𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙻𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝙶𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝙻𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚜.... 🍋✨
Deputies Drummond and Cambria made a 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 stop in San Carlos Park today to cool off with some ice-cold lemonade from these young entrepreneurs. We'd say they made a pour-fect decision!
Thanks for helping us 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐞 a little extra sweetness into a hot summer day on patrol, little ladies! 🌞🕶️
#SqueezeTheDay #LemonadeStand #BeatTheHeat #ShopLocal #TeamLCSO
... See MoreSee Less
6 hours ago
🌟𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐘🌟
𝙲𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝙲𝚕𝚎𝚛𝚔: 𝙼𝚒𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚎 𝙲𝚊𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚒𝚊
After 17 years as a medical assistant to an area orthopedic surgeon, Michelle Catania was looking for a change. She found it in 2024 by joining the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as a Corrections Clerk at the downtown jail.
“It’s definitely a big change from the medical field to jail,” she said, “but I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day and being part of a team that is dedicated to serving our community. The challenge in the beginning was learning our system and lingo, but I love what I do.”
Catania works 12-hour shifts in a role that varies from day to day. She can work control – remotely opening and closing locked doors at the jail; intake where those arrested first arrive at the facility; processing sexual offenders who are required to check in, or a myriad of other related roles.
“That’s what is enjoyable about it. It’s always different each day and offers a chance to learn new things,” she explained.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Michelle and her family relocated to Southwest Florida when she was 13 years old. After graduating from Fort Myers High School in 1990, she began working as a medical assistant at Lee Memorial Hospital before assuming a similar role with an orthopedic surgeon.
While working, she also earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Her father was a member of the Cleveland Police Department and her brother started with LCSO as a Corrections Officer before moving to the Cape Coral Police Department.
Among the challenges of her role, Catania lists dealing with the public as number one. “Whether it’s in person or on the phone, inmates and their families are often times not happy as they try to post bond or learn our procedures,” she said. “But there are also ones that are very nice. It’s a mix and we always try to remain professional and courteous.”
Catania finds her reward is helping others. “I enjoy the responsibility that comes with my position,” she said. “I find it rewarding to know that my work contributes to the safe and efficient operation of the jail facility.”
Since 2012 Michelle has volunteered with Florida Guardian ad Litem, representing foster children in the court system. The organization lists its purpose as: “To provide the most vulnerable children in Florida with an adult from their community who will be a consistent, positive presence in the child’s life as part of a team that includes an attorney, child welfare professional and community volunteer providing the highest quality community advocacy and legal representation to protect each child’s legal interests.”
Volunteer work is Catania’s passion. She volunteers with her church and dedicates as much of her free time as possible to such endeavors. “Going over and beyond for other people is something I enjoy tremendously,” she said.
Away from work Michelle also enjoys spending time with her 9-year-old granddaughter, reading, and watching reality television shows.
In terms of her LCSO career, Catania likes that individuals can chart their own course within the agency. Becoming a Victims’ Advocate or Corrections Officer are roles she is considering.
“It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated professionals at the jail,” she said, “and I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Lee County with integrity, professionalism, and pride.”
... See MoreSee Less
8 hours ago
⭐️ 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬, 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 ⭐️
It was an honor to host the Lee County Sheriff's Office Criminal Justice Youth Academy; a week-long program designed to give young adults interested in a career in law enforcement an inside look at how their local Sheriff's Office works every day to fight crime and keep our community safe.
Throughout the week, these students had the opportunity to interact with our Forensics, Aviation, ATSU, and SWAT teams while also seeing firsthand how #TeamLCSO is leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve crimes faster, and better serve the people of Lee County. To top it off, they even got a chance to see our lovable fur babies at Nan’s Ranch.👩🌾
Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and commitment to learning made this an unforgettable experience. Programs like this don't just educate—they inspire the next generation of public servants.
Here's to the bright futures ahead for each of these young men and women. Hopefully, it won't be long before we see some of them proudly wearing LCSO green!🫡
... See MoreSee Less
1 day ago
𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐰-𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞: 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐊𝟗 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 🐾🌟
Sheriff Carmine Marceno proudly recognizes Golden Paws Crisis Care K-9™ Rollie for reaching an extraordinary milestone—his 600th deployment on July 29, 2026, less than two years after beginning service on August 14, 2024.
Alongside his handler, Shelby Reilly, Rollie has provided comfort and support to victims of trauma, grieving families, students, first responders, hospitalized children, seniors, and individuals experiencing mental health crises throughout Lee County.
“Reaching 600 deployments in under two years reflects both the growing need for Crisis Care K-9 services and Rollie's exceptional training, dedication, and calming presence,” stated Sheriff Marceno. “His impact has touched countless lives, strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the community while exemplifying LCSO’s commitment to compassion, service, and care.”
Congratulations to Rollie and Shelby on this remarkable achievement and the meaningful difference they continue to make every day.
🐕🫶🏼🌟
... See MoreSee Less
1 day ago
𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗬𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗗𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗨𝗧𝗘
On Sunday, Lee County Deputies responded to a home in Estero in reference to a domestic disturbance.
The suspect, Ryan Hillaker, was involved in a verbal argument with the victim, threatening to kill them.
During the argument, the victim attempted to call 911, and Hillaker prevented them by grabbing their phone and throwing it out of reach.
Shortly after, the suspect fled from the residence before deputies arrived.
Deputies thoroughly investigated the incident, following leads to 3 Oaks Parkway and Alico, where Hillaker was driving.
Due to Hillaker's violent threats to both the victim and law enforcement, the grappler was deployed and successfully stopped the suspect.
Hillaker was immediately taken into custody and charged with Obstructing Justice and Simple Assault.
... See MoreSee Less
2 days ago