The ceremony also recognized achievements in professional development, academic milestones, physical abilities, commendations and community partnership efforts — highlighting accomplishments across every division of Public Safety.

Award recipients were nominated and voted on by their peers, with final selections reviewed by a designated awards committee, ensuring a process rooted in fairness, transparency and the values of the department.

2025 Chief’s, Of the Year and Lifesaving Award Winners

Chief’s Award: Scott Freeman ’11
With more than two decades of service to UCF, Deputy Chief Scott Freeman ’11 is widely regarded as the embodiment of loyalty, reliability and hard work. He began his career with the UCF Police Department as a civilian community service officer and steadily worked his way up — earning sponsorship to attend the police academy, progressing through the ranks and ultimately becoming deputy chief. His rise reflects an unmatched work ethic and a deep commitment to serving the university community.

As his responsibilities grew, so did his professional accomplishments. Freeman went on to graduate from the prestigious FBI National Academy, becoming — at the time — only the second UCFPD member ever selected for the program, an honor reserved for roughly 1% of law enforcement professionals nationwide.

Though he rarely seeks the spotlight, Freeman is known across campus for being available at any hour and for consistently putting others first. His humor and quick wit bring levity to public safety operations, and his passion, compassion, and dedication continue to make the department a stronger and more supportive place to work.

Chief’s Award: UCFPD’s Emergency Response Team
The second Chief’s Award recognizes a unit whose exceptional coordination, discipline and professionalism have set a new standard for campus safety. In 2025, UCFPD’s Emergency Response Team was called into action 24 times — often with little warning — to manage complex multi‑agency operations across UCF and Central Florida.

Despite the size and unpredictability of these events, the team delivered extraordinary results: not a single major incident, no arrests and no use of force. Their success was no accident. It was the product of rigorous training, meticulous planning and seamless communication, all anchored in a steadfast commitment to safety and de‑escalation.

Crisis Intervention Officer of the Year: Allison Sienkiewicz ’17
Supporting the mental health and well‑being of students is one of UCFPD’s highest priorities, and Officer Allison Sienkiewicz ’17 exemplified that commitment throughout 2025. During one crisis response, she helped a student who had engaged in self‑harm by creating a calm, supportive environment, and guiding both the student and their parent through the Baker Act process with empathy and clarity. In another call, she assisted a student experiencing suicidal ideations, taking the time to build trust, validate fears, and ensure the student felt safe and heard. Because of Sienkiewicz’s steady presence, compassion, and exceptional crisis intervention skills, both students received the critical, life‑saving support they needed.

Dispatcher of the Year: Nattia Lawrence ’24
Dispatchers play a crucial role in every incident, serving as the steady voice callers rely on in their most stressful moments. Nattia Lawrence ’24 embodies that responsibility each day through her friendly, approachable demeanor and her willingness to assist at any moment. She has taken clear initiative to expand her knowledge and impact within the department — participating in the mentorship program, joining the Public Safety Events Committee and pursuing her łľ˛ą˛őłŮ±đ°ů’s degree while working full time. Her positive attitude, responsiveness, and reliability make her someone both colleagues and the community depend on, earning her this well‑deserved recognition.

DUI Officer of the Year: Adriel Rivera Aponte  and Isabella Sanchez
DUI enforcement plays a vital role in keeping our roads safe, and even a single impaired‑driving arrest has the potential to prevent a tragedy. This year, Adriel Rivera Aponte and Isabella Sanchez share this recognition, each recording four DUI arrests. While the numbers may be smaller due to UCFPD’s limited jurisdiction, their work demonstrates strong initiative in this critical area and the department’s frequent participation in countywide operations led by partner agencies. Their efforts underscore the continued importance of DUI enforcement and set a positive example for proactive policing across the department.

Field Training Officer of the Year: Jonathan Mattingly
UCFPD sets high expectations for new officers, offering a comprehensive training program that includes six weeks of classroom instruction followed by three months of paired, on‑the‑road training. In 2025, Officer Jonathan Mattingly trained two new officers through all three phases of the program, drawing on both his UCF experience and prior agency knowledge to support their growth. His trainees and his peers consistently praised his approach, noting his ability to adapt training techniques to each officer’s individual needs. His patience, insight and strong leadership mindset set a high standard for those entering the profession, making him a well‑deserved choice for Field Training Officer of the Year.

Officer of the Year: Jeffrey Hopkins ’22
Corporal Jeffrey Hopkins ’22 is being recognized for his exceptional leadership, professionalism and commitment to mentoring the next generation of officers. Known as one of the most proactive and knowledgeable members of the agency, he approaches every situation with confidence, patience and genuine care. As a field training officer, he guided multiple new hires through their early months on the job, taking the time to explain complex situations, build their confidence and model the highest standards of policing. His colleagues consistently praise his ability to make others feel supported and welcomed, strengthening teamwork and fostering a healthy, positive culture across the department. His strong decision‑making, steady demeanor and dedication to excellence have left a lasting impact on his squad and the agency, contributing to his well‑earned promotion in 2025.

