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Pictured left to right: Supervisor Lori Callahan, Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman; Sergeant James Shurtleff, Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman; Chief Pilot Brent Wineka, Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman.
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman presented several awards during a ceremony Thursday to recognize the 2023 Supervisors of the Year.
Lori Callahan has been named the 2023 Civilian Supervisor of the Year. She has been employed with the agency since 2006, when she was hired in the Civil Technician Unit and promoted to supervisor in 2013. The Civil Technician Unit is responsible for the receipt and processing of paperwork, including writs of possession, levies, Baker Acts, and civil warrants. In 2023, the unit handled nearly 24,000 documents for service under Callahan’s supervision as well as the delivery of all non-enforceable civil processes. Callahan’s outstanding and exemplary performance in her position has been a model for others in her unit and the sheriff’s office.
Sergeant James Shurtleff has been named the 2023 Court and Corrections Supervisor of the Year. He has implemented and coordinated multiple trainings that aligned with the agency’s performance improvement initiatives in 2023. Recognizing the importance of early intervention during the eviction process, Sergeant Shurtleff proactively researched eviction hearings, introduced the Supportive Housing Initiative Lifeline Diversion (SHIELD) program to judges, and attended hearings to present the program and educate tenants. Sergeant Shurtleff’s self-motivation and dedication to the agency through both these initiatives and programs make him a valued leader in the Courts and Corrections Division.
Chief Pilot Brent Wineka has been named the 2023 Law Enforcement Supervisor of the Year. Since 2013, his responsibilities have included the overall management of the aviation bureau including: unit housing, budget, maintenance schedules, training, and the supervision of 12 employees including pilots, mechanics, and tactical flight deputies. Chief Pilot Wineka is also the agency liaison for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Venice Airport Authority, as well as being a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). His attention to detail coupled with his ability to intricately manage the complexities of the aviation unit make him a respected and trusted leader at the sheriff’s office.
“SCSO supervisors lead by example and help build a foundation of character at every level of our workforce,” said Sheriff Hoffman. “The example set by each of these awardees is worthy of recognition and admiration, and we are grateful for the standards they set.”