BREVARD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES AGENCY AWARD RECIPIENTS
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office held their annual awards ceremony on Friday, March 13, 2026, recognizing the many achievements accomplished during 2025 by our sworn and civilian employees. Also recognized were members of the community who had a profound impact in Brevard County during the year.
Special Recognition Award
Corrections Deputy Melody Hunter
It is with great pride and appreciation that we recognize Corrections Deputy Melody Hunter as the recipient of the Sheriff’s Special Recognition Award that is personally selected each year by the Sheriff himself. Her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to serving both the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Brevard County exemplify the highest standards of public service.
For many years, Melody has been an integral member of the Brevard Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, lending her talent, time, and passion to some of our most significant events. Whether performing at our annual awards ceremony, honoring lives during the 9/11 memorial observance, participating in parades, or offering comfort through music at funerals, her presence has consistently elevated these moments with dignity and respect.
One particular act of service stands out as a testament to her character. Not long ago, when Sheriff Ivey received a request from a community member seeking a bagpipe performance for a funeral taking place that very day, Melody did not hesitate to answer the call. Despite being off duty, she immediately went home, changed, and traveled to the service. Her heartfelt performance brought comfort to the family and solace to all in attendance. This simple but profound act of kindness embodies the spirit of compassion and readiness to serve that defines her.
In Melody’s daily duties, she continues to set an exceptional example within the Jail Complex. She is known as a dependable “go-to” team member who consistently demonstrates leadership and initiative. Her oversight of inmates participating in programs that support community functions further highlights her commitment to service and the well-being of our community.
Melody’s dedication reflects not only herself but the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is an honor to recognize her for her contributions, compassion, and extraordinary commitment to serving others. Congratulations on this well-deserved award and thank you for all that you do.
Volunteer of the Year
Sharon Glisson, David Grant and Jackie Shipp
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office recognizes three extraordinary volunteers: Sharon Glisson, David Grant, and Jackie Shipp. These outstanding individuals can routinely be found volunteering at our K9 Junny’s Animal Medical Center.
In 2015, we faced an overwhelming backlog of over 600 surgeries. To solve this, we overhauled our protocols to ensure safer anesthesia and more humane care, which led to the creation of the Surgical Recovery Volunteer role. Sharon, David, and Jackie were the very first to answer that call. These volunteers were asked to provide post-op monitoring, patient care and to be the extra eyes, ears, and hands that the veterinarians and vet techs needed.
For an incredible ten years, they have served as the “heart and hands” of our spay-neuter efforts. They have donated thousands of hours, even on holidays, to care for the injured and ill. Beyond patient care, they helped design our new recovery area at K-9 Junny’s Animal Medical Center and constantly provide feedback to help innovate our processes.
Sharon is our anchor, always prepared and calm under pressure. David provides the gentle, soothing voice that comforts every patient who wakes from anesthesia and Jackie is our visionary, always finding better ways for us to serve. They have been an integral part in the Sheriff’s goal of ending pet suffering by being an unwavering beacon for the unwanted, injured and ill pets that come to the Animal Care Center.
Please join me in honoring Sharon Glisson, David Grant and Jackie Shipp as our 2025 Volunteers of the Year for their decade of service to the homeless pets of Brevard County.
Partnership Award
Heather Legate
During her two years as Principal of Viera High School and in the years prior as Assistant Principal, Heather LeGate has demonstrated exceptional character and an admirable devotion to service. Her partnership with our agency has been invaluable, and her consistent willingness to assist whenever called upon truly sets her apart.
Under her leadership, Viera High has continued to serve as a welcoming home for numerous community-focused events, including our annual Turkey Bowl, Touch-a-Truck, K-9 Saint Francis Feast Day, the Viera Christmas Parade, and most recently our Law Enforcement and Corrections Academy graduations. Her support ensures these events remain successful, meaningful, and deeply impactful for families throughout our county.
