocal mergers, a complex process involving hiring hundreds of law enforcement personnel. Her deep understanding of civil service regulations, union negotiations, and public sector compensation structures has made her a trusted advisor to BCSO Command Leadership.
Director Gillis holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida. She is a graduate of the Brevard County Executive Leadership Institute. Her commitment to community service extends beyond her professional role, as she has devoted numerous hours volunteering at local non-profit organizations and actively mentors emerging professionals in the public sector.
Director Joe Hellebrand – Animal Services
Director Joe Hellebrand is a forty-six-year law enforcement veteran who currently serves as the Director of Animal Services. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Barry University and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI’s Executive Development Center (LEEDS), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Executive Institute, and has attended over 4000 hours of law enforcement training. During his career, he has served in a variety of positions to include Field Training Officer, Canine Officer, Swat Officer/Team Leader, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Emergency Services Team Commander, Operations Commander, Support Services Commander, Melbourne Police Department Deputy Chief of Police, and the Canaveral Port Authority Chief of Police.
In 2012, Director Hellebrand served as President of the Florida Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates, and served as the National President of the Association in 2021. He is a two (2) time President of the Brevard County Association of Chiefs of Police, former Chairman of the Central Florida Law Enforcement Data Consortium, and Board Member for the Center for Law Enforcement Technology Training and Research.
Director Noel Remillard – Jail Special Projects
Director Noel Remillard is a thirty-five-year Corrections Deputy veteran. He also served 12 years in the United States Navy where he proudly served as a Petty Officer during Desert Storm. He has served as Jail Complex Food Supervisor, Corrections Deputy, Transportation Deputy, Field Training Officer, Jail Complex Logistical Officer, Corrections Corporal, and Facility Operations Manager as well as Director of Farm Operations at the Sheriff’s Farm Facility. He currently serves as the Director of the Brevard County Jail Special Projects where he manages custodial and maintenance activities to existing Jail Facilities, special projects and events at the Jail Complex, to include Community Services. He has implemented multiple innovative programs aimed at saving taxpayer dollars through the use of inmate labor while reducing recidivism rates by teaching inmates construction, landscaping and agricultural skills which can be utilized to secure future employment.
Director Deborah Sands – Public Services
Director Deborah Sands has proudly served the citizens of Brevard County for over 34 years. She began her public safety career with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office as a Public Safety Telecommunicator, rising to Communications Training Officer, and Communications Shift Supervisor.
Director Sands transferred to the Board of County Commissioners’ staff in 2006 as the 911 Wireless Coordinator, rising through the ranks to 911 PSAP Operations Administrator, 911 Administration/Address Assignment/GIS Office, and 911 Systems Manager. She was designated by the Board of County Commissioners as the 911 Coordinator, responsible for the successful operation of the 911 system for all eleven of the Public Safety Answering Points. Director Sands shepherded the county’s transition from the legacy, enhanced 911 system to the Next-Generation 911 system, including the implementation of Text-to-911. In 2019, Director Sands returned home, serving as a member of the Command Team with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. She is responsible for overseeing Public services.
Director Deborah Sands has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Emergency Number Professional (ENP) certification, and Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) certification. She was an instructor at Eastern Florida State College’s Public Safety Institute, teaching in the Public Safety Telecommunicator Academy. She is a member of the class of 2010 Brevard County Executive Leadership Institute (ELI). Director Sands is a graduate of APCO’s Certified Public Safety Executive (CPE) program, designed to elevate professionalism, enhance individual performance, and recognize excellence in the public safety communications industry. Director Sands is a founding Board member of the Florida 911 Coordinators Association.
Director Ray Short – Sheriff’s Farm Operations
Director Ray Short has been an employee of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office since 2015, starting as a Maritime Security Officer until transitioning to a Corrections Deputy in April 2018. Director Short has many years of experience in construction from owning his personal business and is the OSHA Trainer for the Sheriff’s Office. Director Short trains both Sheriff’s Office employees and inmates in standards. Director Short was promoted and assigned the responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Farm, special projects, and events in 2023. Director Short currently oversees the Sheriff’s Farm Operations where he manages the maintenance and custodial activities for the County Jail Complex. Director Short manages multiple programs that help save taxpayer dollars by using inmate labor while at the same time teaches the inmates valued skills in construction, landscaping, pest control, and maintenance which are very helpful in their future endeavors.
