Never Off Duty

Some of the most vulnerable members of our community rely on guardians to protect their interests, their finances, and their well-being. But what happens when someone entrusted to help takes advantage of that responsibility?

In our newest episode, Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook and Clay County Clerk Tara Green discuss our new Guardianship Task Force and the work being that will be done to identify and hold accountable those who exploit vulnerable individuals under their care.

We discuss how these cases are investigated, the warning signs to look for, and why protecting vulnerable members of our community requires awareness, collaboration, and accountability.

Our most vulnerable deserve to be protected, not exploited.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

🎙️ NEVER OFF DUTY: SCHOOL SAFETY 🎙️

School is in full swing, and this episode is all about one of our top priorities: keeping our students safe.

Assistant Chief Chad Ricks, who oversees our School Safety and Youth Services Unit, joins us to discuss all things school safety. From the work happening behind the scenes to the partnerships and resources that help protect our schools every day.

June is Internet Safety Month, and this episode covers a topic every parent, guardian, and caregiver should hear.

Detective Ryan Ellis joins us to discuss the realities of child exploitation and the tactics criminals use to target children online. From video game chat features and social media platforms to emerging technologies, offenders are constantly looking for new ways to connect with and exploit our most vulnerable.

Detective Ellis also explains a growing trend investigators are seeing involving residential proxy networks, which criminals use to conceal their identities and online activity while committing heinous acts.

After nearly 23 years serving the Clay County community, Sgt. Lanier is beginning a new chapter.

From working in the jail, to patrol, investigations, and public information, Sgt. Lanier has dedicated her career to serving this community with professionalism, compassion, and heart. As she prepares for retirement and her move to Seattle, she joins us to reflect on her career, share lessons learned along the way, discuss the role of a Public Information Officer, and talk about what’s next after law enforcement.

Thank you, Sgt. Lanier, for your years of service to Clay County. 

This is an important one.

Our Clay Watch and Special Needs Program is designed to help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community. This voluntary program allows families to share critical information about loved ones who may be prone to wandering, ensuring deputies have what they need when every second counts.

Deputy Ronnie Freshour from our Community Affairs Unit explains how this program works, why it matters, how to sign up and how having this information ahead of time can make a life-saving difference during emergencies.

Link to our Clay Watch program ⬇️

Clay Watch | Clay County Sheriff’s Office

Fair season is almost here! 

In this episode of Never Off Duty, Lt. Zach Cox with CCSO Emergency Preparedness breaks down everything you need to know before you go! From traffic patterns and parking to how we're working behind the scenes to keep you and your family safe at the Clay County Fair.

Plan ahead and stay informed. Enjoy the fair safely starting next Thursday, April 2nd!

DIRECTOR DAVID BARNES: A LIFE OF SERVICE

After 34 years in law enforcement, including more than 25 years with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Director David Barnes is officially retiring.

From an early age, Director Barnes knew failure was never an option. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he joined the Army after high school and later answered the call to serve again by becoming a law enforcement officer.

Throughout his career, Director Barnes has been a steady leader, mentor, and trusted voice within our agency. His knowledge, dedication, and commitment to service have helped shape our agency and the deputies who serve alongside him.

In this special edition of Never Off Duty, Chief Domenic Paniccia sits down with Director Barnes to reflect on his life of service, the lessons learned along the way, the legacy he leaves behind and of course - his plans for what’s next. 

Thank you, Director Barnes, for your decades of dedication to our community. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement!

#CCSOFL #ProudlyServing

🎙️ NEVER OFF DUTY: EPISODE 5

Think crime scene work is like what you see on TV? Think again.

In our newest episode of Never Off Duty, Sgt. Tiffany Williams and Sgt. Tiffany Thibideau, who oversee our Crime Scene Unit, take you behind the scenes of one of the most detailed and technical roles in law enforcement.

They break down what really goes into processing a scene, how they entered the field, advice for anyone interested in becoming a crime scene technician, and the biggest differences between television dramas and real-world investigations.

Ever wonder what really happens after a crime is reported?

Clay County Sheriff's Office Investigations Lieutenant Kami Maertz joins us to break down how investigations work. From the first call to case follow-up, and what goes on behind the scenes that most people never see.

Get a better understanding of the investigative process, how cases are built, and how our detectives work to bring cases to resolution.

#CCSOFL #NeverOffDuty #ProudlyServing

Looking back. Planning ahead. Protecting our community.

Sheriff Michelle Cook reflects on our 2025 Year in Review. She highlights key accomplishments, while also outlining our priorities for 2026 and how we’re continuing to serve and protect our community.

Detective Jessica Burns provides a detailed breakdown of the scams currently targeting our area, including a bank representative scam we’re actively seeing impact residents. Learn the warning signs, red flags and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Stay informed. Stay alert. Stay connected with your Sheriff’s Office.

#CCSOFL #NeverOffDuty #ProudlyServing