HCSO’S ‘LASSO’ AMONG TOP DOGS AT K9 COMPETITION
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For Immediate Release
March 28, 2018 BOYNTON BEACH, Fla -- Holmes County Sheriff’s Deputy Wade Strickland and his K-9 partner, Lasso, took home first and second place bragging rights at the 2018 South Florida K9 Competition, held Saturday, March 24, at Boynton Beach High School in Boynton Beach. Now in its seventh year, the event was hosted by Boynton Beach Police Department and saw nearly 40 K9 teams from law enforcement agencies around the state. Holmes County Sheriff’s Office was the only Panhandle agency to compete and held its own against larger agencies such as City of Miami Police Department, taking home first place for fastest dog and second place for hardest hitting. Deputy Strickland explains the competition’s obstacle course was a reflection of real-life scenarios that K9s and their handlers may encounter in the line of duty. “This wasn’t a fancy agility course,” he said. “The obstacles simulated situations we run into while working, and they also tested both the dog’s and handler’s ability to problem solve by adding a twist or extra step, such as a tunnel or water running through the obstacle.” Deputy Strickland has served theHolmes County Sheriff’s Office for five years and has been handling and training Lasso for two years. This was both officers’ first competition, and while they brought home a first-place trophy, Strickland says he also brought home some valuable new knowledge. “I met several other trainers while at the competition, and we were able to exchange training techniques,” he said. “I learned a few new tricks that will go beyond performing in competitions and ultimately translate to better training and performance in the field.” 
Holmes County Sheriff’s Deputy Wade Strickland and K9 partner Lasso pose with the 2018 South Florida K9 Competition first-place trophy for fastest dog.
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HCSO NETS NEARLY 3,000 TRAINING HOURS IN 2017
For Immediate Release
March 21, 2018
BONIFAY – The numbers are in, and Holmes County Sheriff’s deputies racked up nearly 3,000 collective training hours in 2017. Several deputies exceeded the state-mandated training hour requirement of 40 hours over a four-year period during that time.
Class hours totaled 2,947.5 among more than 35 deputies and covered a variety of topics such as training for the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Project Lifesaver, as well as in Use of Force, K-9 Training and Sustainment, and other training through the U.S. Marshals Service.
The sheriff’s office has already been busy expanding on those 2017 training topics, with one deputy recently completing training through the Florida SWAT Association in an intensive week-long course that covered sniper-specific tactics and techniques.
Holmes County Sheriff John Tate says he recognizes training as an important tool in better ensuring safety and service to the community – and that it should go beyond simply keeping deputies fresh on criminal and civil policies.
“Having more diverse skills and knowledge helps deputies become well-rounded so that they are prepared to assist the citizens and each other in a larger variety of situations,” said Sheriff Tate. “This professional development strengthens the individual as an officer, which in turn makes for a stronger sheriff’s office.”
March 21, 2018
BONIFAY – The numbers are in, and Holmes County Sheriff’s deputies racked up nearly 3,000 collective training hours in 2017. Several deputies exceeded the state-mandated training hour requirement of 40 hours over a four-year period during that time.
Class hours totaled 2,947.5 among more than 35 deputies and covered a variety of topics such as training for the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Project Lifesaver, as well as in Use of Force, K-9 Training and Sustainment, and other training through the U.S. Marshals Service.
The sheriff’s office has already been busy expanding on those 2017 training topics, with one deputy recently completing training through the Florida SWAT Association in an intensive week-long course that covered sniper-specific tactics and techniques.
Holmes County Sheriff John Tate says he recognizes training as an important tool in better ensuring safety and service to the community – and that it should go beyond simply keeping deputies fresh on criminal and civil policies.
“Having more diverse skills and knowledge helps deputies become well-rounded so that they are prepared to assist the citizens and each other in a larger variety of situations,” said Sheriff Tate. “This professional development strengthens the individual as an officer, which in turn makes for a stronger sheriff’s office.”