Partner of the Year: Millicent Downer
Though much of her work happens behind the scenes, the entire employee lifecycle —especially for UCFPD’s sworn officers — relies on Downer’s leadership, expertise and attention to detail. She oversees all human resources functions for Public Safety and, together with her team, supports the broader Administration and Finance Division. From recruitment, hiring, and onboarding to retention, professional development, and offboarding, she guides every step with clarity, professionalism, and steady poise. Her commitment to excellence and her advocacy for employees make her an invaluable partner to the department.

Professional Staff Member of the Year: Jennifer Floyd
Stepping into an expanded role this year, Jennifer Floyd quickly established herself as a driving force behind several major security initiatives at UCF. She played a central role in advancing key projects, including the commissioning of the new College of Nursing building and the campus‑wide upgrade of more than 500 security cameras — an effort that significantly strengthened the university’s safety infrastructure. Amid significant staffing transitions, Floyd helped maintain steady operations while coordinating hundreds of maintenance requests and pursuing advanced professional training to support the department’s evolving needs. She also led nearly 50 training sessions for teams across the university, ensuring that critical security systems remained reliable and well‑managed.

Professional Staff Supervisor of the Year: Benita Harrison ’25MPA
Benita Harrison ’25MPA supports the chief of police in daily operations, helped guide the department through organizational changes in 2025 and is a trusted source of knowledge on university processes. She chairs multiple committees with fairness and precision, oversees department events with outstanding organization, and consistently creates positive experiences for staff and partners. She also mentors her work‑study student and provided significant support to the Central Florida Criminal Justice Association’s executive board last year. Dependable and dedicated, Harrison exemplifies excellence in supervision.

Rookie of the Year: Kamila Otero ’24
Officer Kamila Otero ’24’s journey with the department began as an intern, later becoming UCFPD’s first police cadet — a role that helped establish a pathway now used to develop future officers. After graduating from the academy at the top of her class academically, she transitioned seamlessly into patrol and quickly proved herself dependable, capable, and deeply committed to serving the campus community. In just one year, she has handled a wide range of calls with confidence and compassion, actively seeks feedback, supports her squad, and represents the department with enthusiasm through outreach and engagement. Her positive attitude, initiative and early impact truly set her apart.

Senior Leader of the Year: Laura Valle ’17MA
Laura Valle ’17MA consistently stepped beyond her responsibilities to support her team—taking on extensive on‑call duties to prevent burnout and ensure uninterrupted crisis‑response services for the campus community. Her expertise reached national and statewide levels through her authorship in a crisis‑response manual and her training of new crisis responders. She also secured major grant funding to expand the threat management team, led extensive campus outreach and successfully rebuilt and staffed her unit during a challenging period. Through it all, she led with integrity, compassion and a steady presence that earned the trust of colleagues and partners across UCF.

Sworn Supervisor of the Year: Danielle Adams ’13 ’20MS
Danielle Adams ’13 ’20MS leads the Threat Management Team through some of the department’s most sensitive and high‑risk cases, approaching every situation with calm judgment and compassion. She manages a demanding workload with remarkable organization and focus, while also bringing valuable expertise from her task‑force work, which strengthens partnerships and improves the department’s overall preparedness. She advocates for officer wellness and mental health, ensuring officers receive vital crisis intervention training and provides support whenever needed. She played a key role in implementing the department’s new threatmanagement software and continues to lead confidently during Emergency Response Team deployments. Respected, trusted and consistently steady under pressure, she embodies what it means to be a strong and thoughtful leader.

Team of the Year: Department of Security (Steven Freund, Jarrell Odom ’18 ’23MS, Jennifer Floyd and Nick Cottone)
The Department of Security works tirelessly behind the scenes to support not just public safety, but the entire UCF community. They collaborate daily with Facilities, Athletics and colleges across campus while managing access control, license plate readers, guard services, and UCF’s complex camera system. Their work has a campus‑wide impact. The cameras they maintain are essential to criminal investigations and help keep students, faculty, staff and visitors safe at major events like Spirit Splash, football games, and free expression events. In 2025, they met the task of replacing 500 cameras before the end of the fiscal year — an achievement that secured leadership’s support for additional funding to continue modernizing the system.

Lifesaving Award: Andres Uzcategui and Ethan Temperato ’24
When a call came in reporting a woman unconscious and not breathing, officers Andres Uzcategui and Ethan Temperato acted immediately. Upon assessing her condition, they discovered she had no pulse. Uzcategui began lifesaving CPR while Temperato secured the scene to ensure responders had space to work. The patient stopped breathing multiple times, but the officers’ persistence brought her back each time and kept her alive until medical personnel arrived. Because of their quick action and unwavering determination, the woman survived.

Lifesaving Award: Mike Rivera and Hayden Bonas
Upon arriving at the scene of a medical emergency, Officer Michael Rivera immediately began CPR and rescue breaths on a student who had fainted and was unresponsive. Officer Hayden Bonas quickly cleared the room and retrieved an AED to assist. Working together, they stabilized the student until medical personnel arrived. In addition to this incident, Rivera administered lifesaving Narcan in a separate medical emergency and now teaches CPR and first aid to future law enforcement recruits — further extending his impact beyond the calls he responds to.

“This can be a tough job, but it’s one that we love,” says UCF Police Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS. “I welcome our three newest officers, and I have no doubt that the future of this agency will be in great hands with talent like you coming on board.”

