Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman Welcomes 14 New Corrections Deputies

Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman announced the graduation of the fifth Corrections Training Academy class, which added 14 new deputies to the local Corrections Bureau. The ceremony took place on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center in Venice.

These new deputies completed an extensive curriculum. Their training covered physical fitness, firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, first aid, and legal aspects of correctional supervision. They also received instruction in officer safety, emergency response, and communications, alongside familiarization with the agency’s facilities and equipment.

The graduating class included President Kyle Coffey and 13 other new Corrections Deputies: Everett Baker, Silvia Bani, Patrick Barrett, Tyler Davis, Sean Dennison, Joseph Knapek, Luisa Lasso, Connor Matthews, Troy Montgomery, Steven Serrano, Jr., Jake Strauss, Devin Terry, and Jon Wisman. All 14 individuals were sworn in during the ceremony and began further training within the Corrections Bureau.

Sheriff Hoffman expressed pride in the academy's role in developing correctional careers. “It is an honor to welcome our fifth graduating class from the SCSO Corrections Basic Recruit Academy,” Sheriff Hoffman stated. “We take great pride in being able to provide the education and training that springboards these recruits into their correctional careers.”

The addition of these 14 deputies strengthens the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to manage and supervise inmates, ensuring the continued safety and security of the county’s correctional facilities. Residents benefit from a well-trained and professional corrections staff, which is crucial for maintaining public safety.

These new deputies are now actively serving within the Corrections Bureau, continuing their on-the-job training and contributing to the daily operations of the Sarasota County correctional system.