Beyond Heather’s contributions to law enforcement and community programming, her dedication to creating a positive, family-like atmosphere on campus is evident in every interaction. Students and parents are fortunate to have an administrator who prioritizes connection, compassion, and strong community involvement. Her leadership inspires those around her and strengthens the partnership between our schools and our community.
In appreciation of her selfless service and continued support, it is our privilege to recognize Viera High School Principal Heather LeGate as the recipient of the Sheriff’s Partnership Award. Thank you for your outstanding commitment, your generosity of spirit, and the positive difference you make every day.
Citizen of the Year
Mindy Levy
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is proud to present the Sheriff’s Citizen of the Year Award to Mindy Levy of Lite Rock 99.3 for her continued and tireless dedication to our agency and to the citizens of Brevard County.
Over the years, Mindy has been an unwavering supporter of our community initiatives and Sheriff’s Office events. Her enthusiasm, professionalism, and generous spirit have been evident through her involvement in key events such as the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Fourth of July Parade, the Haunted Jail Trail, Junny’s Heavenly Light Fest, and Christmas parades through the county each and every year.
At each of these events, Mindy brings a unique energy that not only enhances the experience for attendees but also strengthens the connection between our agency and the community we proudly serve.
Beyond her support of our agency, Mindy is frequently seen volunteering her time and talent at numerous charitable events throughout the year. Her commitment to uplifting local organizations and championing causes that benefit others reflects the very best of what it means to serve the community.
Mindy’s dedication is both inspiring and deeply valued. Her partnership has made a lasting impact on our events, our mission, and the many individuals whose lives she touches through her work. We are honored to extend our heartfelt gratitude and recognition for all she does.
Our agency thanks you for your exceptional support, your kindness, and your steadfast commitment to Brevard County. Your contributions truly make a difference.
Reserve Deputy of the Year
Reserve Deputy Arden Geist
The strength of our Reserve Unit lies in the selflessness of those who serve; individuals who balance full-time careers with a deep-rooted commitment to public safety. One of the unit’s core responsibilities is supporting the charitable details assigned by the Office of the Sheriff. While our Reserve Deputies are required to support eight details per year, one individual has redefined what it means to go ‘above and beyond.’
In 2025, Reserve Deputy Geist didn’t just meet expectations; he shattered them. By completing 43 special details, he exceeded the annual requirement, the highest of any member in the Reserve Unit. In total, he dedicated 339 hours of service to the citizens of this county.
Deputy Geist’s journey is one of relentless growth. Joining us as an Auxiliary Deputy in 2020, he maintained full-time employment while attending the Eastern Florida State College Police Academy. In 2024, he earned his FDLE Certification and was sworn in as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff.
His consistency, dedication, and excellence serve as an example for his peers and displays his commitment to our citizens he so proudly serves.
Please join me in honoring Reserve Deputy Arden Geist as our 2025 Reserve Deputy of the Year.
Public Safety Telecommunicator of the Year
Communications Training Officer Madison Herold
Professionalism is often defined by how we act when the stakes are highest. Since joining our agency in 2022, CTO Madison Herold has not only met those standards, but she has also redefined them.
During one extraordinary shift, while training a new PST, Madison managed three trauma alerts, two different air medical services, and a rollover crash with seven victims, including a juvenile who was ejected and initially missing. Madison efficiently coordinated the response of multiple outside agencies, arranged four separate helicopters, and managed units operating outside of normal response areas. She didn’t just manage the chaos; she used it as a masterclass for her trainee, explaining every life-saving decision in real time.
Beyond the console, Madison is a mentor and a leader. Whether she is creating custom games to help a struggling student succeed or serving as an Acting Shift Supervisor, her focus is always on the growth of her team. Madison’s attentiveness extends beyond her assigned duties. While working a law enforcement console, she monitored an alert for a stolen vehicle in West Melbourne. Her quick action and coordination led to the successful location and recovery of the vehicle, and the safe apprehension of the suspect, which was recognized by a commendation from the West Melbourne Deputy Chief.
