Zachary Burkhart

On August of 2018, I was sworn as a Deputy Sheriff with the Hernando County Sheriffs Office. I then completed (2) years as a Patrol Deputy in district (2) of Hernando County where I completed numerous criminal investigations such as domestic battery's, retail thefts, narcotic cases, and other criminal related calls for service. During this time, I was also assigned to the proactive patrol unit where I assisted vice and narcotics with surveillance on suspected narcotic houses. In February of 2021 I was assigned to the Traffic Unit with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. During this time, I enforced the state traffic laws, conduct accident investigations, as well as conducted numerous DUI investigations with successful case closures. I have also had the ability to attend numerous court hearings and give successful court testimony.

On 01-06-20 while assisting the marine unit on the Weeki Wachee River, a canoe had overturned where an infant had fallen into the water. Myself and another Deputy responded quickly and brought the infant to the shore line. For this action I was awarded the Life Saving Award. A short time later, while working nights a call for service was received of a female who was lost on the Weeki Wachee River. During this time, myself along with other Deputies were able to locate the female and bring her to safety.