SHERIFF JOHN TATE AND GUESTS VISIT BETHLEHEM SCHOOL TO SPEAK ON LIFE LESSONS
Speaking to Bethlehem students about making good life choices on Thursday were (from left) Wilburn Baker, Jared Baker, Sheriff John Tate, Jarrod Jenkins, and Rafe Lamb.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2018
BETHLEHEM – Students at Bethlehem School benefited from a variety of life experiences Thursday, March 15, as Holmes County Sheriff John Tate and several other guests visited the campus to speak about the importance of making good decisions.
First, Sheriff Tate broached the subject of several issues that have recently been brought back to the forefront, such as bullying and cyber bullying, the dangers of social media, and the repercussions of making threats of violence.
Students then listened as guests Jared Baker, Wilburn Baker, Rafe Lamb, and Jerrod Jenkins spoke about making good life choices, telling personal stories to relay a message about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
“Our goal is to educate the students and hopefully keep them from making bad decisions,” said Sheriff Tate. “If there was only one child who listened today, and what they heard helped them avoid bad choices, then we have had a success.”
March 16, 2018
BETHLEHEM – Students at Bethlehem School benefited from a variety of life experiences Thursday, March 15, as Holmes County Sheriff John Tate and several other guests visited the campus to speak about the importance of making good decisions.
First, Sheriff Tate broached the subject of several issues that have recently been brought back to the forefront, such as bullying and cyber bullying, the dangers of social media, and the repercussions of making threats of violence.
Students then listened as guests Jared Baker, Wilburn Baker, Rafe Lamb, and Jerrod Jenkins spoke about making good life choices, telling personal stories to relay a message about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
“Our goal is to educate the students and hopefully keep them from making bad decisions,” said Sheriff Tate. “If there was only one child who listened today, and what they heard helped them avoid bad choices, then we have had a success.”
HCSO PARTNERS WITH TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY COUNCIL
FOR EMPLOYMENT TRANSITION PROGRAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2018
HOLMES COUNTY – Inmates seeking a fresh start through the benefits of gainful employment will now have a better chance of making it, thanks to a new partnership between the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office and Tri-County Community Council.
Called the Employment Transition Program, the program is the idea of Tri-County Community Council Executive Director Joel Paul, Jr. and will get off the ground in April 2018. The Employment Transition Program will offer services such as job placement with an option of day labor and transportation for those who need the additional assistance.
The program will be funded in part through a Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Potential participants would need to meet income requirements for eligibility. According to Paul, day labor is a strategy missing within the CSBG Self Sufficiency Program, which already assists people to go to work, get required uniforms, referrals, prepare resumes, and fill out job applications. This new piece of day labor can be accomplished by utilizing an employee leasing company and allows many more to transition back into regular employment.
Holmes County Sheriff John Tate says he hopes the program will assist those currently serving sentences such as failure to pay child support. The workers will leave the jail during the day to earn wages needed to support their families and return to jail overnight to serve their sentence. Some inmates are already being utilized in another work-release program.
“Other inmates who have gotten jobs through work release have been able to retain those jobs once released,” said Sheriff Tate. “Obviously, the obligation to support their families, pay their fines, and get their drivers’ license back do not go away while they are in jail. By participating in this program, it is hoped that inmates will get back on track and have the opportunity to meet their financial obligations.”
This will be a pilot program available at first in Holmes, Walton, and Washington Counties and is still in its development stages. More details will be released after the program’s launch. Tri-County Community Council serves Bay, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington Counties with the CSBG funding.
For more information, contact Joel Paul, Jr. at 850-547-3689.
March 15, 2018
HOLMES COUNTY – Inmates seeking a fresh start through the benefits of gainful employment will now have a better chance of making it, thanks to a new partnership between the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office and Tri-County Community Council.
Called the Employment Transition Program, the program is the idea of Tri-County Community Council Executive Director Joel Paul, Jr. and will get off the ground in April 2018. The Employment Transition Program will offer services such as job placement with an option of day labor and transportation for those who need the additional assistance.
