Administration

Sheriff Gordon Smith

A native of Bradford County, George Paul Gordon Smith, known as "Gordon", graduated from Bradford County High School in 1985 and began his law enforcement career in 1986 with the Florida Department of Corrections.  He then joined the Starke Police Department in 1987, moving to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office in 1990.  1999 brought a change for Gordon when he was selected as the Assistant Police Chief for the Starke Police Department and in 2001; he was elected to the position of Chief of Police for the City of Starke.  In November 2008, after successful service as a Police Chief, he was elected as the Sheriff of Bradford County.  Sheriff Smith completed his A.S. degree in 1999 from Vincennes University and is a Graduate of the FBI National Academy, 240th Session.

He is a State of Florida certified instructor in Firearms, Chemical Weapons, Officer Survival, D.A.R.E. and PPCT Impact Weapons. Sheriff Smith has completed numerous hours of Executive training in leadership and management, such as Florida Sheriffs Executive Training (2008), National Sheriffs Institute of Executive Management and Training (97th Session), Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Advanced Chiefs Training (2005), Florida Police Chiefs Executive Development (2002),Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute Chief Executive Seminar (class 26), Federal Executive Development Training(1999) and many others. Further, he has advanced training and attained certificates in the areas of Homicide Investigations, Criminal Interviews and Interrogations, Hostage Negotiations, Sex Crimes Investigations and National Incident Management Systems, to name just a few.  Sheriff Smith and his wife, Stefanie, are the delighted parents of daughter Hailey and son Hayden.  One of Sheriff Smith’s biggest goals in his career life was to be the Face of Law Enforcement for Bradford County and to protect and represent the citizens of this wonderful county.
 

Eddie Boatwright, Chief of Staff

Captain Eddie Boatwright oversees the Administration of the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office and commands the Criminal Investigations Division, Dispatch, Warrants, Fleet and Information Technologies, Grants Programs, and the Narcotics Task Force, referred to as B.U.S.T.E.D.  A lifelong resident of Bradford County and graduate of Bradford High School with 29 years of law enforcement experience, he began his law enforcement career at Lawtey Correctional Institution as a Corrections Officer and Administrative Sergeant, working part time at the Lawtey Police Department as a patrol officer.  The 16 years preceding his appointment to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, he worked with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as a patrolman and detective; serving with the Economic Crimes Unit, Sex Crimes Unit and Family Violence Unit - where his investigations involved cases of child abuse, aggravated child abuse and child neglect.  In addition, he was one of only 2 detectives who investigated elderly abuse and exploitation cases.  During his tenure there, he investigated thousands of cases of financial exploitation and he was recognized for and considered an expert in the field of exploitation of the elderly.  Captain Boatwright has received numerous certificates of appreciation and commendations for outstanding work in this and other areas.  In 2002, he was appointed to a local advocacy council by Gov. Jeb Bush and, more recently, was recognized at the 15th annual Child Abuse Awards luncheon and honored for his work in that field.  Captain Boatwright was instrumental in the development of a comprehensive training video, in 2005, for law enforcement and criminal justice professionals entitled “Stop Violence against Elders”.  This training video went on to receive an Award of Excellence in the 2006 National Videographers Awards.  Captain Boatwright’s law enforcement training includes courses on the topics of Financial Investigative Techniques; Sexual Assault; and Crimes against Children and Elderly.  Over the years, he has worked closely with the State Attorney’s Office Special Prosecution Unit, the Attorney General’s office, and the Department of Children and Families.  It has been a lifelong goal of Captain Boatwright’s to return to Bradford County and to serve his community.

Brad Smith, Chief of Operations

Captain Brad Smith is the Chief of Operations for the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office and oversees Patrol, Civil Process Services, Victim's Advocacy and School Resource and Security.  A returning son of Bradford County natives, Captain Smith finished high school in Miami, graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminology from Florida State University and received his Master’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida.  In 2001 during his master’s studies, Captain Smith was selected to participate in a criminal justice study abroad program in Russia.  Additional studies sent him to the prestigious Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, where he completed the Administrative Officer’s Program.  In 2009 Captain Smith completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Florida Executive Development Seminar and in 2010 he completed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Chief Executive Seminar.  His law enforcement career started in 1990 at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office where he served for over 16 years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant.  While there, he experienced a variety of assignments such as; Patrol, Bicycle Patrol, Canine, Patrol Supervisor, District Commander, Warrants Unit Commander, Regional Domestic Security Task Force, and Public Information Officer.  He moved to the Starke Police Department in 2007 where he was assigned as the Public Relations officer prior to joining the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office in January 2009.  Captain Smith resides in Bradford County with his wife and daughter.
 

Carol Starling, Chief of Jails

Captain Carol Starling became the Jail Administrator for the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office in 2007.  As the Chief Administrator of the Jail, she is responsible for all aspects of jail operations, including but not limited to being responsible for the security, classification, and health care of inmates.  Captain Starling previously served with the Florida Department of Corrections in many capacities in security services; including assignments as the Warden at both female and male institutions.  Among her assignments while with the Florida Department of Corrections she served as an Investigator, Investigator Supervisor, Regional Trainer, and as the Correctional Services Administrator over Security in the Region II Office.  A certified instructor for over 20 years, Captain Starling taught Corrections Basic Recruit and Criminal Justice Career Development courses at Lake City Community College and Central Florida Community College - including the high liability areas of firearms training and defensive tactics.  Captain Starling has received training in many areas of security operations including leadership, female offenders, youthful offenders, jail management and government operations.  Most recently, (summer of 2008) Captain Starling was recognized by the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency for her dedication and many contributions to the Law Enforcement Community.

