Matt Tuggle is a quiet hero. A Sarasota native and a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, Tuggle is the father of two sons and has been married for over 12 years. He has served in local law enforcement for more than 15 years—a career he describes as a lifelong dream. Tuggle has worked in many different capacities within the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office over the years. In April 2022, he founded One Mission Disaster Response to provide relief and supplies to those affected by disasters—natural or man-made—while sharing the word of God. He has been the director since its inception.

Service has long been central to Tuggle’s life. Raised by parents who were both first responders and active in a missionary Baptist church, he participated in mission work and disaster relief efforts from a young age. Growing up in Florida, he regularly volunteered through his church and local organizations to assist communities impacted by storms. His first hands-on disaster response came during Hurricane Charley while he was still in high school, working with the Police Athletic League as a barn manager responsible for PAL and Sheriff’s Office horses. Mentored by experienced responders, he helped prepare for the storm and later assisted with cleanup and supply distribution in harder-hit neighboring communities—an experience that solidified his commitment to disaster response.

As a deputy sheriff, Tuggle later responded to hurricanes, floods and tornadoes across Florida. Recognizing the need for rapid-response support, he established One Mission Disaster Response to deploy within 24 hours of a disaster. Shortly after its founding, the team assisted with flood relief in eastern Kentucky and then responded locally to Hurricane Ian, continuing long-term recovery efforts in southwest Florida.In 2024, Tuggle was recognized as Storm Hero for his leadership during Hurricane Milton. During an unprecedented hurricane season that included Hurricanes Debbie, Helene and Milton, his team conducted flood rescues using high-water vehicles and boats, evacuated residents from flooded homes and vehicles, responded to residential fires and delivered critical supplies. In the aftermath, the team remained active in cleanup and recovery efforts throughout the community.

In addition to his work with One Mission Disaster Response, Tuggle helps several other organizations in the community. Within the Sheriff’s Office, he is part of a committee that provides emergency resources to agency members who may find themselves in difficult times. Passionate about serving and mentoring local youth, he serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Osprey. He is also the troopmaster for a local chapter of Trail Life, a Christian youth scouting organization.  A quote by Michael J. Graham, S.J resonates with Tuggle: “Service is what prayer looks like when it gets up off its knees and walks around in the world.” He advises others to never become discouraged if they feel the calling to help those in need. “Sometimes we may not even know where to begin and feel that our abilities are small compared to a giant undertaking. Start with something small and you will see the great impact it will have on someone who may need so much. The smiling faces and hugs will encourage you to keep going,” he says.

Tuggle considers it an absolute honor to
have been nominated as a Storm Hero. “We have such a wonderful community, full of dedicated individuals who work so hard to help our fellow neighbors in need. It is very humbling to be recognized and to be in the company of so many great, big-hearted people within the community. Our team at One Mission Disaster Response has worked so hard over the last several years, and we’ve partnered with so many other great community organizations to greatly multiply our resources. Without these amazing relationships and the outpouring of support from the community, we would not have been able to accomplish all the amazing work we have done.” SRQ Matt Tuggle was honored as a Good Hero by SRQ Magazine in December 2024.