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 FWC dispatchers take calls and transmit messages to FWC officers allowing them to respond to those in need.
The Inside Job is FWC's internal newsletter focusing on the success stories of our employees and the outstanding work they do for the habitats, wildlife, fish and people of Florida!
No one can tell our story better than you, the people who live it every day. We need you to share your experiences, your work and your day-to-day victories with others across the agency and across the state.
While what you're working on might seem mundane to you, someone else might not even know that it's something the agency does.
All you need to do is write a short explanation of what's going on, send in a photo or two or three and we'll share it with our employees. Photos don't have to be just fieldwork, they can be you at your desk, at your workplace, at an event or in training.
You are what makes the FWC successful and YOU are what makes the Inside Job.
Send your materials to Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com today!
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 On April 13, FWC officers, in coordination with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, successfully located and rescued a missing nursing home resident during a joint search-and-rescue mission in Poinciana.
The elderly man was last seen entering a dense, wooded area near a local nursing facility on the evening of April 12. FWC officers were called early Sunday morning to assist with the challenging search, which took place in swampy, uneven terrain with no visible paths.
FWC and PCSO deployed various search tools, including drones, K-9 units and aviation resources. Despite initial tracking efforts yielding few leads, officers followed a nearby creek, called out the man’s name and were relieved to hear a response. Moments later, the man stood up just 25 yards from their location.
FWC and PCSO teams quickly coordinated to reach the man through thick brush, using chainsaws and machetes to cut a path. After a brief on-site medical evaluation, he was escorted to awaiting EMS personnel for transport to a hospital.
“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and teamwork our officers demonstrated alongside the Polk County Sheriff’s Office,” said Maj. Evan Laskowski, FWC Southwest Regional Commander. “This operation highlights how swift, coordinated action in tough conditions can lead to life-saving results.”
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 Tune in on Saturday morning, April 26! Jeff Corwin’s Extraordinary World- Episode 11 on CBS will highlight the effort to better understand Florida’s sea cows and includes a segment on eelgrass planting in Crystal River. Corwin joined researchers from USGS, USFWS, FWRI and universities to collect data and better understand manatee wellbeing. The episode will also stream on Paramount+ so don’t miss it!
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 SharkCon is sponsored by Nat. Geo’s SharkFest and, since its inception, FWRI scientists have played a huge role. Each year it is truly a team effort including staff from FYCCN, FIM, Fish Biology, FDM, LE, DMF, Education/Outreach, and more. This year will be no different!
FWRI’s Brent Winner will be presenting, and we’re hoping to follow his talk with a hands-on Shark ID workshop. Educational materials, handouts, and hands-on activities are requested!
When: July 12-13, 2025. 9:00-5:00; 3-4 hour time slots
Where: Tampa Fair Grounds
Contact: Brent.Winner@MyFWC.com
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 Front Row: Faith Flawn, NW Region PIC; Arielle Callender, S Regions PIC; Hailee Seely, SW Region PIC; Aaron Gonzales, SW Region PIO; Liam Rodriguez, Monroe County PIC; Chris Boley, NW Region PIO. Back Row: Deputy Chief Dustin Bonds, LE Deputy Chief; Rob Klepper, OED Strategic Planning Manager; Geroge Reynaud, Broward and Collier counties PIO; Bradley Johnson, SW Region PIO; Ashlee Sklute, LE PIC; Robert Lentz, NC Region PIO; Tyson Matthews, S Region Alpha PIC. Not Pictured: Chad Weber, NE Region PIC.
On April 9, the Division of Law Enforcement’s full team of Public Information Officers, along with three of the agency’s dedicated Public Information Coordinators, came together for a 1-day intensive communications workshop — a first since the team was fully staffed last year.
The workshop was held to streamline and strengthen FWC Law Enforcement messaging. It was more than just a meeting; it was a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of FWC LE communications.
Throughout the day, participants explored best practices for crafting timely, accurate and effective incident statements for the media. They examined new ways to spotlight the dedication and accomplishments of our officers in the field. With the fast-paced and often reactive nature of FWC LE communications, the team used this opportunity to align strategies and share lessons learned from the front lines.
A major highlight of the day was a hands-on photo and video production session. PIOs and Coordinators stepped behind — and in front of — the camera to create engaging content, sharpen their visual storytelling skills, and offer and receive constructive feedback from the facilitators and the group.
By the end of the day, the team walked away with new tools and techniques, and a mission. Energized and aligned, they’re ready to put their skills to work, representing the very best of FWC Law Enforcement across the state.
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35 Years
Donald Towles, HSC
30 Years
Biagio Angiuli, LE
Alfred Corfield, LE
John Marvin, LE
Douglas Rogerson, LE
25 Years
Daniel Dickson, LE
Andrew Pope, HSC
20 Years
Matthew Hortman, HSC
Linda King, HSC
15 Years
William Freemon, LE
Maria Merrill, HSC
George Warthen, OED
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10 Years
Folin Christmas, LE
Mitchell Cline, LE
Anthony Delatorre, LE
Aaron Franks, LE
Caleb Hallsten, LE
Johanna Poston, HSC
Freddy Romero, LE
Richard Tarr, LE
Todd Tolbert, LE
5 Years
Sarah Gregory, Legal
Kelli Johnson, LE
Eileen Roy-Zokan, LE
Brandon Stys, FFM
Justin Van Gorder, HSC
Retired!
Jerry Zhu, FWRI
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(The FWC has a great many non-FTE employees, and they deserve recognition for reaching 5-year milestones too. Unfortunately, the system doesn't keep track of such statistics; but we don't want that to stop us. If you know of a non-FTE employee about to reach a 5-year milestone, please notify the Inside Job by email.) |
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The deadline for the May 5 issue is April 28
The Inside Job is a bi-monthly newsletter featuring
the employees and programs of the FWC.
Send your submissions, comments and questions to Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
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