Lieutenant Denny Thompson, Administrative Lieutenant

Lieutenant Denny Thompson, also a native of Bradford County, graduated from Bradford High School in 1988 and began his law enforcement career with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in 1994. While at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office he worked as a Deputy Sheriff and Administrative Sergeant in the Corrections Division where he supervised the Booking, Classification, Judicial Security, Training, Transport and Warrants Units. Additionally, he is qualified in the 4th and 8th Judicial Circuits as an Expert Witness in Latent Finger Prints, testifying on behalf of the state in criminal cases. He currently supervises the Bradford, Union, Starke Drug Task Force (BUSTED) as well as the Finance and Human Resources Sections of the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Thompson is committed to ensuring the citizens of Bradford County receive the highest level of law enforcement available.

Lieutenant Michael "Mike" Rathmann, Bradford County Jail

Lieutenant Michael "Mike" Rathmann manages day-to-day jail security operations.  He has an extensive and diverse career of over 40 years in the criminal justice field.  After spending six years in the U.S. Air Force in law enforcement and corrections, he worked as a supervisor for a private security company in California.  In 1975 he moved to Florida and worked briefly in retail security at the “brand-new” Orange Park mall.  He then began a 30 year career with the Florida Department of Corrections, progressing through the ranks from correctional officer to warden, Statewide Security Administrator and eventually to Assistant Secretary for Institutions. After a brief retirement, Lt. Rathmann returned to the Department of Corrections as Warden of Florida State Prison. He also spent 24 years as a part time criminal justice instructor at various community colleges and vocational-technical schools, certified in General Criminal Justice areas, Human Diversity, Firearms and Interpersonal Skills. Lieutenant Rathmann is a graduate of the Certified Public Manager program at Florida State University and recently completed the requirements for dual certification in law enforcement and corrections.

Lieutenant Dawn McKinley, Bradford County Jail

Lieutenant Dawn McKinley began her Law Enforcement Career in 1988 during the administration of Sheriff Dolph Reddish. She has performed in numerous capacities and held various ranks leading to her current position as the Jail Administrative Lieutenant. As Administrative Lieutenant she oversees Records, Booking, visitation, Inmate Programs, Classification, Work Crew and other administrative duties. In 2009 Lieutenant McKinley was assigned to oversee the daily operations of Bradford County Animal Control. Lieutenant McKinley moved to Bradford County in the early 80’s and has made this her permanent home along with her husband and son.

Lieutenant George L. Konkel Jr., Patrol Commander

Lieutenant George L. Konkel Jr. is the Patrol Commander, supervising all Patrol activities.  He graduated from Bradford High School in 1989 and obtained an Associate Degree from Vincennes University in 2001.  Lt. Konkel has been employed with Bradford County Sheriff’s Office since 1994 and is dual certified in Corrections and Law Enforcement.  Before becoming a Deputy with Bradford County Sheriff’s Office he was a member of the first Law Enforcement Explorer Post in Bradford County.  He began his career with the Sheriff’s Office as a Part-Time Deputy and worked his way up through the ranks to his current position.  He has received numerous certifications, commendations, and advanced training courses to include: Line Supervision; Field Training Officer; Injury and Death Investigations; Narcotics Investigations; Community Relations; Sex Crimes Investigations; Criminal Interview/Interrogations; and Advanced DUI related courses, to name a few.  Lt. Konkel is a graduate of the Rural Executive Management Institute (R.E.M.I.) and was a recipient of the American Police Hall of Frame’s “Life Saving Award” in September, 2011.  Lt. Konkel has written numerous grants for the Sheriff’s Office, providing additional funding for various traffic related safety programs.  Lt. Konkel lives in Bradford County with his wife and son.

Lt. Gail Russell, Special Investigations

Lt. Russell began his law enforcement career in 1968, serving on three municipal police departments, including Fernandina Beach Police, where he served as an investigator and worked his way through the ranks to fill a role as Assistant Chief. He moved on to serve for 15 years as Chief of Police at the Green Cove Springs Police Department before retiring.  He chose to come out of retirement in May of 2006, first working part-time on the Sheriff's Office staff and ultimately accepting a full time position as an Administrative Lieutenant.  Lt. Russell is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, VA. and the Southern Police Institute, at the University of Louisville. He has an Associates Degree from Vincennes University and an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from St. Johns River Community College. He currently occupies the Office of Special Investigations which conducts: Internal Investigations; Pre-employment Screenings & Background Investigations; and manages intelligence information & crime tips. He is responsible for handling court ordered records Seal & Expungements; various special projects; and additional special investigations or administrative functions as may be required. He is one of three certified Voice Stress Analysts (CVSA) for the agency, conducting criminal and pre-employment lie detector analysis. His level of investigative, technical, and administrative experience lends considerable expertise to the agency.