Chat with the Chief

In this Chat with the Chief episode, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche is joined by North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison to reflect on the devastation of Hurricane Ian, two years after it made landfall. As the anniversary of this deadly storm approaches and the region enters peak hurricane season, the two chiefs discuss the lessons learned from the disaster, the investments made in equipment and technology to enhance response efforts, and the unwavering support from surrounding agencies that came together day after day.

Tune in as Chief Garrison shares how the City of North Port has recovered, the resilience of its first responders, and the steps being taken to better prepare for future storms. Join us for an insightful discussion on leadership, community strength, and the power of collaboration in times of crisis.

In this Chat with the Chief episode, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche welcomes Officer Trip Schwenk, who took home gold and silver medals in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. Officer Schwenk competed in swimming. He is now a skilled member of the Sarasota Police Dive Team, assisting in derelict vessel removals and teaching water survival tactics to new recruits.

In this episode, Officer Schwenk reflects on his Olympic accomplishments and shares how his athletic background has influenced his law enforcement career. Join us for an inspiring conversation as Officer Schwenk discusses the transition from elite athlete to dedicated public servant and how his unique skill set continues to benefit the Sarasota community.

In this Chat with the Chief episode, we're excited to welcome Chuck Wexler, the Executive Director of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). Chuck shares the story of where his love for law enforcement began and why he chose to stay in the research field rather than become a sworn officer. Our discussion delves into successful and failed recruiting techniques, offering valuable insights for departments nationwide.

We also explore the profound impact of body-worn cameras on the law enforcement field, highlighting their role in enhancing accountability and transparency. Looking ahead, Chuck discusses how AI could revolutionize the law enforcement landscape, bringing new opportunities and challenges. Join us for an engaging conversation with Chuck Wexler and Chief Rex Troche as we navigate the evolving world of law enforcement research and innovation.

In this Chat with the Chief episode, we're thrilled to host Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. Attorney General Moody's presence at the April 18, 2024, swearing-in ceremony for nine new officers marked a pivotal moment, highlighting her commitment to bolstering law enforcement across the Sunshine State. Her innovative "Be a Florida Hero" program, offering financial incentives to new Law Enforcement Officers, has made a profound impact, with eight out of nine officers in the recent class eligible for the bonus.

During this Chat with the Chief, Attorney General Moody shares insights into the program's success and broader efforts to fortify law enforcement infrastructure statewide. Moreover, we celebrate the remarkable achievement of the Sarasota Police Department in keeping the City homicide-free in 2023, a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our officers. Join us for a compelling dialogue as we explore the initiatives, challenges, and triumphs shaping Florida's law enforcement landscape with Attorney General Ashley Moody and Chief Rex Troche.

Joining Chief Troche on the podcast this episode is Denise Schonwald, a nationally licensed mental health counselor, published author, and public speaker in Sarasota, with over 30 years of experience as a registered nurse (RN) in the ICU. As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, Denise talks with Chief Troche about some best practices for navigating relationships and family life for law enforcement officers. The national average of marriages ending in divorce is around 50 percent. According to the FBI’s Law Enforcement Bulletin, the rate of divorce in law enforcement, whether one or both members are officers, can be as high as 70 percent. Denise talks through some strategies officers can use at home to increase communication and the best tools to process trauma endured on the job.

You can connect with Denise by visiting her website, www.deniseschonwald.com, and mention our podcast, Chat with the Chief, to receive a free book. She can also be contacted by phone at 410-913-8963.

Joining Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche on the podcast for this episode is Lashelle Williams, the Civilian Volunteer Coordinator. She works closely with the Community Relations (CRU) and Crime Prevention Units. The Crime Prevention Unit works with community groups, organizations, and businesses in an effort to identify mutual problems and community needs, identify police service needs, obtain community feedback, and exchange information. The Civilian Volunteer Coordinator oversees several programs in addition to volunteers, like the Citizen's Police Academy, Police Explorer Program, Chaplain Program, and Student Internship Programs. 

If you want to get involved with the Sarasota Police Department as a program participant or as a volunteer, please reach out to Lashelle Williams at 941-724-2749 or [email protected]

Lieutenant Richie Schwieterman of our Support Services Division (SSD) is joining Chief Troche for this episode. The Support Services Division comprises the critical infrastructure components like the Body Worn Camera Program, Management Information Systems (MIS), Special Events and Extra-Duty, Facilities Maintenance, Records Management, Property and Evidence Unit, Fleet, and the Red-Light Camera Program. 

This time of the year is hectic for Support Services, as they plan for all of our holiday parades and events and make sure they are safe for all to enjoy. A lot goes into executing each event, and Lt. Schwieterman chats with the Chief about it!

Joining Chief Troche on the podcast this episode are two members of the new Community Relations Unit (CRU), Sergeant Comac and Officer Grochowski. Our CRU officers are dedicated to addressing quality-of-life concerns throughout our city. They are highly trained and bike-certified, allowing them to patrol area parks and neighborhoods efficiently. You may have already seen them at your local schools, where they greet students during morning drop-offs, provide homework assistance, or enjoy a game of sports with the kids after school. Learn about upcoming outreach events at the Sarasota Police Department and the grand opening of the Community Relations Unit Office in North Sarasota. 

Joining Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche on the podcast this month are Officer Dixon and Officer Skinner of the Marine Patrol Unit. Learn about the many things their unit is tasked with, like enforcing marine laws and ordinances and investigating boating accidents. Officer Dixon and Officer Skinner also talk about how they assist the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with derelict vessel investigations and removals. 

Joining Chief Troche on the podcast this episode is our top-notch recruiting team, Jack Carter and Enrique Nazario. Law enforcement continues to offer exciting career opportunities while meeting the ever-changing needs of our diverse community. Our recruiters are working hard to find the best and brightest candidates to enhance our dedicated workforce. In this episode, Jack and Enrique discuss what qualities they look for and what perks and benefits there are to being a Sarasota Police officer. 

Enrique is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who served on active duty and in the Reserves for 32 years. Throughout his law enforcement career, Enrique served as a Federal Corrections Officer, a Trooper for the Indiana State Police, and 22 years at the Orlando Police Department, where he was a Master Police Officer and Recruiter. Jack is a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel who joined the Sarasota Police Department family as a police officer in 1999 and retired as a White-Collar Crime Detective in 2013. He then served with the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs as a claims specialist and designated representative for veterans before the Board of Veteran Appeals.