The new officers will be assigned to the patrol division upon completion of their field-training program, where they will spend several weeks paired with senior officers to receive hands-on experience out in the field before graduating to solo patrol.

Meet the Officers

• Originally from the Dominican Republic, Jonthy Candelario now calls Orlando home. He graduated from Orlando Christian Prep and served with the Orlando Police Department before joining UCF. He chose UCF because he recognized it was a great place to learn and grow in his career while impacting the community through events and outreach. A fun fact — Candelario is a basketball referee at the collegiate level.
• Sticking near his hometown roots of Deland, Florida, Patrick Daunt joins UCFPD after serving with the Oviedo Police Department. He says he understands how transformative and challenging college can be and looks forward to building community relationships. He wants students to feel comfortable and turn to him for help, support and guidance. In his free time, Daunt enjoys playing board games with his children.
• Andres Uzcategui comes to UCFPD after serving with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He is originally from Venezuela and has always been passionate about helping others in his community, so he was drawn to law enforcement. Uzcategui looks forward to working with students, faculty, staff and visitors at UCF, meeting a new student population every four years. Outside of work, he enjoys working on cars and attending car shows.

A live stream of the swearing-in ceremony can be viewed .

The department recognized recipients of its Lifesaving and Of the Year awards, while Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS presented the prestigious Chief’s Award to a longtime staff member. The ceremony also recognized winners of commendations, community partnership awards and physical abilities awards.

After being nominated and voted on by their peers, winners were selected and reviewed by award committee members.

2024 Chief’s, Of the Year and Lifesaving Award Winners

Chief’s Award: Christine Mouton ’98 ’01MS

With 20 years of dedication to UCF, Christine Mouton ’98 ’01MS exemplifies visionary, compassionate and effective leadership. Her unwavering commitment transformed Victim Services into a vital resource for those in need, significantly impacting Central Florida communities. Mouton’s leadership extends far beyond UCF, making her a key figure in disaster response organizations. She’s advocated for effective mass casualty responses and the support of families during crises. She’s responded to and established family and victim resource centers following 9/11, the Pulse nightclub tragedy and the Las Vegas mass casualty incidents. As an expert member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and FBI victim services committees, she helped guide the national response to victim assistance. Mouton’s extensive knowledge has made her a trusted resource in the Orlando community, addressing victim support and the root causes of violence. One of her most impressive accomplishments was helping develop a dating and domestic violence screening tool that identifies and support victims, creating a lasting impact on the UCF community and the Orlando area. Additionally, as Public Safety’s grant manager, she secured and managed more than $3 million in funding for four departments throughout her career.

Crisis Intervention Officer of the Year: Andres Carbone

Mental health remains a growing concern, with many in the UCF community facing challenges more than ever before. Thanks to Andres Carbone’s quick response to a call about a self-harm attempt, a student received the medical help she needed and was placed in protective custody. A week later, the student reached out to thank Carbone for his help and compassion, sharing that she was going through a tough time and recognized him from previous interactions, which made everything a little easier. Beyond this incident, Carbone also responded to two suicide attempts that resulted in Baker Acts.

Dispatcher of the Year: Grace Ehle

Dispatchers are an invaluable asset, not only supporting their agency and officers, but also serving as the reassuring voice the public depends on in emergencies. Grace Ehle is known for always staying one step ahead — anticipating the details officers need, checking security camera footage, reviewing prior contacts made or history with law enforcement. She maintains clear, concise communication in every situation, earning deep appreciation from several officers for her work.

DUI Officer of the Year: Isabella Sanchez

Ensuring our roads are safe is a shared responsibility, and the UCF Police Department (UCFPD) is dedicated to preventing impaired driving on campus and in the surrounding area. This award, based on statistics, recognizes the officer with the most DUI arrests of the year — seven in 2024. Although this number may seem modest, such arrests are often limited due to UCFPD’s jurisdictional boundaries and participation in county-wide details. Impaired drivers can cause devastating, life-altering crashes, and thanks to Isabella Sanchez’s efforts, seven potential tragedies were likely prevented.

Field Training Officer of the Year: Roman Watkins

UCFPD sets high expectations for new officers, offering a comprehensive training program that includes eight weeks of classroom instruction followed by three months of field training with an experienced officer. Roman Watkins has consistently been available for all types of training, from supporting new officers-in-training on the night shift to assisting his squad and the agency with defensive tactics and firearms training, and even serving as an additional instructor during last year’s block training. Even beyond the field training offer phase, he continued to offer guidance and assistance, making himself available during his family leave after the birth of his first child.

Officer of the Year: Freddie Tirado Jr.

Freddie Tirado Jr. works tirelessly to make UCF’s campus a safe place for students, faculty and staff. His persistence in checking buildings and areas that are known for having trespassers led to several arrests in the first quarter of the year. During one of these patrols, he caught a burglary suspect in the act, resulting in an arrest and the return of the stolen items to their owner. Recognizing the importance of community engagement, Tirado Jr. took it upon himself to mentor and guide younger officers. Always available to help lead training for his squad, he consistently demonstrates a positive, can-do attitude while on shift.

