Green Cove Springs, Fl — Jacksonville’s Morning News is back in the community today with a visit to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Clay County has experienced tremendous growth through the last several years and CCSO has expanded by increasing the number of uniformed personnel on the streets.
Today we’re hearing from some of the men and women who work every day to keep the community safe.
Sheriff Michelle Cook is now in her second term in her hometown, and is focused on keeping up with the tremendous growth in the county. She spoke about the deliberate approach she took in rolling out the office’s body worn camera initiative, and the benefits of the Safer Watch program.
LISTEN: Training Coordinator, Deputy Matt Swartz
Swartz lost his left leg in a car crash about a decade into his law enforcement career. He retired from law enforcement in New York and became an instructor for U.S.. Department of Homeland Security at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia. Swartz moved to Clay County in 2022 and returned to law enforcement shortly thereafter.
Assistant Chief Chad Ricks talked about the Summer Safety Initiative, which included a robust operation in Keystone Heights, and 12 arrests.
Clay County Emergency Management Director Timothy Devin and Emergency Preparedness Lieutenant Mike Layne spoke about preparations for hurricane season.
Clay County Narcotics Sgt. Chris Faircloth updated the most recent Hammer and Hope event that led to dozens of felony arrests and thousands of illegal drugs seized. CCSO partners with organizations like CLAY TRAIN to deliver outreach programs for the community.
Director School Safety and Youth Services Patrick Golemme talks about CCSO taking over law enforcement for the Clay County Schools in 2024, and lessons learned from year one that will enhance safety in the next school year.
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