(Ep. #112) Deputy Commissioner Matt Walsh - FDLE

Deputy Commissioner Matt Walsh of the Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Joins us on this weeks podcast! Matt is a Weymouth Native who takes us on a journey from growing up in Weymouth, traveling to Florida to pursue a career in Law Enforcement, his early career including an officer involved shooting and how that impacted him, his rise to leadership, and his experience developing, implementing, and participating in officer wellness programs.

Deputy Commissioner Walsh is the FDLE Executive Director leading public safety services, which includes  Officer Wellness.  His career began 28 years ago at the Lee County Sheriff’s office where his assignments included road patrol, auto theft detective, homicide detective, and SWAT operator.     In 2003 Matt accepted a position with FDLE, since then he has worked and held leadership positions in Sebring, Ft Myers, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee Florida.  In 2020 he was appointed as interim Sheriff for the Clay County Sheriff’s office by Governor DeSantis.  Matt has lectured and trained law enforcement members in the areas of death and homicide, stress management, and mental health and resiliency.  He is the founder of the FDLE CISM / Peer Support team and has lead interventions following the pulse night club attack, Broward airport shooting, Parkland school shooting, Sebring mass shooting, Pensacola NAS, and other critical incidents. Matt Earned a Master of Social Work Degree from Florida State University and has provided psychotherapy to the veteran and law enforcement population.  He has attended several leadership schools, to include the Naval Post Graduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leaders Program, he has been recognized for his service to the citizens of Florida, to include commendations for the Combat Cross, 3 unit citations, Gallantry Star, Grand Cordon, 2 U.S Attorney Officer of the year awards, and the Commissioners Medal.