Punta Gorda Police Lieutenants Graduate From Florida Leadership Academy

The Punta Gorda Police Department is proud to announce that Lieutenants Jim Kirdyand Chris Salsman graduated today, April 20^th, from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE)FloridaLeadershipAcademy.  TheFloridaLeadershipAcademy prepares first-line supervisors in criminal justice organizations to exemplify the character and integrity expected of criminal justice professionals.  The program examines the various components necessary to be an effective leader.  Lieutenants Kirdy and Salsman were among 27 law enforcement professionals to graduate from the Academy, which was held at Daytona State College.

TheFloridaLeadershipAcademyis a major component of the Punta Gorda Police Department’s employee development and succession planning initiatives.  The Punta Gorda Police Department selected theLeadershipAcademyas a venue for training due to its heavy emphasis on character development and integrity in law enforcement.  This year, Lieutenants Kirdy and Salsman were chosen for attendance at the academy due to their proven leadership abilities and future potential.

Lieutenant Kirdy joined the Punta Gorda Police Department in 1991.  He is currently supervises the Criminal Investigations Section and the Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team.  Lieutenant Kirdy teaches underwater crime scene processing, public safety diving operations, and other law enforcement courses at the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy.

“There is no doubt that FDLE is true to the cause of training our law enforcement leaders and future leaders,” stated Lieutenant Kirdy.  “As a veteran officer who has attended many supervisor-level and leadership courses, this course by far beats them all.  Not only did this course assist me as leader in my agency but will help me develop future leaders of the Punta Gorda Police Department.”

Lieutenant Salsman began his career as a Corrections Officer with the Florida Department of Corrections in 1995.  He joined the Punta Gorda Police Department in 1999.  While assigned as a Road Patrol Officer, he became a member of the Field Training Officer Team until becoming a Sergeant in 2003.  Lieutenant Salsman is the supervisor for one of the four road patrol squads.

“TheLeadershipAcademyis something every police supervisor should have the opportunity to attend,” stated Lieutenant Salsman.

The Punta Gorda Police Department now has five graduates of the program.  Lieutenant Joe King graduated in 2010, and Lieutenants Melissa Reynolds and Jeff Woodard graduated in 2011.

“TheFloridaLeadershipAcademyconsists of some of the most progressive and quality police management training in the State ofFlorida,” stated Chief Albert “Butch” Arenal.  “We are proud of this great career accomplishment by both Lieutenant Salsman and Lieutenant Kirdy.”

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