WCSO LIEUTENANT GRADUATES FLORIDA SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION COMMANDERS ACADEMY CLASS 16

Posted on June 3, 2025

Three men stand in front of a Florida Sheriffs Association backdrop, posing for a formal photo. The man in the center, dressed in a green sheriff’s uniform, holds a certificate from the Florida Sheriffs Institute Commanders Academy along with a class photo. He is flanked by two other men—one on the left in a green blazer with a badge and the other on the right in a green sheriff’s uniform with sergeant stripes. Both American and Florida state flags are displayed on either side of the group, reinforcing the official and ceremonial nature of the occasion.

WALTON COUNTY, FLA— Walton County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Jermaine Brown has graduated from the Florida Sheriffs Association’s (FSA) prestigious Commanders Academy.

Lieutenant Jermaine Brown was among personnel representing 39 Florida sheriffs’ offices who graduated as part of Class 16.

With over a decade of dedicated service in Corrections, Brown has cultivated a career defined by leadership, specialized training, and unwavering commitment to safety and security. His journey began in June 2014 with the Florida Department of Corrections, quickly distinguishing himself, earning a position on the Rapid Response Team (RRT) within six months and rising through the ranks quickly over the following five years.

In April 2019, Jermaine transitioned to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office as a Detention Deputy. Over the past six years, Jermaine served as a Field Training Officer, Corporal, and Sergeant, culminating in his current role as Lieutenant at the Walton County Jail. Throughout Jermaine’s career, his dedication to training became evident as the Walton County Jail Training Coordinator and recent selection for the Correctional Special Operations Group (C.S.O.G.) Team. In October 2022, Jermaine was honored as Detention Deputy of the 2nd Quarter, a testament to his commitment to excellence.

The Commanders Academy is an exceptionally informative and educational experience that is vital for the next generation of public safety officers and has become the premier course of executive study for mid-to-upper-level criminal justice leaders.

Throughout the two-week course, the class hears from more than 50 presenters and panelists, many of whom are sheriffs. No other criminal justice program in the state provides this level of executive training.

The core curriculum focuses on leadership, ethics, discipline, and additional subject matter areas related to upper-level leadership in law enforcement. The remaining curriculum is adjusted according to emerging trends and issues that have an impact on our sheriffs and recent high-profile events. Each topic is threaded with issues that are unique to the culture of the Office of the Sheriff.

“We are extremely proud of Lieutenant Brown and his accomplishment,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “He has continued to show his value and worth as a member of our agency.”

In addition to completing the training course, Commanders Academy Class 16 also raised $117,870 for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. This generous donation will help support the mission of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches in preventing delinquency and in developing lawful, resilient, and productive citizens.