Heather Cassara
Vero Beach,Florida
Summary
Dynamic law enforcement professional with extensive experience in public safety, conflict resolution, and criminal investigations, poised to excel in challenging environments. Proven ability to achieve results through effective teamwork and adaptability, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that enhances community trust. Exceptional communication and problem-solving skills drive a commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining public confidence. Recognized for reliability and flexibility in navigating the evolving demands of the field.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Sheriff
Saint Lucie County Sheriff’s Office
Ft. Pierce, FL
07.2023 - Current
- Court Security – July 2023 - present
- Honor Guard Member - January 2021 – present
- Reserve Deputy - February 2018 – July 2023
Staffing of Adjunct Faculty
Indian River State College
Ft. Pierce, FL
03.2022 - Current
- Achieved effective scheduling of adjunct instructors for targeted subjects in basic recruit academy, corrections academy, and crossover academy. Confirmed up-to-date instructor certifications and compliance with Florida state law. Enhanced recruit preparedness through successful administration of physical agility test (PAT).
Adjunct
Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, FL
05.2010 - Current
- Oversaw training programs for recruits in firearms, vehicle operation, defensive tactics, and CPR/First Aid. Facilitated classroom instruction and practical evaluations while ensuring compliance with CJSTC standards. Fostered a supportive learning environment through effective communication and leadership.
LE Safety/Security Officer (Armed)
Saint Lucie County School Board
Port Saint Lucie, FL
12.2017 - 07.2023
- Monitored security across 37 schools in St. Lucie County, supporting faculty and students during code red drills (active assailant). Assisted school resource officers and deputies with student or employee investigations. Provided backup to law enforcement during school altercations. Responded to disturbances or fights on school buses. Managed transportation for truancy cases. Addressed alarm calls both on and off duty. Secured school events and conducted FSSAT school security surveys.
Interim High Liability Coordinator
Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, FL
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Conducted criminal justice recruit classes following FDLE and college policies. Assisted in preparing class schedules and instructor assignments. Provided student advisement for law enforcement and corrections programs. Supported students and instructors through effective counseling and supervision. Maintained communication with law enforcement and corrections agencies. Evaluated high liability areas for compliance with FDLE rules. Completed additional assigned duties and responsibilities.
Certified Patrol Officer (Armed Guard)
G4S
Fort Pierce, FL
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Patrolled grounds of Lawnwood Regional Medical Center to maintain security. Checked visitors for weapons upon entry to ensure safety. Secured air pad for incoming trauma patients. Responded to code calls, including alarms and disruptive patients. Assisted in locking down hospital during critical situations involving trauma patients. Managed crowd control in emergency room during high-stress incidents.
Deputy Sheriff
Martin County Sheriff’s Office
Stuart, FL
04.2016 - 03.2017
- Responded to service calls, supported law enforcement activities, and assisted in crime prevention efforts. Documented incidents through detailed report writing and gathered evidence for investigations. Prepared for court appearances and provided testimony as needed.
Police Officer
Fort Pierce Police Department
Fort Pierce, FL
06.2005 - 03.2016
- Bike Patrol Officer 2006 – March 2016
- Treasure Coast Crisis Intervention Team Member 2007 – March 2016
- Field Training Officer 2008 – March 2016
- Police Officer First Class 2010 – March 2016
- Honor Guard Member 2010 – March 2016
- Assisted in responding to service calls. Supported enforcement efforts through proactive prevention strategies. Documented incidents through report writing. Collected evidence for investigations. Provided court testimony as needed.
- Supported road patrol operations by executing supervisory tasks, such as roll call and completion of daily documentation.
Community Response Police Officer
Fort Pierce Police Department
Fort Pierce, FL
11.2008 - 04.2010
- Conducted investigations and patrol (vehicle and bike)
- Directed and proactive enforcement (vehicle and bike) in the Fort Pierce Re-development Agency (F.P.R.A.) area
- Facilitated community meetings and events
- Designed and delivered literature for Crime Prevention to C.P. Officers and to public
- Coordinating with Code Enforcement implementing the Neighborhood Enhancement Action Team Program
- Liaison for Saint Lucie County Boys and Girls Club
- Volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a mentor
- Assisted in re-implementing the Fort Pierce Police Explorer Program
- Assisted in the development of the Fort Pierce Police Explorer Ride-A-Long policy
- Served as the president’s assistant, treasurer, and advisor for the Fort Pierce Police Explorer Post
- Oversaw scheduling and inspections to maintain operational efficiency. Coordinated employee schedules and vehicle inspections. Managed the compilation of estimates for twelve police-equipped bicycles to enhance unit capabilities.