Partner of the Year: Administration and Finance Information Technology

This team is essential to departmental operations, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the safety, security and efficiency of public safety. Their responsibilities, which include managing equipment, developing and maintaining websites, and protecting data, are vital for daily functions. In 2024, their contributions were especially impactful during the relocation of the Victim Services office, where they ensured continuous service for victims. They upgraded systems and implemented new software, improving crime data management and communication reliability. Their behind-the-scenes work directly impacted the safety of officers and the community, and their expertise, reliability, and dedication are integral to the agency’s success.

Professional Staff Member of the Year: Lindsay Beers

Whether identifying crime patterns, uncovering crucial details or providing immediate investigative support during calls, Lindsay Beers played a vital role in solving crimes and enhancing campus safety. She took initiative, regularly seeking out ways to help detectives work their cases — sometimes even before they’d been assigned. In 2024, she completed 41 bulletins, 23 work-ups, nine photo line ups and assisted in identifying suspects in several criminal cases. Not only is she an asset to the team professionally, she’s credited as being a pleasure to work with by her colleagues, and always cheerful and reliable.

Professional Staff Supervisor of the Year: Shawna Meyers

Shawna Meyers is an indispensable asset to UCFPD, juggling numerous roles and ensuring everything is done proficiently, professionally and correctly. Her expertise in handling paperwork, arrest packets, and evidence upholds the agency’s policies and procedures in court, and she is a knowledgeable resource for both officers and staff members. Meyers and her team also handled more than 2,600 public record requests last year, ensuring that the agency complied with state statute. Her friendly demeanor and willingness to provide guidance make her a joy to work with, and her contributions are immeasurable and essential to the department’s success.

Rookie of the Year: Adriel Rivera Aponte

Adriel Rivera Aponte has been an exceptional addition to the UCFPD team, surpassing expectations for a recruit. His name frequently appears in cases, not only for responding to calls, but also for his proactive patrolling, addressing suspicious individuals and conducting traffic stops. Additionally, he has demonstrated both skill and compassion in handling mental health-related calls, responding to three Baker Acts and four wellbeing checks in 2024. He also made 18 arrests, conducted 416 traffic stops and handled 11 drug-related calls in 2024.

Senior Leader of the Year: Steven Freund

Though most of his work happens behind-the-scenes, Steven Freund is an exceptional leader whose dedication and vision have profoundly impacted Public Safety. Under his leadership, his team has upgraded campus security technology that’s frequently used to prevent and solve crimes. He’s leveraged relationships with key campus stakeholders and is often consulted on major university construction projects across all four UCF campuses. In 2024, the Department of Security started a camera replacement project and added license plate readers to parking garages, helping officers detect suspect vehicles. On a personal level, Freund continued his own professional development while his mentorship boosted team morale and contributed to professional growth.

Sworn Supervisor of the Year: Terrell Alexander ’18 ’23MS

Terrell Alexander ’18 ’23MS’s colleagues highly regard him as an outstanding supervisor who consistently prioritizes the well-being and development of his officers. He ensured that officers were available to represent UCFPD at necessary trainings and conferences while also advancing their individual educational growth. Always available for support when needed, Alexander trusted his team to do the right thing. Recently, he took on a new role in the Community Partnerships Unit, where he has hit the ground running.

Team of the Year: Victim Services (Mandy Broderick, Nick Dumercy, Christine Mouton, Olivia Oles and Laura Valle)

Despite their small size, the Victim Services team provides essential services and organizes impactful community events, such as the Greater Orlando Domestic Violence Vigil, Victims’ Rights Week and Denim Day. Last year, the team facilitated the UCF’s Green Dot Bystander Intervention Program trainings and delivered 14 educational presentations to various community members. Their emotional resilience and unwavering dedication are evident as they work on-call to provide continuous support for victims, even implementing a new chat feature on their website last year. In 2024, their department oversaw 319 cases, closing 266 of them — an impressive accomplishment despite staffing challenges and a physical office move.

Lifesaving Award: Adriel Rivera Aponte, Amber Charles and Elaina Little

In August, UCFPD was alerted that a former student was threatening self-harm but no location details were available. Dispatch Supervisor Amber Charles acted quickly, searching campus license plate readers and finding a hit from a parking garage. While officers responded, she searched the security cameras at the top of the garage and spotted a man sitting on a ledge. Officers Adriel Rivera Aponte and Elaina Little arrived, and after a brief conversation, Aponte pulled the former student to safety. A suicide note found nearby confirmed that their timely actions saved a life that day.

Lifesaving Award: Tommy Duhart

During a high school graduation ceremony, UCFPD received a call to help an elderly woman who was choking. Officer Tommy Duhart was the first to arrive on scene and immediately began performing the Heimlich maneuver. Within seconds, he successfully dislodged the food, allowing her to breathe. The woman was medically cleared and, thanks to Duhart, was able to watch her loved one walk across the stage.

Lifesaving Award: Frank Imparato

While heading to work last summer, Sergeant Frank Imparato noticed a man sitting on the ledge of an overpass in Maitland, Florida. After notifying the Maitland Police Department, Imparato approached the individual and began establishing a rapport with him. A Maitland officer soon arrived, and together they successfully talked the man away from the ledge and ensured he received the help he needed.

Lifesaving Award: Monica Quimbayo

When a UCF student left a letter expressing suicidal thoughts, detective Monica Quimbayo jumped into action. She connected with the student over the phone, who shared feelings of depression and doubts about therapy. Through a casual conversation about an old rock band, Quimbayo kept the student engaged until help arrived. The student was safely located, placed under protective custody and later received mental health support under the Baker Act.