The program will be funded in part through a Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Potential participants would need to meet income requirements for eligibility. According to Paul, day labor is a strategy missing within the CSBG Self Sufficiency Program, which already assists people to go to work, get required uniforms, referrals, prepare resumes, and fill out job applications. This new piece of day labor can be accomplished by utilizing an employee leasing company and allows many more to transition back into regular employment.
Holmes County Sheriff John Tate says he hopes the program will assist those currently serving sentences such as failure to pay child support. The workers will leave the jail during the day to earn wages needed to support their families and return to jail overnight to serve their sentence. Some inmates are already being utilized in another work-release program.
“Other inmates who have gotten jobs through work release have been able to retain those jobs once released,” said Sheriff Tate. “Obviously, the obligation to support their families, pay their fines, and get their drivers’ license back do not go away while they are in jail. By participating in this program, it is hoped that inmates will get back on track and have the opportunity to meet their financial obligations.”
This will be a pilot program available at first in Holmes, Walton, and Washington Counties and is still in its development stages. More details will be released after the program’s launch. Tri-County Community Council serves Bay, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Washington Counties with the CSBG funding.
For more information, contact Joel Paul, Jr. at 850-547-3689.
Pictured from left are Holmes County Jail Administrator Captain Mike Moore, Holmes County Sheriff John Tate, Tri-County Community Council Community Resource Director Angie Moore, and Tri-County Community Council Executive Director Joel Paul, Jr.
‘A NEW APPROACH TO THE WAR ON DRUGS’:
A MESSAGE FROM HOLMES COUNTY SHERIFF JOHN TATE
Sheriff John Tate
For immediate release
March 15, 2018
HOLMES COUNTY – Holmes County Sheriff John Tate is taking a different approach in fulfilling his promise to lessen the hold illicit drugs have on Holmes County families.
“It’s not just a Holmes County problem; it’s a problem everywhere,” said Sheriff Tate. “We have been fighting a war on drugs for decades, and now, we are trying a new approach of fighting the war on addiction. We are now fighting on the demand side as well as on the supply side. By becoming more recovery-focused, the demand for drugs will decrease, which will help decrease the number of suppliers.”
Sheriff Tate states he has seen first-hand what addiction can do to families – but has also witnessed amazing stories of recovery.
“Personally, I have a cousin who lost her life due to addiction; however, I have also seen people who have fought that battle, overcame it, and are now living life to the fullest.”
“Nearly every family has someone they know who is battling addiction,” he added. “We as law enforcement have a job to protect citizens. This includes protecting addicts from themselves – which often means putting them in jail.”
Nearly every day, someone stops by Sheriff Tate’s office seeking advice to help a loved one suffering from addiction, saying they don’t know what to do.
“While I give advice on some steps to take, in the long run, if a person is addicted and doesn’t want help, the only thing we can do is to try and put them in jail, which will get the addict out of their current environment,” said Sheriff Tate.
“Jail isn’t a cozy place to be, but we now have programs available to inmates that are proving to be successful, such as Celebrate Recovery, the Faith Pod, and the CASE class. We are not naïve, thinking everyone who comes to jail will choose recovery, but we are constantly doing what we can to break the cycle. For those who truly want help, we do everything we can to provide tools for them to help themselves.”
While some see jail as a destination for those with substance abuse, Sheriff Tate says there are those who have found a new beginning through the life-changing tools available at Holmes County Jail.
“Just because someone goes to jail doesn’t mean that they are at the end of the road,” said Sheriff Tate. “Often, it is just the opposite: they are just at the beginning of getting their life back. It just maybe the first day of their new life living free of drugs. We do prefer people to come in and seek help before they get arrested, but this is not usually the case."
Sheriff Tate has an open-door policy to everyone in the community – including those dealing with addiction, and he urges addicts to come in and ask for help.
“We are here to help with your problems - but know that if you don’t come forward and seek the help you need, we have no choice but to eventually put you in jail in hope that you will seek the help that you need,” he said.
“It’s about helping those moms and dads, brothers and sisters who are crying out to find help for addicted loved ones and giving them some peace of mind in the hope that they will change their life.”
