Wells Said with Sheriff Rick Wells

What does it really take to prepare someone to wear the badge? On this episode of the Wells Said Podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren sit down with Captain Cary Chapman of the MCSO Training Division to talk about the education and hands-on experience that goes into becoming a deputy, and why the learning never stops for all employees. From the first day of training to ongoing development throughout a career, the goal is simple: be prepared and ready to serve when it matters most.

In this episode of the Wells Said Podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren sit down with Lt. Rob Andrews for a conversation about what it takes to stay “One Step Ahead” of crime. From sharing practical safety tips to educating residents about the latest scams and trends, our Crime Prevention Section takes a proactive approach to keeping our community safe. We take a closer look at the programs and strategies designed to prevent crime before it happens, giving our residents the tools to protect themselves.

Ever wonder what our helicopters are doing when you see them flying overhead? In this episode of the Wells Said Podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren sit down with Deputy Ben Sehorne, one of our Aviation Unit pilots, to take you inside the mission of our WATCH Unit. From finding missing people and tracking dangerous suspects to supporting deputies on the ground, our Aviation Unit provides a critical eye in the sky when it matters most.

Every child deserves to grow up safe, protected, and free from abuse and neglect. In this episode of Wells Said, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren are joined by Capt. Mark Morie, who leads the Child Protection Investigation Division. Together, they discuss the critical work detectives and deputies do every day to protect vulnerable children, investigate abuse and neglect, and partner with families and the community to make a difference.

When major emergencies arise, a specialized team is ready to respond. In this episode of the Wells Said Podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren sit down with Lt. Ray Moss to discuss the critical role of the Emergency Services Team. From severe weather events and large-scale emergencies to high-risk incidents and mobile command operations, Lt. Moss shares how these deputies and support staff train, prepare, and respond when the community needs them most.

Boating season is in full swing, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is on watch. In this episode of Wells Said, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren chat with Sgt. Bobby French about patrolling our waterways, responding to emergencies, and helping ensure a safe, enjoyable day for boaters. Tune in for an inside look at the Marine Unit in action.

In this episode of the Wells Said Podcast, Justin Halas, Executive Director of Hand Up to Victory, joins Sheriff Rick Wells and PIO Randy Warren to talk about overcoming addiction and rebuilding lives. Through honest conversation, they highlight hope, second chances, and the power of support. Recovery is possible. Restoration is possible. And sometimes, what someone needs isn’t a handout—it’s a hand up.

Traffic — everyone has an opinion about it.

In this episode of the Wells Said podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and PIO Randy Warren sit down with Deputy Jared Leggett from the Traffic Unit to talk about how everyday driving habits influence new laws, and everyday enforcement. From common misconceptions to what deputies really handle on the road, this conversation takes you behind the lights and sirens to reveal what traffic enforcement is truly about.

They don’t wear badges on the street, but they are first on the line. Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren welcome Caitlyn Welch to talk about the unsung heroes of dispatch. This episode dives into the critical role telecommunicators play, the intense demands of the job, and the emotional and mental strength it takes to answer the call—every time.

Standing watch over our schools takes more than a badge—it takes patience, trust, and a deep commitment to students and staff. In this episode of the Wells Said podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren sit down with Lt. Julio Jordon to discuss the challenges and responsibilities of serving as a School Resource Deputy in Manatee County Schools. From safety and prevention to mentorship and community connections, the conversation highlights what it truly means to protect and serve on campus every day.