Hello, my name is Jon Sperling and I am a Deputy with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the Senior Advisor with the Sheriff’s Explorers. 

  I am originally from Connecticut where I was a Police Explorer with the West Hartford, Connecticut Police Department Explorers (1977-1981).  I think that the Explorer program is a great opportunity for young adults to get a feel of what it is like to be a law enforcement officer and get a chance to give back to their community.  I had a great time being a police explorer myself and learned a lot from the police officers who gave their time to train us and let us ride along with them of their patrol shifts. 

  I graduated from Hall High School in West Hartford, Connecticut in 1981 and immediate attended Tunxis Community College in Farmington, Connecticut, where I graduated with an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1983.  In 1983 I also enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Military Working Dog Handler and was stationed at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.  While at Patrick Air Force Base, I attended the police academy at Brevard Community College, graduating in December 1985.  While on active duty in the Air Force, I become a reserve deputy with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. 

 Once I was honorably discharged from the Air Force in July 1987, I immediately was hired as a deputy sheriff with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.  Since being employed with the sheriff’s department, I have worked as a patrol deputy, K-9 handler, Field Training Officer, and School Resource Officer. I am currently assigned as a Patrol Deputy in Merritt Island (East Precinct).

 In May 2005 I graduated from Columbia College with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Administration and in December 2006 I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Master’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice program. 

 I have been associated with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Explorers since June 2005.  Since that time, we have expanded our training program and community work assignments.  I feel that I have obtained a great deal of respect from the Explorers in the program.  I know I have a great deal of respect for them.