After 30 years of dedicated service to the State of Florida, Secretary Ricky Dixon has announced his retirement from the Florida Department of Corrections. Secretary Dixon began his career in 1996 as a Correctional Officer at Lancaster Correctional Institution, before rising through the ranks to lead the third-largest state correctional system in the nation. During his tenure, Secretary Dixon has been instrumental in helping FDC navigate obstacles and deliver successes that have enhanced the Department and strengthened Florida’s public safety mission. Congratulations, Secretary Dixon, on your well-deserved retirement, and thank you for your dedicated service to the State of Florida.

FDC’s Region IV Security Threat Group Strike Team and Contraband Interdiction Unit joined forces to conduct a large-scale mass search operation at Okeechobee Correctional Institution. Working in tandem with probation and parole and staff from multiple institutions, the teams conducted comprehensive searches to identify and remove contraband that threatens the safety and security of our facilities and staff. Thank you to our dedicated teams who uphold our public safety mission and keep our communities safe!

Happy Flag Day from the Florida Department of Corrections! Today, we honor the Stars and Stripes—the enduring symbol of our nation’s unity, freedom, and resilience.

The Circuit 10 (Lakeland) SOTEC Team partnered with the @PolkCoSheriff Violent Crimes Unit to conduct a joint compliance search of an offender on community control. The search resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Working together, FDC and local law enforcement continue to hold offenders accountable and enhance public safety throughout our communities.

Today, the Florida Department of Corrections honors the memory of Correctional Officer Darla Lathrem, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on June 11, 2003, during an inmate escape attempt at Charlotte Correctional Institution. Officer Lathrem's courage, dedication, and commitment to service reflect the very best of FDC. As we remember her sacrifice, we also honor the lasting impact she made on those who served alongside her. Her legacy will never be forgotten.

FDC's Circuit 6 SOTEC teams, in collaboration with the @PascoSheriff, conducted a joint planned compliance initiative. During the operation, the team searched an offender’s vehicle and residence, uncovering firearms, ammunition, knives, marijuana, prescription pills, and drug paraphernalia. The offender was taken into custody without incident. FDC is proud to partner with local law enforcement to keep our communities safe!

Quick thinking and compassion made all the difference when Correctional Probation Office Jazzlynn Joseph in Fort Pierce stopped to help a child experiencing a seizure on the side of the road. CPO Joseph immediately rendered aid, comforted the child’s mother, and assisted alongside the school’s resource officer until EMS arrived. FDC is proud of CPO Joseph; her heroic actions reflect the professionalism and commitment to service shown by our staff every day.

FDC partnered with law enforcement and housing authority agencies across Palm Beach County for a countywide Planned Compliance Initiative. The operation resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, illegal narcotics, and cash. This successful effort highlights the power of partnership, accountability, and proactive supervision in keeping our communities safe.

Hamilton CI’s K9 Team assisted the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office after suspects fled a traffic stop and hid in a wooded area near I-75. K9s Jasper, Maddy, and Poncho were activated immediately and successfully tracked through miles of wooded terrain, helping locate and apprehend the individuals. Strong coordination and joint law enforcement partnerships continue to keep Florida safe.

Strong collaboration between the @HCSOSheriff Strategic Gun Intelligence Unit and Circuit 13 SOTEC Search Team led to the recovery of an AK-47-style pistol, extended magazines, and ammunition during a compliance check tied to a shooting investigation. The offender was taken into custody, highlighting the critical role of coordinated supervision and strong law enforcement partnerships in keeping dangerous weapons off the streets.

Outstanding work by staff at Suwannee Correctional Institution for uncovering contraband, including weapons, cell phones, drugs, chargers, tobacco, and unauthorized electronic devices, during a coordinated mass search operation. This operation highlights the teamwork, vigilance, and dedication our staff bring every day to keep our institutions safe and secure.

FDC’s Titusville SOTEC Team, working alongside the @TitusvillePD Special Task Force, took swift action during an offender compliance operation connected to credible threats of gang retaliation violence. This joint effort resulted in the recovery of assault rifles and ammunition. FDC is proud of our SOTEC teams who continue to play a critical role in enhancing public safety through proactive supervision, specialized search operations, and coordinated law enforcement efforts!

Region I Community Corrections hosted its first SOTEC Training Competition at Santa Rosa CI, bringing teams together for a day of tactical challenges and skills-based training. The event highlighted the professionalism, teamwork, and readiness of SOTEC teams as they continue to support compliance efforts and strengthen public safety through specialized operations and partnerships.

On this Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten. Today, and every day, we honor their legacy with gratitude and respect.

FDC’s CERT leadership attended the internationally recognized Mock Prison Riot in West Virginia, joining special operations teams from around the world for advanced tactical training. They represented FDC with professionalism, teamwork, and a strong commitment to mission readiness.

The Circuit 15 (Lake Worth) office, in partnership with the @PBCountySheriff Street Team, conducted a successful planned search based on reasonable suspicion. Officers recovered cocaine, marijuana,drug paraphernalia, and a weapon, resulting in an arrest and proving that partnerships and proactive supervision continue to make our communities safer every day.

Today, we proudly honor the courageous men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. FDC extends our deepest appreciation to the veterans and active-duty service members whose dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to service continue to make a difference in our communities and across our nation. Thank you for your service!

Training never stops for FDC’s Contraband Interdiction Unit! Following their latest recertification, CIU captains and K9 teams remain prepared to detect contraband, support institutional safety, and answer the call when needed across our state. 🐾

Firearms Instructor Training is one of FDC’s most demanding and comprehensive programs, designed to prepare staff to perform at a high level. From strengthening technical proficiency to reinforcing sound decision-making under pressure, the course equips future instructors with the knowledge and experience needed to train and lead others effectively.