how we serve
Florida is home to some of the finest and well-trained law-enforcement leaders in the country – and that doesn’t happen by accident. Through ongoing training, support, and cutting-edge research, the Florida Sheriffs Association has demonstrated a strong commitment to equipping leaders to better serve their agencies and communities through its prestigious Commanders Academy.
The first Commanders Academy class was held in 2013, but the FSA team began working on the idea of an academy for leaders within Florida’s sheriffs’ offices for years leading up to the inaugural class. The core curriculum focuses on leadership, ethics, discipline, and additional subject matter areas related to upper-level leadership in law enforcement. The remaining curriculum is adjusted according to emerging trends and issues that have an impact on our sheriffs and recent high-profile events. Each topic is threaded with issues that are unique to the culture of the Office of Sheriff. Throughout the two-week course, the class hears from more than 50 presenters and panelists, many of whom are sheriffs. No other criminal justice program in the state provides this level of executive training.
To attend you must be an employee at a Florida Sheriff’s Office in a middle to upper level management position. You must be nominated by your Sheriff and your Sheriff may only make one nomination for each class. Three months prior each class the nominations forms and information are sent to each sheriff and their designated staff.
Sheriff deputies and personnel representing 40 Florida sheriffs’ offices graduated from the Florida Sheriffs Association’s (FSA) prestigious Commanders Academy. The Commanders Academy is an exceptionally informative and educational experience that is vital for the next generation of public safety leaders. The Commanders Academy has become recognized as the premier course of executive study for mid to upper-level criminal justice leaders.
The core curriculum emphasizes leadership development, ethical decision-making, professional discipline, and key topics essential for upper-level law enforcement leadership. The program evolves to address emerging challenges, trends, and high-profile events that impact today’s sheriffs. Each session integrates content specific to the unique responsibilities and culture of the Office of Sheriff. Over the two-week academy, participants engage with more than 50 distinguished speakers and panelists—many of whom are active sheriffs—offering unmatched insight and experience. No other program in Florida delivers this caliber of executive-level training for law enforcement leaders.
“Strong leadership is the foundation of effective public safety,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma. “The Florida Sheriffs Commanders Academy continues to set a high standard for leadership development, and the 40 graduates of Class 18 have taken an important step in their leadership journey through the Commanders Academy. They leave this program ready to lead with confidence and uphold the values that define Florida’s sheriffs.”
FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan said, “The Commanders Academy is a cornerstone of excellence within Florida’s law enforcement community. It empowers our future leaders with the critical thinking, ethical foundation, and practical strategies needed to lead with confidence and integrity. By learning directly from experienced sheriffs and subject matter experts, these graduates are equipped to meet today’s challenges and help set a new benchmark for leadership in public safety, both in Florida and across the nation.”
In addition to successfully completing the training course, Commanders Academy Class 18 also raised $83,200 for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. This generous donation will help support the mission of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches in preventing delinquency and to develop lawful, resilient, and productive citizens.
The Florida Sheriffs Association would like to congratulate all of the graduates of the Commanders Academy Class 18.
Discover previous sessions of the Commanders Academy, showcasing Florida’s finest law enforcement leaders honing their skills to serve and protect.