“I don’t know of anyone who wouldn’t rather go to a jail or prison to see their loved one, rather than to go see them at the cemetery. This is not just a law enforcement problem; it is a community problem, and we all must work together at it. It is not going to happen overnight, but every day we work at it, is one day closer to making a difference.”
To discuss recovery options for yourself or a loved one, contact Sheriff John Tate by stopping by the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, located at 211 N. Oklahoma Street in Bonifay, by calling 850-547-3681 or via email at: sheriff@holmescosheriff.org
March 15, 2018
HOLMES COUNTY – Holmes County Sheriff John Tate is taking a different approach in fulfilling his promise to lessen the hold illicit drugs have on Holmes County families.
“It’s not just a Holmes County problem; it’s a problem everywhere,” said Sheriff Tate. “We have been fighting a war on drugs for decades, and now, we are trying a new approach of fighting the war on addiction. We are now fighting on the demand side as well as on the supply side. By becoming more recovery-focused, the demand for drugs will decrease, which will help decrease the number of suppliers.”
Sheriff Tate states he has seen first-hand what addiction can do to families – but has also witnessed amazing stories of recovery.
“Personally, I have a cousin who lost her life due to addiction; however, I have also seen people who have fought that battle, overcame it, and are now living life to the fullest.”
“Nearly every family has someone they know who is battling addiction,” he added. “We as law enforcement have a job to protect citizens. This includes protecting addicts from themselves – which often means putting them in jail.”
Nearly every day, someone stops by Sheriff Tate’s office seeking advice to help a loved one suffering from addiction, saying they don’t know what to do.
“While I give advice on some steps to take, in the long run, if a person is addicted and doesn’t want help, the only thing we can do is to try and put them in jail, which will get the addict out of their current environment,” said Sheriff Tate.
“Jail isn’t a cozy place to be, but we now have programs available to inmates that are proving to be successful, such as Celebrate Recovery, the Faith Pod, and the CASE class. We are not naïve, thinking everyone who comes to jail will choose recovery, but we are constantly doing what we can to break the cycle. For those who truly want help, we do everything we can to provide tools for them to help themselves.”
While some see jail as a destination for those with substance abuse, Sheriff Tate says there are those who have found a new beginning through the life-changing tools available at Holmes County Jail.
“Just because someone goes to jail doesn’t mean that they are at the end of the road,” said Sheriff Tate. “Often, it is just the opposite: they are just at the beginning of getting their life back. It just maybe the first day of their new life living free of drugs. We do prefer people to come in and seek help before they get arrested, but this is not usually the case."
Sheriff Tate has an open-door policy to everyone in the community – including those dealing with addiction, and he urges addicts to come in and ask for help.
“We are here to help with your problems - but know that if you don’t come forward and seek the help you need, we have no choice but to eventually put you in jail in hope that you will seek the help that you need,” he said.
“It’s about helping those moms and dads, brothers and sisters who are crying out to find help for addicted loved ones and giving them some peace of mind in the hope that they will change their life.”
“I don’t know of anyone who wouldn’t rather go to a jail or prison to see their loved one, rather than to go see them at the cemetery. This is not just a law enforcement problem; it is a community problem, and we all must work together at it. It is not going to happen overnight, but every day we work at it, is one day closer to making a difference.”
To discuss recovery options for yourself or a loved one, contact Sheriff John Tate by stopping by the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, located at 211 N. Oklahoma Street in Bonifay, by calling 850-547-3681 or via email at: sheriff@holmescosheriff.org
SHERIFF TATE, EDDIE EAGLE
VISIT WINGS PROGRAM
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BONIFAY – Holmes County Sheriff John Tate and Eddie Eagle visited the Bonifay K-8 WINGS program family event Thursday, March 15, where Sheriff Tate spoke to students about gun safety. Students expressed an interest in learning more about safety practices and stayed after the program to take a photo with Sheriff Tate and Eddie Eagle.
