Florida Department of Corrections

Rapid Response Teams from FDC institutions across the state came together for the Annual Statewide RRT Competition, putting their skills, teamwork, and professionalism to the test. Throughout the competition, teams demonstrated the training, discipline, and readiness required to respond to critical incidents and keep our institutions secure. Congratulations to this year's top performers! First Place: Tomoka CI Second Place: Okaloosa CI Third Place: Dade CI Ironman Winner: James Walden, FWRC Congratulations to all participating teams for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. At FDC, we train, prepare, and stand ready to answer the call.

This Veterans Day, the Florida Department of Corrections honors the brave men and women who have served our nation with courage, dedication, and sacrifice, including the veterans in our FDC family who continue to serve and protect our communities. We honor your sacrifices, celebrate your service, and remain forever grateful. 🇺🇸

Today, the Florida Department of Corrections recognizes and honors the dedication, bravery, and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps. Happy 251st Birthday to the Marines! Thank you for serving our country and defending our freedoms. 🇺🇸

Strong communities start with solid connections! Team FDC recently took part in National Night Out events across the state, joining local law enforcement and residents to build relationships, strengthen partnerships, and promote public safety. Thank you to all who represented FDC and demonstrated our commitment to making Florida safer and stronger!

From storm recovery to keeping our facilities safe and secure, FDC’s Division of Facilities Management & Building Construction goes above and beyond every day to advance our public safety mission. Following Hurricane Isaias, their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment saved the state millions of dollars while maintaining operational continuity across our agency!

Today, FDC proudly recognizes Correctional Probation Senior Officer Marlon Gibbs of Circuit 7-4 in St. Augustine, who is currently deployed overseas in service to our country. We are grateful for his dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to serving both our state and nation. Thank you, Officer Gibbs!

This Halloween, our dedicated probation officers were hard at work conducting: 4,628 home visits 3,490 walkthroughs 1,709 driver’s license/ID checks 242 searches Overall, these efforts resulted in 41 arrests. FDC is proud of our probation officers who work tirelessly to promote public safety and help protect Florida’s families and communities.

FDC’s 17-5 (Broward West) probation office recently partnered with @LPDPIO to coordinate a compliance search, resulting in one arrest and the recovery of multiple firearms, marijuana, and pills. This collaboration demonstrates how Community Corrections and law enforcement are working together to promote public safety and strengthen our communities.

⏰ Daylight saving time has ended, so don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour. We hope you enjoyed the extra hour of rest!

Happy Halloween from FDC! 🎃 As Floridians celebrate with family and friends, our dedicated teams remain on duty, working to keep communities across the state safe and secure. Wishing everyone a fun-filled and safe Halloween!

FDC’s Community Corrections teams are partnering with law enforcement agencies across Florida to promote a safe Halloween by conducting 5,000 residential inspections statewide. FDC is proud to protect our communities, reinforce accountability, and help keep Florida families safe this Halloween!

As we celebrate National First Responders Day, FDC recognizes the brave men and women who answer the call during emergencies to keep our citizens and communities safe. Thank you to all our first responders, including FDC’s special teams, for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting others.

A little piece of home can go a long way! The team at Okeechobee Correctional Institution recently sent a care package to Sgt. J. Bennett, who is currently deployed overseas. Watch as Sgt. Bennett shares his gratitude from abroad, alongside a special guest from Martin Correctional Institution! We’re proud to support our FDC family, wherever duty takes them. 🇺🇸

Today, FDC honors the courage and dedication of coworkers currently deployed in service to our country and extend our gratitude to the families who support them while they are away. Thank you to our deployed team members and their loved ones for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedoms.

Congratulations to Warden Robert Mercado of Sumter Correctional Institution on receiving the Patriotic Employer Award from the Department of War’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve! Nominated by Sergeant Sheldon O’Brien, Warden Mercado is recognized for his outstanding commitment to supporting current and former military personnel serving at the institution. Thank you for honoring those who have served our country!

When a traffic accident occurred, Gainesville probation staff Tania Lebron, Carlos Perez and Jonathan Sequeda quickly stepped in—alerting emergency responders and keeping traffic moving safely. Their swift response helped ensure two injured individuals received timely medical care and their service reflects FDC’s commitment to public safety, wherever duty calls.

FDC is grateful to all volunteers and staff for providing programming to more than 100 inmates at Madison and Jefferson Correctional Institutions through the @jackbrewerfdn Fatherhood Principles program. Through mentorship, parenting, character and life-skills training, JBF promotes personal responsibility and prepares inmates for successful re-entry.

This Pastor Appreciation Month, FDC proudly recognizes Chaplain Severyn Kovalyshin, Correctional Chaplaincy Services Specialist, who is currently deployed overseas. We are grateful for his dedication to others and his service to both the state of Florida and our country. Thank you, Chaplain Kovalyshin, for your faith, service, and sacrifice.

Across Florida, our FDC family is coming together after the storm to provide relief, support fellow employees and families, and continue our public safety mission. These efforts reflect what makes Team FDC strong: a commitment to our people, our communities, and our duty. We Never Walk Alone.