Education
Master of Science - Criminal Justice Specializing in Behavior Studies
Saint Leo University
St Leo, FL08.2020
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL05.2011
Associates of Science Degree - Advertising Design
Fort Lauderdale Art Institute
Fort Lauderdale, FL09.1992
Skills
- Completed the Indian River State College Leadership Academy in April 2021
- Adjunct Instructor at Indian River State College since 2010 in all high liability areas (CPR/First Aid, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, and Vehicle Operations)
- Field Training Officer (FTO) – eight years, Fort Pierce Police Department
- Treasurer and advisor for the Fort Pierce Police Explorers – 2 years
- Owner and operator of a graphic art business – ten years
- Vice President for the Teen Escape Council (teens at risk) in conjunction with the Vero Beach Recreation Department – 5 years
- Vice President for Vero Beach 1st Annual Powwow – 1 year
- Senior Advisor for Explorer Post 593 in Indian River County – 5 years
Advanced Training
Field Training Officer, Hostage Negotiations, Detective Academy, Indian River State College Leadership Academy, Instructor Techniques, Vehicle Operator Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, CPR/First Aid Instructor, Neck Restraint Instructor, Low Light Instructor, Background Investigations, Drug Identification and Narcotics Investigations, Sex Crimes Investigations, Crimes Against the Elderly, Crisis Intervention Team Training, Counter Terrorism, Introduction to Community Policing, Conducting Background Investigations, School Resource Officer, Behavioral and Psychological Indicators of School Shooters, Identifying Tactical Responses to Sovereign Citizens, over 2000 hours of advanced training classes. Certificates available upon request.
Awards
- Certificate of Merit Award, Platoon C, 2006
- Selected as a Bike Patrol Officer, 2006
- Excellent Customer Service Award from Garden City Elementary, 2007
- Treasure Coast Crisis Intervention Team Member, 2007
- Selected for Field Training Officer, 2008
- Selected as a Community Response Police Officer, 2008
- Outstanding Volunteer Award, 2008-2009
- Certificate of Appreciation in assisting with Fort Pierce Police Department’s Advanced Citizen's Police Academy G.A.M.E. On Team Challenge, 2009
- Certificate of Award in Teamwork, 2009
- Certificate of Appreciation for 'Helping to Protect the Community We Serve', 2010
- Certificate of Appointment to Police Officer First Class, 2010
- Selected as an Honor Guard Member with Fort Pierce Police Department, 2010
- Exceptional Unit Award Rotation D, 2011
- Educational Achievement Award, 2011
- Exceptional Unit Award for Field Training Officer, 2013
- Exceptional Unit Award for Summer Task Force, 2013
- Lifesaving Award, 2013
- Exceptional Unit Award, 2015
- Paul Russ Officer of the Year Award, 2019-2020
- Selected as an Honor Guard Member with Saint Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, 2021
- Paul Russ Unit of the Year Award, 2020-2021
- Saint Lucie County Sheriff’s Office 4th Quarter Unit Citation – Reserve Unit, 2022
- Saint Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard Unit Citation, 2024
Timeline
Deputy Sheriff
Saint Lucie County Sheriff’s Office
07.2023 - Current
Staffing of Adjunct Faculty
Indian River State College
03.2022 - Current
Interim High Liability Coordinator
Indian River State College
05.2021 - 12.2021
LE Safety/Security Officer (Armed)
Saint Lucie County School Board
12.2017 - 07.2023
Certified Patrol Officer (Armed Guard)
G4S
08.2017 - 12.2017
Deputy Sheriff
Martin County Sheriff’s Office
04.2016 - 03.2017
Adjunct
Indian River State College
05.2010 - Current
Community Response Police Officer
Fort Pierce Police Department
11.2008 - 04.2010
Police Officer
Fort Pierce Police Department
06.2005 - 03.2016
Master of Science - Criminal Justice Specializing in Behavior Studies
Saint Leo University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Lynn University
Associates of Science Degree - Advertising Design
Fort Lauderdale Art Institute