Staying aware of your surroundings is the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians. Avoid distractions like cell phones and remove headphones or ear buds so you can hear what’s going on around you.

Drivers must follow posted speed limits and yield to pedestrians — even at green lights. Likewise, pedestrians should follow traffic rules, use crosswalks and look both ways before crossing streets, even when they have the right of way.

Keeping UCF’s roads safe is a collective effort, which is why new pedestrian safety enhancements have been added on and off the university’s main campus.

Pedestrian Safety Improvements

In the past few years, UCF has made improvements around its main campus by restriping crosswalks for better visibility and adding rumble strips before crosswalks that aren’t at a traffic light. Rumble strips are designed to provide an audible and vibration warning to alert drivers to slow down.

Flashing lights have been installed at some of the busier crosswalks around campus, along with signage reminding drivers that state law requires them to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

Off campus, Orange County made significant pedestrian safety upgrades along Alafaya Trail and şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą Boulevard, including new mid-block crosswalk signals at Solon Drive on Alafaya Trail and Turbine Drive on şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą Boulevard. The crossings make it more convenient for pedestrians to get to UCF, nearby restaurants and retail. They feature textured, colored pavement, pedestrian-activated stop lights and road markings that remind drivers to watch for pedestrians.

New fencing and landscaping will help direct pedestrians to the crosswalks, and sidewalks have been widened to eight or 10 feet. Additional signage, lighting and landscaping were also added.

Additionally, major intersections in the area were also updated with high-visibility crosswalks and redesigned with smaller turning radii that force vehicles to slow down.

UCFPD’s Commitment to Pedestrian Safety

The UCF Police Department (UCFPD) regularly conducts pedestrian safety details, where plain-clothed employees use crosswalks throughout campus while officers assess drivers’ responses.

While the main goal of these details is education, drivers who fail to yield may be stopped and issued a verbal warning or a citation at the officer’s discretion. Pedestrians crossing illegally may also be stopped.

Ahead of these details, UCFPD shares information about these efforts on social media and message boards around campus.

“It’s always been my belief that policing is the most noble profession,” says UCF Police Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS. “I’m proud of the work we do at UCF to keep our campus safe. We hold a very high standard of excellence, and I believe that we do it better than any campus police department in the United States.”

UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright and First Lady Melinda were also present at the ceremony, where the president shared remarks, expressing his gratitude to the public safety team and offering well wishes to the new and newly promoted officers.

“Each of you really do represent the very best of UCF,” President Cartwright says. “On behalf of all of us at UCF, welcome to this next chapter of your careers, whether beginning or further along. We are so proud to call all of you Knights and we look forward to all you achieve.”

The new officers will be assigned to the patrol division upon completion of their field-training program, where they will spend several weeks paired with senior officers to receive hands-on experience out in the field before graduating to solo patrol.

Meet the Officers

• Donavan Jackson joined the UCF Police Department (UCFPD) in September 2023, sponsored by the agency to attend the law enforcement academy at Valencia College. Despite a delay in admission due to a serious health scare, he made a full recovery and graduated from Academy Class 24-04. Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a łľ˛ą˛őłŮ±đ°ů’s in higher education leadership from the şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą of Wisconsin Whitewater. His connection to UCF runs deep, having previously worked in the Department of Housing and Residence Life. In his free time, Jackson enjoys writing and recording music, which has garnered more than 400,000 streams and received award nominations.
• Originally from Miami, Kamila “Kami” Otero ’24 has been a part of UCF’s Public Safety family since August 2023 when she became a UCFPD intern. After completing her internship, she continued as a cadet while earning her criminal justice degree at UCF. After graduating, UCFPD sponsored her to attend the law enforcement academy at Valencia College, where she graduated as the top academic student with an almost perfect score. Fun fact: Otero loves the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and even has four pet turtles named after them.

In addition to welcoming the latest public safety team members, UCFPD also celebrated three individuals who were recently promoted.

• Commander Matthew Scott ’07 ’11MS was promoted from Sergeant in November. With more than 17 years in law enforcement, he began his career as a UCFPD community service officer before the agency sponsored him to attend the academy. After graduating, he joined the department as a sworn patrol officer and quickly rose through the ranks to detective, supervisor and presidential liaison. Scott spent several years as an award-winning K-9 handler and made history as UCFPD’s first therapy dog handler while serving in the Criminal Investigations Division. Most recently, he led the Community Partnerships Unit, where he’s credited with revolutionizing the department’s programming and community outreach while also serving as the presidential security escort. A proud two-time UCF alumnus, Scott holds bachelor’s and degrees in criminal justice. He’s also a graduate of the Valencia College Criminal Justice Institute Leadership Academy.
• Sergeant Alexander DeLuca ’15 was promoted from Corporal in November. He started his journey as a UCFPD community service officer before becoming a sworn officer for the agency in 2016. Throughout his career, he’s served as a detective, a dedicated member of the Honor Guard, and a key part of the Emergency and Heavy Response teams. An avid biker, DeLuca has participated in several Police Unity Tours and is a police mountain bike instructor and certified bike mechanic. A UCF alumnus, he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is currently pursuing a dual łľ˛ą˛őłŮ±đ°ů’s degree in public administration and criminal justice — all while continuing to patrol his alma mater on the night shift Delta squad.
• Corporal Al Sammelian was promoted from Officer First Class in November. He made a bold career shift from the automotive industry to law enforcement, joining UCFPD in 2018. He hit the ground running, starting as a patrol officer and quickly advancing to a K-9 handler, working alongside his loyal four-legged partner, Zeus. Most recently, the duo has been an integral part of the Community Partnerships Unit, where Sammelian has led agency programming, outreach events and recruitment efforts. In his new role, he has returned to night shift patrol on the UCF main campus, serving as Sergeant DeLuca’s corporal on the Delta squad.

