Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the promotion of Deputy CJ Sunderman to the rank of Sergeant. Sunderman was hired by the sheriff’s office in March 2005 and assigned to the Patrol Bureau. In September 2013, he was transferred to the agency’s tactical (TAC) unit. Prior to joining the sheriff’s office, Sunderman earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and obtained his certification in law enforcement from the Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute. He received two lifesaving awards during his career, including one for his quick and selfless actions in rescuing a suspect who had fled a scene and jumped into a body of water to avoid apprehension. Recognizing the suspect’s struggle to stay afloat, Sunderman jumped in to save him from drowning. "It is with great pleasure that I watch Sergeant Sunderman take the next step in his career," said Sheriff Hoffman. "His commitment to serving the citizens of Sarasota County shows in his outstanding performance."