Media Statement on Self Insurance Fund Committee
MEDIA STATEMENT
August 4, 2011
Sheriff Don Eslinger, Chair of the Self Insurance Fund Board of Managers
For more information, contact Sheriff Eslinger at (407) 665.6635
The Florida Sheriffs Association established the Florida Sheriffs Self-Insurance Fund in 1978, which has saved taxpayers millions of dollars on liability claims and annual premiums. The Sheriffs created these different funds and programs to provide self-insurance coverage to the sheriffs, which range from workers compensation to liability to employee benefits.
The comprehensive fund provides automobile insurance and professional liability, as well as general health insurance and can cover more specialty items, such as canines, boats, and other law enforcement tools. The fund also provides training and resources to assist Sheriffs in reducing liability and helping to support the Florida Model Jail Standards.
We are currently engaged in discussions with Sheriff David Harvey of Wakulla County who was unanimously approved as the candidate for a new position, executive director, with the Florida Sheriffs Self Insurance Fund. Sheriff Harvey was selected from an impressive panel of applicants, and this position will oversee the fund and provide operational and administrative direction. Sheriff Harvey brings a wealth of experience to the position, as he was a charter Board member of the liability, automotive, workers compensation and healthcare funds and was elected as chairman of the liability, auto and healthcare funds in 1993.
“Sheriff Harvey has been the Chairman of the Board of Managers for the funds for many years, which makes him a natural fit for the new position,” said Sheriff Ben Johnson of Volusia County, the new president for the Florida Sheriffs Association, “We look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”
The Florida Sheriffs are united in purpose and voice, for the protection of Florida’s citizens and visitors. Founded in 1893, the Florida Sheriffs Association has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law-enforcement associations in the nation. A not-for-profit corporation, FSA is made up of the 67 Sheriffs of Florida as well as approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 citizens throughout the state. For more than a century, FSA has quietly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law-enforcement community.
Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams and prepare boys and girls for the future.
