West Volusia News

From March 3, 2023 post.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood recognized the outstanding work of Sheriff’s Office employees during an awards ceremony this week at the Deputy Stephen Saboda Training Center in Daytona Beach. 

Congratulations to our Deputy, Detective, Telecommunicator, Employee and Volunteer of the 4th Quarter of 2022. In addition, the sheriff promoted Sgt. Katie Teske to the rank of lieutenant and Deputy Justin Riley to sergeant. 

DEPUTY OF THE 4th QUARTER: Deputy Devin Deluccia makes a positive impact on the community through proactive law enforcement and careful investigations since he joined District 4 in Deltona. He routinely goes above and beyond relentlessly to serve and protect the merchants and residents of Volusia County.

DETECTIVE OF THE 4th QUARTER:  Detective Joel Medina, one of the most senior detectives of the Deltona Detective Unit, serves in the Property Crimes Unit. He is extremely diligent and helps District 4 Patrol units when they have vacancies. He conducts thorough investigations which often lead to suspects’ arrests. He is a valuable member of the DDU and the Sheriff’s Office, thanks to his hard work.

TELECOMMUNICATOR OF THE 4th QUARTER: TC Greg Goff is a dedicated member of our Communications Center who is skilled in all positions and helps without hesitation, including covering vacancies when needed. As a trainer, he treats his trainees with respect and patience. He is a shining example of professionalism and is valued for his experience, quick thinking, effective communication and teamwork.

EMPLOYEE OF THE 4th QUARTER: Payroll Department employee Traci Pridgeon has worked for the Sheriff’s Office for nine years. Her knowledge of the department is extremely useful and she continues to provide superior customer service to all employees. She is an excellent employee of the VSO.

VOLUNTEER OF THE 4th QUARTER:  Senior Chaplain Mike Carroll has revitalized the VSO’s chaplain program to enhance relationships with deputies and other sheriff’s employees, and our community. In 2022, Chaplain Carroll and the chaplains responded to 241 callouts. They interacted via texts, phone calls or one-on-one meetings with deputies and dispatchers and provide spiritual support throughout the year. Chaplain Carroll is a huge asset to the chaplain program and the Sheriff’s Office.

PROMOTIONS: Also recognized were former sergeant, now Lt. Teske, and former deputy, now Sgt. Riley: 

--Lt. Teske, hired in 2011, is a first-generation deputy.  She is a Deputy Training Officer. She has worked in patrol, the Deltona Detectives Unit, Northwest Detectives Unit, Child Exploitation Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. 

--Sgt. Riley, also hired in 2011, is a first-generation deputy. He has worked in patrol, Judicial Services and served as a Field Training Deputy. He has also served on the Emergency Response Team since 2011. 

Congratulations to all for your excellent work and outstanding representation of the Volusia Sheriff’s Office!

Original source can be found here.