Nearly two decades ago, Florida’s sheriffs charged me with starting an association to protect something very important to Florida: our deputies. We began with their professional well-being—giving them peace of mind knowing that if they are disabled or killed on or off duty, we will take care of them or their families when they no longer can.
Then we focused on their mental well-being, offering regional resiliency training, teaching deputies it’s OK not to be OK, and implementing a confidential counseling service.
Now, our newest focus is their financial well-being. Through the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Credit Union, we are teaching financial acumen and providing services including credit counseling, alternatives to high-interest payday loans, options for those with lower credit scores, and checking accounts with forgiveness policies. We are currently in a pilot program in five counties and look forward to launching this new benefit statewide in the months ahead.
I’m also pleased to report that the 2025 Florida Law Enforcement and Tactical Operations Conference brought together more than 100 exhibitors and 300 attendees. From interactive exhibits to engaging sessions, the event fostered meaningful connections and industry collaboration.
Thank you to all our individual FDSA members and Florida’s sheriffs for your continued support, which makes events like this—and so many other benefits of FDSA membership—possible.
Speaking of benefits, I’m excited to share that we are now partnering with CopLine, Survive First and After Action to provide trauma support resources for law enforcement. Learn more at fldeputysheriffs.org/trauma-resources.
Thank you for helping us make the FDSA impactful and allowing us to serve our deputies across the state. We couldn’t do it without you.
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