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BUILDING TOMORROW'S LEADERS TODAY

The men and women of the Broward Sheriff's Office work hard to assure public safety. An essential part of that mission is ensuring those who serve across this organization aren't only nameless faces to the community but also role models, mentors and coaches for Broward County youth.
 
Allow me to share my vision about the importance of establishing a legacy of service that will carry us through the next hundred years. What we do today affects our tomorrow. My administration reflects these sentiments and together, we have initiated effective mentorship programs focused on enriching the lives of our youth and providing them with the skills, encouragement and knowledge to be successful.
 
The benefits of these programs are twofold: they help build our youth into strong, responsible adults while strengthening relationships with our public safety professionals. Further, our innovative programs are already achieving positive results.
 
R.E.A.D.
It's never too early to connect with our youngest populations and make a difference. BSO launched the R.E.A.D. program (Reading Expands Academic Discovery) earlier this year at Oriole Elementary School in Lauderdale Lakes after learning many of the students struggled with reading and had limited access to books. In response, BSO personnel read to the children at the school and donated books for them to take home. The program's primary focus is to encourage critical reading habits at an early age, allowing them to establish a solid educational foundation and develop reading skills faster and more efficiently. Our secondary focus is to engage with our local youth by building trust and creating lasting bonds.
 
"When we started the program, the students were apprehensive," Captain Audrey Jones remembers. "Now, they greet us with hugs and are excited we're there. It's about gaining trust, changing perceptions and letting them know we're there to help."
 
L.E.A.D.
BSO's Youth L.E.A.D. Camp (Learning, Educating and Developing) is an eight-week summer camp designed to help develop Broward County adolescents ages 10-18 into responsible, civically engaged adults. In partnership with community-based organizations, the program focuses on reinforcing seven important pillars to enhance values, build skills and develop the confidence needed to succeed in life. The program is interactive and educational, and the feedback has been incredibly positive.
 
"My daughter had a wonderful experience. This camp was so fun and informative!" shared one participant's parent. Another parent added, "My son thoroughly enjoyed this program and enjoyed seeing this positive side of law enforcement."
 
The 2022 L.E.A.D. Camp just wrapped up its second season. To learn more about the program and important dates for next year, visit www.sheriff.org/lead.
 
S.E.E.D.
To plant a seed today is to believe in tomorrow - that is at the heart of BSO's Deerfield Beach S.E.E.D. (Skills Enhancement and Employment Development) initiative. Launched in February 2021, the program teaches young adults from Deerfield Beach High School essential skills, including interview techniques, resume creation and job professionalism. BSO developed S.E.E.D. by engaging with teens in the community who expressed a gap in knowledge on how to obtain employment. This prompted BSO to step in, address the concerns and work to find a solution to develop a lasting resource.
 
"We try to be innovative and think outside the box," says program co-creator Deputy Joseph LoMonaco. "We are thrilled at the success of this program."⠀
 
In addition to these great mentorship programs, BSO offers other exciting youth opportunities throughout the year. These programs include participation in the Law Enforcement Explorers, Fire Rescue Cadets and the Police Athletic League. More information about these and other great programs is available at www.sheriff.org.
 
The employees of BSO have the unique responsibility to encourage and enrich the lives of our youth—and I'm proud of the work we are doing for the next generation of leaders.
 
Service Equals Reward
 
Sheriff Gregory Tony