Florida Department of Corrections

Official X account of the Florida Department of Corrections. Reposts and follows are not endorsements.

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Richard D. Comerford as Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections!

Secretary Comerford brings more than 40 years of dedicated service to FDC, beginning his career as a correctional officer in 1986 and rising through the ranks to lead the nation’s third-largest correctional system.

Congratulations, Secretary Comerford, on this well-earned appointment. FDC looks forward to your leadership and unwavering commitment to uphold public safety and strengthen resources for staff!

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

As FDC celebrates PPPS Week, we congratulate Assistant Deputy Secretary of Community Corrections Joe Winkler and Regional Director of Community Corrections Justine Patterson on receiving the 2026 STAR Award for Florida’s innovative Mobile Probation Unit initiative. 🏆

This national recognition highlights how leadership and innovation is driving probation and parole forward by improving officer safety, increasing efficiency, and advancing public safety across our communities.

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

Today, the Florida Department of Corrections honors the memory of Guard Rufus William Walters, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during an inmate escape on July 22, 1938, while serving with the Florida State Convict Road Force.

His legacy of courage and service will always be remembered.

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

Following a tip, FDC’s Circuit 6 Pinellas South SOTEC officers joined forces with the @StPetePD to conduct a planned search, recovering firearms, illegal narcotics, and cash, resulting in the offender’s arrest.

The success of this operation highlights how FDC’s probation and parole officers are making an impact across Florida and keeping our communities safe.

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

The Florida Department of Corrections mourns the passing of retired Director of Programs and Re-Entry, Patrick Mahoney. Pat began his career with FDC in 1994 as a Probation Officer and dedicated more than 30 years to advancing rehabilitation and reintegration across Florida.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Cathy, his children, granddaughter, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His legacy of service will not be forgotten.

Patrick Mahoney Obituary: https://t.co/ljBD517zZG

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

During National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week (PPPS Week), we proudly recognize the dedicated probation and parole officers of the Florida Department of Corrections. Every day, these professionals work to strengthen public safety by holding individuals accountable, supporting successful reentry, and building safer communities across Florida.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment, professionalism, and service.

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

The Florida Department of Corrections Honor Guard embodies the pride, honor, and commitment of our agency at ceremonies and events across the state.

Comprised of dedicated volunteers who serve alongside their regular duties, Honor Guard members uphold the highest standards of professionalism while proudly representing FDC’s traditions, values, and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the people of Florida.

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

Hurricane season is here, and preparedness starts long before the storm is in the forecast. FDC staff recently visited the @FLSERT Florida Division of Emergency Management's resource warehouse to see firsthand the coordination and logistics that support Florida's nationally recognized approach to disaster response.

Thank you to our partners at FDEM for helping keep Florida prepared and resilient!

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

There's still time to support the Florida Highway Patrol and VOTE FLORIDA in America’s “Best Looking Cruiser” competition.

Voting closes TODAY at 12:00 p.m. ET. If you haven't voted yet, now's your chance to show the Sunshine State some love and help FHP secure a fourth consecutive title! 🏆🚓

Vote now: https://t.co/ejW5vnL3EB

[FLHSMV @FLHSMV]

Our black-and-tan cruiser is back for the 2026 Best Looking Cruiser Contest! This year, it’s the Mustang’s turn to outdrive the competition! Paired with the iconic Skyway Bridge in red, white & blue, we're ready for a 4th straight 🏆🇺🇸. Voting starts NOW: https://t.co/Avxx0F2wrl

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

The Hardee CI K9 Team had a great time visiting the Summer Academy at Wauchula Elementary, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at how K9 Teams assist law enforcement agencies! 🐾

From tracking fleeing suspects to locating missing children or vulnerable adults, these highly trained K9s play a vital role in public safety every day.

Students also got an up-close look at the team's specialized equipment and enjoyed a live tracking demonstration by K9 Remi, making for an exciting and educational experience!

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

Outstanding work by the Ft. Pierce Community Corrections team and our law enforcement partners who worked together to dismantle a major drug trafficking operation.

Through proactive supervision and teamwork, officers helped remove illegal narcotics, multiple firearms, and a dangerous offender from our communities. Great work by Team FDC keeping Florida safe!

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

Congratulations to Deputy Circuit Administrator Valarie Witchard on graduating from the Public Safety Innovation Academy!

Selected as the only representative from Region IV Community Corrections, her achievement reflects her exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to professional excellence. FDC is proud to celebrate this well-deserved accomplishment!

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

As our country comes together this Independence Day to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, FDC honors the principles, courage, and sacrifice that has shaped the United States into the freest and most prosperous nation in the world.

We are especially grateful to FDC’s dedicated staff serving this holiday to help keep Florida's communities safe.

Happy Fourth of July!

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

A recent operation at Taylor Correctional Institution led to the seizure of cellular devices, illegal substances, tobacco, cutting tools, and other dangerous contraband hidden inside an inmate's mattress.

FDC is thankful for our dedicated staff who go above and beyond each day to maintain the safety and security of our institutions!

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

Today, we celebrate the remarkable career of Secretary Ricky D. Dixon.

Thank you for 30 years of distinguished service to the Florida Department of Corrections and the State of Florida. Your leadership made FDC stronger, our communities safer, and helped shape Florida into a national leader in corrections. The impact you’ve had on our agency and profession will be felt for years to come.

Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Secretary Dixon!

[Congressman Jimmy Patronis @PatronisFL]

It was great catching up with my longtime friend, @FL_Corrections Secretary and President of the @ACAinfo, Ricky Dixon. Thank you for your decades of dedicated public service and unwavering commitment to keeping Floridians safe. It’s been an honor to stand with you and the brave men and women of law enforcement who keep our communities safe. #FlaPol

[FLHSMV @FLHSMV]

Our black-and-tan cruiser is back for the 2026 Best Looking Cruiser Contest! This year, it’s the Mustang’s turn to outdrive the competition! Paired with the iconic Skyway Bridge in red, white & blue, we're ready for a 4th straight 🏆🇺🇸. Voting starts NOW: https://t.co/Avxx0F2wrl

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

A recent mass search operation at Cross City CI led to the recovery of contraband hidden inside a cell light.

Following a K9 alert, investigators successfully located cell phones, chargers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and marijuana resulting in both inmates being placed in confinement. The operation highlights the vigilance, teamwork, and commitment of staff in maintaining the safety and security of Florida’s correctional institutions.

[Florida Department of Corrections @FL_Corrections]

FDC pauses and remembers Correctional Officer Donna Fitzgerald who was tragically attacked and killed 18 years ago today by an inmate while serving at Tomoka CI.

We honor her 14 years of service, her bravery and her sacrifice.

Her memory lives on, and she will never be forgotten.