Heather Cassara
Vero Beach,Florida
Summary
Accomplished Law Enforcement Professional with over 20 years in public safety, conflict resolution, and criminal investigations. Expertise in fostering community trust through effective teamwork and communication. Strong problem-solving skills support the upholding of justice and public confidence in law enforcement.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Sheriff
Saint Lucie County Sheriff's Office
Ft. Pierce, FL
2023.07 - Current
- Court Security Deputy - 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
2022.03 - Current
- Schedule adjunct instructors for subjects in the basic recruit academy, corrections academy, and crossover academy to ensure optimal class coverage.
- Verify instructor certification and ensure compliance with Florida state law to uphold program standards.
- Administer physical agility test (PAT) to enhance recruit preparedness and assess readiness for academy training.
Adjunct
Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, FL
2010.05 - Current
- Facilitate classroom instruction and practical evaluations while ensuring compliance with CJSTC standards.
- Foster a supportive learning environment through effective communication and leadership.
- Oversee training programs for recruits in firearms, vehicle operation, defensive tactics, and CPR/First Aid.
LE Safety/Security Officer (Armed)
Saint Lucie County School Board
Port Saint Lucie, FL
2017.12 - 2023.07
- Monitored security across 37 schools in St. Lucie County, supporting faculty and students during code red drills (active assailant).
- Provided backup to law enforcement during school altercations.
- Assisted school resource officers and deputies with student or employee investigations.
- Responded to disturbances or fights on school buses.
- Addressed alarm calls both on and off duty.
- Secured school events and conducted FSSAT school security surveys.
- Managed transportation for truancy cases.
Interim Coordinator
Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, FL
2021.05 - 2021.12
- Conducted criminal justice basic recruit classes following FDLE and college policies.
- Provided student advisement for law enforcement and corrections programs.
- Supported students and instructors through effective counseling and supervision.
- Assisted in preparing class schedules and instructor assignments.
- Maintained communication with law enforcement and corrections agencies.
- Evaluated high liability areas for compliance with FDLE rules.
- Completed additional duties and responsibilities.
Certified Patrol Officer (Armed Guard)
G4S
Fort Pierce, FL
2017.08 - 2017.12
- 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
2016.04 - 2017.03
- Responded to service calls and assisted in law enforcement activities and crime prevention efforts.
- Documented incidents through detailed reports and gathered evidence to support investigations.
- Prepared for court appearances and delivered testimony to support case outcomes.
Police Officer
Fort Pierce Police Department
Fort Pierce, FL
2005.06 - 2016.03
- 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
2008.11 - 2010.04
- Directed proactive vehicle and bike enforcement in Fort Pierce Re-development Agency (F.P.R.A.) area to enhance community safety
- Conducted investigations and patrol (vehicle and bike)
- Facilitated community meetings and events to promote engagement and address local concerns
- Designed and delivered literature for Crime Prevention to C.P. Officers and to public
- Coordinated with code enforcement to implement the Neighborhood Enhancement Action Team Program
- Acted as liaison for Saint Lucie County Boys and Girls Club, facilitating communication and collaboration with community stakeholders.
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
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
Advanced Training
Over 2000 hours of advanced training classes. Certificates available upon request.
Timeline
Deputy Sheriff
Saint Lucie County Sheriff's Office
2023.07 - Current
Staffing of Adjunct Faculty
Indian River State College
2022.03 - Current
Interim Coordinator
Indian River State College
2021.05 - 2021.12
LE Safety/Security Officer (Armed)
Saint Lucie County School Board
2017.12 - 2023.07
Certified Patrol Officer (Armed Guard)
G4S
2017.08 - 2017.12
Deputy Sheriff
Martin County Sheriff's Office
2016.04 - 2017.03
Adjunct
Indian River State College
2010.05 - Current
Community Response Police Officer
Fort Pierce Police Department
2008.11 - 2010.04
Police Officer
Fort Pierce Police Department
2005.06 - 2016.03
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