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HOLMES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO LEAD TEEN COURT
For Immediate Release MARCH 14, 2018 HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. – Holmes County Sheriff’s Office will now lead efforts by Holmes County Teen Court to help juveniles charged with a first-time misdemeanor earn a fresh start. Those eligible for placement in the Teen Court program can be given requirements such as performing a set number of community service hours and/or writing letters of apology to those affected by the teen’s offense. This program gives first-time offenders the choice of complying with the requirements and having the offense wiped from their record or not complying which would result in them being placed into the judicial system and having a juvenile record. The program was previously under the sheriff’s office when it was first brought to Holmes County nearly 20 years ago during the tenure of former sheriff Dennis Lee, whose administration successfully wrote a grant to bring Teen Court to Holmes County. Holmes County Commissioners voted to have the sheriff’s office take back over the program following a February 2018 presentation from Teen Court Board Member Catherine Wynn which suggested that due to declining revenue, the program should be transitioned from its current status as a 501c3 organization to falling back under the sheriff’s office. Sheriff John Tate says the program is not only an important tool in helping redirect children who have veered in the wrong direction get back on a positive life path, but also a way to teach leadership and civic responsibility to the Teen Court’s youth volunteers. “Because those serving in the capacity of Teen Court’s clerk, attorneys, and jury under the direction of Assistant State Attorney Brandon Young (who serves as judge) are all student volunteers, teenagers are learning how to be leaders in their community and the importance of a fair judicial system,” said Sheriff Tate. “Holmes County Teen Court also helps put control of our first-time juvenile offenders’ future back in their own hands by giving them a chance to make things right and take pride in their new, positive decisions. We understand that youth sometimes make unwise decisions and simply need support and guidance to make better choices and walk a better path.” HOLMES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SUPPORTS "WALK HARD" EVENT FOR VETERANS
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 12, 2018 BONIFAY -- Holmes County Sheriff's Office joined others in the community Monday, March 12, to show support for Troy University’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, which passed through Holmes County as part of their route on the annual "Walk Hard" trek from Troy, Alabama to Panama City Beach, Florida. The event is held to raise money for Jeep Sullivan’s Wounded Warrior Outdoor Adventures, an organization which benefits wounded veterans. "While some college students are spending their Spring Break either partying or just enjoying time away from school, these young men are choosing to honor the men and women who have served our nation," said Holmes County Sheriff John Tate. "This morning, they walked through Holmes County in cold weather, carrying heavy backpacks as part of that tribute. We appreciate what they are doing and are proud to show our support." |
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Sheriff Tate announces that the staff and inmates at the Holmes County Jail have broken ground on the garden at the jail. Inmates have planted potatoes, squash, cucumbers, okra, and zucchini. Sheriff Tate said that he hopes by utilizing inmate labor to grow their food, it will not only cut down on tax payer expense to feed the 130 plus inmates housed, but also it would teach the inmates a skill/trade that will stay with them. The garden is completely funded through inmate welfare and is no cost to the tax payers.
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Late this afternoon, HCSO received a complaint from a citizen stating that she received a phone call from a foreign male subject, who told her that she had won the publishers clearing house and as well as new vehicle. The foreign caller also said that he wanted the citizen to go to the Piggly Wiggly and wire him $300. The citizen told him that she did not play the publisher clearing house and that she was familiar with the scam and he wasn’t getting anything from her. The foreign male then became irate with her and began threatening her and her husband. Then the foreign male stated that he would blow up her children’s school tomorrow. The victim’s children go to Bonifay Elementary School.
After doing some research, the phone number that appeared on the victim’s caller ID was out of Minneapolis, MN and shows to be associated with several other scams. When law enforcement called the number back it would not go through. Investigators have subpoenaed the records for the phone number.
Sheriff Tate said, “My office has seen numerous calls like this, where a foreign sounding person makes scam calls and then becomes angry when someone challenges them, however we have never had one make threats toward any of our schools. Even though we feel that the threat is not credible, we will always take any threat toward one of our schools and children serious. We have taken precautionary measures and notified the Holmes District School Board. There will be a security sweep of Bonifay Elementary with detection dogs before school starts and extra deputies will be on hand until school is released.