A live stream of the swearing-in ceremony can be viewed .

Following a comprehensive assessment of our campuses and local conditions, UCF will reopen for normal operations as planned on Saturday, Oct. 12, and all classes will resume Monday, Oct. 14.

The impact of Hurricane Milton is varied and, in some locations, catastrophic. UCF is known for our culture of caring, and now is the time to extend patience and compassion to those who are continuing to feel the effects of the storm.

This means that some students, faculty, and staff may be unable to return to classes or work on Monday. These individuals should be given empathy and flexibility as our region and state recover.

The scheduled football game against Cincinnati will kick off at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at FBC Mortgage Stadium. All campus parking lots, including Gold Zone Village and Gold Zone Campus, will open at 11:30 a.m. There will be no tailgating on Memory Mall, including Greeks on the Green.

As we return to normal operations, here are key updates for our community:

For Students

• All in-person and online classes are suspended until Monday. No assignments or exams should be assigned or required to be submitted until classes resume.

• UCF Housing communities remain open and safe for students to return to.

• Campus services are beginning to reopen to give students access to dining and recreation. The Student Union is open until 7 p.m. tonight, and the Recreation and Wellness Center will be open 3 to 10 p.m.

• Students impacted by Hurricane Milton who need assistance should . UCF staff will contact these students individually to connect them with resources and support.

• The Knights Helping Knights Pantry will be fully stocked and ready to serve students when it opens at 10 a.m. Monday.

• Students needing immediate mental health support should contact Counseling and Psychological Services’ 24/7 crisis line at 407-823-2811 and press 5 to speak with a therapist.

For Faculty 

• Faculty with labs may return to campus.

• All in-person and online classes are suspended until Monday. No assignments or exams should be assigned or required to be submitted until classes resume.

• Some students may struggle with returning to academics on Monday. Faculty should be understanding of the challenges students may be facing and should be as accommodating as possible.

For Faculty and Staff

• Employees should be clear with their supervisor about the storm’s personal impact and their ability to report to work on Monday.

• Supervisors are strongly encouraged to exercise understanding and flexibility.

• °żłÜ°ů  is available to provide work, life and mental health support.

Updated information will continue to be shared on ucf.edu/hurricane and social media.

Wednesday, Oct. 8, Update

To give our community time to prepare for Hurricane Milton — which is expected to impact Central Florida starting Wednesday — all classes and campus operations are now suspended today through Friday, Oct. 11.

The university is expected to reopen for normal operations on Saturday, Oct. 12, and classes will resume Monday, Oct. 14. All academic assignments and exams, including for all classes with online components, remain suspended until Monday.

Hurricane Milton is forecasted to be a catastrophic storm resulting in widespread impact across our state. It is critical that our students, faculty and staff take precautions today, and students are strongly encouraged to use today to return home if they are able.

UCF Police will close all main campus entrances starting at 4 p.m. Wednesday until a damage assessment has been completed on Friday. Only critical personnel with badges will be able to enter campus during that time using Central Florida Boulevard.

While UCF Housing will remain open for residents who have no other place to go, students who choose to stay in their residence halls will not be permitted to leave their buildings during the storm. Students who remain will be responsible for their own personal safety and comfort — UCF Housing staff and police and medical services may not be available during the storm, and we cannot guarantee electricity, water, wi-fi and food. Guests are not permitted in UCF Housing. All violators will be referred to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.

UCF’s Emergency Management team remains in active communication with our local National Weather Service office in Melbourne and the National Hurricane Center to ensure the university has the latest information.

We will continue to share information through UCF Alert, ucf.edu/hurricane, and social media.

Sunday, Oct. 6

In anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s arrival — and to give our community time to leave the area and prepare for the storm — UCF will suspend operations on all campuses and all classes, including online classes, from Tuesday, Oct. 8, through Thursday, Oct. 10

Standard operations will continue through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, and are planned to resume at 6 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11. Following the storm, we will assess campus and local conditions and provide more specific updates about our anticipated Friday reopening.

We are making this decision in the interest of our community’s safety and well-being and will continue to closely monitor the latest forecasts and provide updates as necessary. We encourage you to use this time to take storm preparations seriously before the onset of severe weather.

For All Students

• All academic assignments and exams, including for all classes with online components, are suspended while the university is closed.

For Students Who Live in UCF Housing

• While UCF Housing will remain open, campus services will be closed. Students are encouraged to return home by Tuesday evening if they are able to.
• Students who choose to remain in UCF Housing are encouraged to use the coming days to prepare. Access to power, wi-fi, food, water, and UCF Housing staff, police, and medical assistance will depend on storm conditions.
• Should forecasts intensify, students in on-campus UCF Housing may be required to move to a ride-out location.

