Standing watch over our schools takes more than a badge—it takes patience, trust, and a deep commitment to students and staff. In this episode of the Wells Said podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren sit down with Lt. Julio Jordon to discuss the challenges and responsibilities of serving as a School Resource Deputy in Manatee County Schools. From safety and prevention to mentorship and community connections, the conversation highlights what it truly means to protect and serve on campus every day.

On this episode of the Wells Said Podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and PIO Randy Warren sit down with Sgt. Brett Getman from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Island District. Together, they dive into what it’s like to answer calls for service in one of the most beautiful destinations in America. From the unique challenges of patrolling a popular beach community to the behind-the-scenes stories that tourists never see - Sgt. Getman shares an inside look at why working on the island is far from “just another day at the beach.”

They’re fast, fearless, and four-legged — and they're some of the most trusted partners in law enforcement. On this episode of The Wells Said Podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and PIO Randy Warren talk with Lt. Jeremy Bertolino about the grit, guts, and greatness of the Manatee County Sheriff's K-9 Unit.

Would law enforcement know who to contact if you were involved in a serious emergency?

In this episode of The Wells Said Podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren are joined by Christine Olson, founder and president of To Inform Families First (TIFF). Christine shares the powerful story that inspired her to launch TIFF, an initiative dedicated to ensuring that emergency contact information is readily available to first responders through your driver’s license.

Learn how this simple step can make a critical difference during emergencies—and how you can take action today.

Behind every solved case is a strategy—and often, a skilled crime analyst connecting the dots. In this episode, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren chat with Crime Analyst Manager Elicia Main about how the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office uses data and cutting-edge tools to spot crime patterns, track trends, and close cases.

Homelessness impacts far too many individuals, but there is hope for those who seek it! In this episode of the Wells Said Podcast, Sgt. Joy Jewett joins Sheriff Rick Wells and Randy Warren to discuss how the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Resource Assistance Program (RAP) is creating pathways from the streets to stability.

Fraud is on the rise. From online schemes to con artists impersonating law enforcement, Sheriff Rick Wells dives into the growing world of fraud with his studio guest, Sergeant Jason Farrier. Learn how to spot the red flags, protect yourself from the latest scams, and hear what the Manatee County Sheriff's Office is doing to fight back!

Sheriff Rick Wells talks about responding to calls for service and the different ways deputies in Manatee County, Florida, work to reduce crime while dealing with the challenges of a growing population. His in-studio guest is Captain Brad Johnson, the commander of Manatee County's largest and fastest-growing patrol district. Click now for a candid, well-said discussion about the daily operations of law enforcement.