Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight has announced the promotion of three Sarasota County Sheriff's Office members. Lieutenant Debra Kaspar is promoted to the rank of Captain assigned to the Courts and Corrections Division. Kaspar began her career at the sheriff's office in 1988 as a Public Service Aide, and in 1997 earned her law enforcement certification and became a patrol deputy. Throughout her career she worked in various areas including Community Policing, Youth Services, Criminal Investigations and the Pharmaceutical Diversion Unit. Kaspar has earned several awards and recognitions however, including distinction as the first female Captain in the history of the sheriff's office to complete the entire competitive promotional process at the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and captain. Sergeant Chris Perz has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant assigned to the Patrol Bureau. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Florida SWAT Association and has received recognition from several surrounding law enforcement agencies for his professionalism and hard work. Perz is also a founding member of the Sarasota K-9 Search and Rescue team. Deputy Derek Baker has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant assigned to the Patrol Bureau. In 2006, Baker was hired by the sheriff's office as a patrol deputy, and in 2010 became a field training officer and soon transferred to the Tactical Unit. In 2014, Baker was assigned to the Special Investigations Section where he worked on several high-profile drug cases. Throughout his career, Baker has been recognized with a Unit Citation Award, Combat Cross Award and commendation letters from surrounding agencies. 

Sarasota County Sheriff's Office