After doing some research, the phone number that appeared on the victim’s caller ID was out of Minneapolis, MN and shows to be associated with several other scams. When law enforcement called the number back it would not go through. Investigators have subpoenaed the records for the phone number.
Sheriff Tate said, “My office has seen numerous calls like this, where a foreign sounding person makes scam calls and then becomes angry when someone challenges them, however we have never had one make threats toward any of our schools. Even though we feel that the threat is not credible, we will always take any threat toward one of our schools and children serious. We have taken precautionary measures and notified the Holmes District School Board. There will be a security sweep of Bonifay Elementary with detection dogs before school starts and extra deputies will be on hand until school is released.
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HCSO arrests man for grand theft auto and attempted burglary, after he steals his ex-girlfriend’s truck and attempts to enter her house.
On March 7, 2017 deputies responded to a residence on Sandrinas Lane, where the victim stated that her ex-boyfriend, James Grantham, had taken her 2005 Ford F-250. Later that morning, Grantham returned to the residence and attempted to enter her residence. The responding deputy contacted Grantham at the residence and took him into custody without further incident. Grantham faces charges of grand theft auto and attempted burglary. |
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On March 6, 2017, between the hours of 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, a white camper shell topper was taken from a truck bed that was located in front of Landress Auto Wrecking in Bonifay. At approximately 7:51 PM a passerby observed two white males in a newer model white truck backed up to the truck bed attempting to take the camper top off of the vehicle.
HCSO is seeking any information from the public that would lead to identifying the persons involved. Please call the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office at 850-547-3681 if you have any information on this incident. |
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With Spring Break around the corner, Sheriff Tate addressed the high school students at Ponce de Leon School on several important topics. He discussed the dangers of drinking and driving, drug abuse, as well as, sexting and the dangers of social media. He encourages all parents to have open conversations about these topics with their children. Sheriff Tate said, “It is vitally important for all of us to continue to step in to educate our young people about these dangers. Our children are our future.” A special thanks to Jared Baker for coming and sharing his testimony.
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On February 27, 2017 investigators stopped a blue Chevy Suburban in Esto. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jeffery Scates. A search of the vehicle revealed two plastic baggies containing methamphetamine, one baggy containing several oxycodone pills and a pipe used to smoke methamphetamine. Mr. Scates who is currently on state probation for drug related offenses was taken into custody and charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Scates will also face an additional charge of violation of probation.
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Sheriff Tate Participated in the 2017 Dr. Seuss – Read Across America Initiative
In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Sheriff Tate visited Poplar Springs School and read a book to the elementary students. The Dr. Seuss – Read Across America Initiative is held annually in March to honor Dr. Seuss’ birthday. It is a national celebration that occurs in many of schools, community centers, and libraries to inspire students to read and stretch their imaginations. Sheriff Tate said, “It is very important to be involved in these types of activities with our young people, which will help them connect with members of law enforcement. This is what it’s all about, building relationships and being a good role model to our community’s children. Our children are our future.” |
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When it comes to buying things on Craigslist, people seem to be in agreement that meeting up with a complete stranger can be sketchy and dangerous.
Sheriff Tate and the Holmes County Sheriff's Office have designated an "Internet Purchase Exchange Location," in front of the Sheriff's Office where people can complete transactions. The area, in addition to being at the Sheriff's Office is also monitored by video cameras for added safety. "We encourage our residents or anyone who participates in these types of transactions in the area to take advantage of this location. Please don't meet strangers at private residences or in areas that you are unfamiliar with," stated Sheriff Tate. |
PRESS RELEASES
Holmes County Sheriff's Office is currently working two burglaries that took place Tuesday, 02/10/2015. Both burglaries are off of Hwy 173, one on Cody Taylor Lane and the other off Hwy 162 (tri county airport rd). Several thousand dollars worth of items stolen between the two residences. If you have any information regarding the two cases please call the Sheriff's Office at (850) 547-4421.