For Faculty and Staff

• All academic assignments and exams, including for all classes with online components, are suspended while the university is closed.
• Faculty are encouraged to be understanding of students’ need to prioritize their personal safety.
• Research faculty will have access to their labs through noon Tuesday. After that time, buildings will be locked, sandbagged and inaccessible
• Critical employees may be activated to work during the university closure, and employees should speak with their supervisor about this possibility.

UCF’s Emergency Management team remains in active communication with our local National Weather Service office in Melbourne and the National Hurricane Center to ensure the university has the latest information.

We will continue to share information through UCF Alert, ucf.edu/hurricane, and social media.

“We are very proud of our agency and the work that we do,” UCF Police Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS says. “We are making a difference in our community each and every day, and we are grateful that these two officers have chosen to serve UCF.”

The new officers will be assigned to the patrol division upon completion of their field-training program, where they will spend several weeks paired with senior officers to receive hands-on experience out in the field before graduating to solo patrol.

Meet the Officers

• James Beam ’20 ’22MA comes to UCFPD after serving with the Orlando Police Department for about a year. He’s looking forward to being back on UCF’s campus, where he earned his bachelor’s and łľ˛ą˛őłŮ±đ°ů’s degrees in political science in 2020 and 2022, respectively. A military veteran originally from St. Augustine, Florida, James has traveled to 12 countries between two deployments with the Navy.
• Chris Colvin, originally from Los Angeles, moved to Florida to attend Eastern Florida State College and later joined the Melbourne Police Department as a patrol and field training officer. He chose UCFPD for its focus on community policing and looks forward to meeting students and ensuring their first experience with law enforcement is a positive one. When not on patrol, he loves bass fishing and woodworking.

In addition to welcoming the latest public safety team members, UCFPD also celebrated two individuals who were recently promoted.

• Sergeant Jeffrey Panter was promoted from corporal in June. Panter joined UCFPD in 2015, where he started as a patrol officer and worked his way through the ranks to become a detective. He has served on a federal task force and most recently served as a corporal on Bravo day squad. Since his promotion, he now oversees Delta night squad at UCF’s main campus.
• Corporal Agustin Gonzalez was promoted from officer first class in June. Gonzalez also joined UCFPD in 2015, where he started as a patrol officer and worked his way through the ranks to become a detective. He serves on the agency’s Special Response Team and supervises Bravo day squad for UCF’s main campus.

A live stream of the swearing-in ceremony can be viewed .

UCF Professor Christopher Emrich, an expert in hazard science, social vulnerability, disaster recovery and community resiliency, has plenty of experience with hurricanes. He’s worked with FEMA and other federal agencies to identify vulnerabilities in communities affected by hurricanes and to develop resiliency strategies.

As part of UCF’s National Center for Integrated Coastal Research, Emrich conducts studies into planning for and responding to disasters.

Here he offers some do’s and don’t’s to help you get ready for hurricane season

The Do’s

1. Get flood insurance. If you do not live in a flood zone the average cost is $660 a year for $250,000 worth of coverage. One inch of flood water can cause more than $25,000 in damage.
2. Make sure you have enough supplies for seven days.
3. Start preparing as early as possible. Pick up an extra gallon of water every time you go to the grocery store until you have 7 gallons per person — 1 gallon per day for seven days. Or buy a WaterBob or similar product that will turn your bathtub into a storage tank.
4. Buy non-perishable foods that are full of protein, like peanut butter. Two tablespoons provide enough energy to get through a meal time during an emergency.
5. Get 5-gallon buckets with fitted lids from Home Depot, Walmart or similar stores. These are great for storing electronics, batteries, chargers, important documents, medicines and food. Properly closing the lids on these buckets also allows them to float.
6. Establish a designated shelter area where you’ll keep emergency supplies in your home so you’re not scrambling around to find them. Do not raid your supplies once you have them ready. You can use them and replenish after hurricane season.
7. Make an evacuation plan. Make sure you and everyone in your family knows where to meet in case anyone gets separated. Talk through the plan often so everyone is on the same page. DO NOT wait until an evacuation order is issued to create a plan. Failure to plan = planned failure.
8. Turn on emergency notifications on your mobile devices. Based on your location, new warning systems can send messages with weather updates, alerts and other useful information. These alerts can be more up-to-date than newscasts, so you should trust them for the most accurate information. Take shelter when instructed.
9. Keep an emergency escape tool in each of your vehicles. This may come in handy for cutting seatbelts or breaking glass in an emergency.
10. Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or need extra help before, during and after emergencies.

¶Ů´Ç˛Ô’t’˛ő

1. Don’t let your car’s gas tank get below half-full at any point during the summer.
2. Don’t think you know more than weather experts. Instead, listen to trained emergency management officials, meteorologists and other leaders whose job it is to keep you informed and safe.
3.  Don’t bother taping up your windows because it doesn’t reduce the risk of them blowing out. This is especially true for people living apartments. Plus, it will only cause problems when removing the tape.
4.  Don’t drive through flooded streets, even if you’re very familiar with the street. A few inches of water can move a vehicle. Sinkholes may also develop on flooded roads and you won’t be able to see them.