Her calm demeanor, dedication to training, and ability to manage high-pressure situations with poise have made a lasting impact on both her team and the community. She continuously exemplifies the highest standards of a Public Safety Telecommunicator and is a vital asset to public safety.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is proud to recognize Madison Herold as our 2025 Public Safety Telecommunicator of the Year.
Employee of the Year
Investigative Analyst Sarah Sangeleer
Exceptional investigative work is not just about connecting the dots; it is about having the persistence to find them across state lines and through mountains of data. Tonight, we honor Investigative Analyst Sarah Sangeleer for her critical role in dismantling a prolific multi-state criminal enterprise.
Working alongside Agent Randy Truitt, Sarah was the architectural force behind a complex, multijurisdictional investigation. When a vehicle burglary in Micco led to a trail of fraudulent credit card activity, Sarah utilized surveillance footage and law enforcement databases to meticulous track and identify two key suspects.
Her analytical precision helped link these individuals to a criminal operation connected to at least 58 cases across Florida and neighboring states dating back to 2022. By meticulously tracking rental vehicles and coordinating with agencies as far away as Ohio and Delaware, her work was instrumental in a successful multi-agency manhunt and the subsequent apprehension of the suspects.
Her initiative and tireless dedication to the details ensured that a sophisticated criminal network was brought to justice.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is proud to recognize Investigative Analyst Sarah Sangeleer as our 2025 Employee of the Year.
Corrections Deputy of the Year
Corrections Deputy Troy Patterson
Corrections Deputies serve on the front lines of public safety, often working in high-stress, volatile environments where the threat of violence is ever-present. Unlike other areas of law enforcement, they operate in close quarters with individuals who may be unpredictable, aggressive, or suffering from mental health crises. Maintaining the safety and security of a correctional facility is a mission that demands constant vigilance and an uncompromising eye for detail. Tonight, we honor an individual who embodies these traits every time he steps onto his post.
In June of 2025, over the course of just forty-eight hours, Corrections Deputy Troy Patterson conducted two proactive searches in his assigned housing area. On the first day, he discovered a six-inch metal shank concealed in the bathroom area. The very next day, his persistence led to the recovery of a sharpened screwdriver, a wooden weapon, and multiple pieces of electronic contraband hidden within the housing area.
These are not isolated incidents. In this year alone, Corrections Deputy Patterson has successfully interceded in ten separate contraband discoveries. By removing these weapons from the Jail Complex, he directly prevented potential violence and ensured the safety of both his fellow corrections deputies and the inmate population.
For his uncompromising commitment to the safety and security of the facility it is an honor to name Corrections Deputy Troy Patterson as our 2025 Corrections Deputy of the Year.
Deputy of the Year
Deputy Michael Fultz
In the early morning hours of April 30, 2025, Deputy Mike Fultz responded to a residence where a mother was barricaded in a bathroom, fearing for her life. Deputy Fultz spoke with the mother through the bathroom window where she advised her son was suicidal and was in the act of destroying the house. When Deputy Fultz opened the front door to enter the home in an attempt make contact with the woman’s son, he was immediately charged at by the male who was brandishing a knife. With only seconds to react, he was forced to utilize his firearm to stop the threat.
What followed was a testament to his exceptional training and restraint. Even as the suspect continued to advance, Deputy Fultz maintained his composure and created distance. Once the threat was neutralized, he immediately transitioned from a tactical response to life-saving measures, providing critical medical treatment until paramedics arrived.
Deputy Fultz’s decisive actions and extraordinary restraint under extreme pressure undoubtedly saved the life of a frightened mother while also protecting himself from grave harm.
For his bravery and dedication, please join me in honoring Deputy Mike Fultz as our 2025 Deputy of the Year.
For additional information concerning this News Release, please call PIO Tod Goodyear of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at 321-501-7594.
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