Resources

In the event of a storm, UCF will provide communication with instructions on closures, depending on the weather conditions pre-and post-hurricanes. Our priority it to keep you safe. All students and employees automatically are signed up to receive these messages, and settings can be updated via . A parent, spouse or other secondary contact’s email address also can be added, allowing them to receive the updates.

In the meantime, here’s some information we hope you find useful to help you prepare at home.

Florida Hurricane Preparedness Tax Free Holiday: June 1-14

Floridians can purchase qualified hurricane preparedness related items such as batteries and generators and will not be required to pay sales tax. This year the holiday is earlier to encourage people to plan early. Click for a list of qualified items.

Families with special needs are encouraged to sign up with the , which is a part of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, to get information about resources in preparation and during a storm emergency.

Personalized disaster plans are critical and .

Communicating with children about disasters can help alleviate stress. This website offers tips, games and age specific information for families.

Planning for pets is also important. Floridadisaster.org offers advice for pet and livestock management.

Emergency kits can make all the difference for riding out a storm. Do you have all the ?

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is estimated to be highly active. Projections suggest 24 named storms, with 11 anticipated to become hurricanes, according to The Weather Channel and Atmospheric G2. Six hurricanes are forecasted to become Category 3 or higher, presenting substantial threats to coastal and inland regions.

şŁ˝ÇÖ±˛Ą and Personal Planning

At UCF, teams plan and train for hurricane season year-round. UCF’s Emergency Management team works hard to prevent, prepare for, manage and recover from a variety of threats to UCF, including severe weather.

UCF is a designated StormReady university through the National Weather Service.

In addition to the work being done at the central level, led by the Department of Emergency Management, we encourage all departments to evaluate their own hurricane procedures and staffing plans at this time, in advance of an imminent storm.

When tropical weather systems are threatening, Emergency Management is in communication with our local National Weather Service office in Melbourne, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center. If a serious storm or hurricane threatens our region, Governor Ron DeSantis and UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright have the authority to cancel classes or close campuses. UCF often does so in consultation with other area colleges, school districts and government officials.

We encourage students and UCF employees to put together their own hurricane safety kits and to create a plan with their families and loved ones should a storm impact Central Florida.

Prepping a Hurricane Kit

Knights should assemble a hurricane kit, which should provide enough essentials to survive at least three days. Kits should include:

• Water
• Nonperishable food
• Weather radio
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Batteries
• Can opener
• Cash
• Cell phone charge
• Identification cards
• Any necessary prescription medications

This year’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday extends June 1-14. This two-week tax holiday allows Floridians to prepare for hurricane season while saving money on essential disaster preparedness items.

How to Stay Informed

The UCF Alert text and email message system will be used to keep the university community notified of severe weather threats. All students and employees automatically are signed up to receive these messages, and settings can be updated via . A parent, spouse or other secondary contact’s email address also can be added, allowing them to receive the updates.

In addition to UCF Alert messages, details about any class cancelations, impact to services or campus closures will be shared on the UCF homepage, and @UCF and @UCFPolice on social media. Faculty members also are encouraged to post any changes to class assignments due to campus closures on Webcourses.

UCF has been impacted by hurricanes before, and we have been able to weather those storms while maintaining our strong commitment to academic excellence and student success.

While we hope for a hurricane-free season, it is always best to prepare and educate yourself in advance of a storm, especially in time such as now that requires extra considerations and flexibility.

Let’s each do our part by staying aware and prepared, and together, we’ll make UCF a safer place for all of us.

Overall, online sports betting continues to surge in popularity, with a projected revenue of $100 billion in 2023, according to the American Gaming Association. Among college students, a 2023 survey revealed 60% of students gambled illegally and one in five used financial aid to support their habit.

The lure of “big wins” and advertising that promises low-risk fun is often the starting line, says Stephanie Spies, director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services at UCF.

“People only talk about their wins; they don’t discuss the losses,” Spies says.

That culture of silence and the social nature of sports betting contribute to a lack of stigma, particularly as compared to something like substance abuse. When sports betting gets out of control, it’s easier to hide than other addictive behaviors until it’s too late, says Karen Hofmann, director of UCF’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

“If you’re failing at it, no one is aware,” Hofmann says.

Developing a habit typically comes incrementally. For instance, a few bets and wins with friends over the March Madness season can still become problematic. That’s particularly the case when paired with other stressors like midterms, says Jennifer Calame, assistant director of Substance Use Disorder Services at UCF’s Student Health Services.

“Students feel like it’s not a problem because they don’t do it all the time,” she says. “But that doesn’t mean it can’t become problematic.”

There are several signs that sports betting is out of control, including:

• Financial issues: Inability to pay bills, frequently asking for money
• Neglecting responsibilities: Skipping classes, staying up late to gamble, missing work
• Relationship issues: Irritability, compulsive behavior, lying

Hofmann encourages anyone experiencing issues with sports betting to reach out and seek help. It can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to cope and make better behavioral choices. Calame reinforces that message and would applaud any student with the courage to seek assistance.

“There is still hope for you,” she says.

For immediate help, call or text the National Gambling Hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537). For free counseling, reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 407-823-2811.

Learn more here: