Withlacoochee Technical College

Sgt. Rich Cunningham brings over three decades of distinguished military and law enforcement experience to his role as the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Coordinator and Corrections Officer to Law Enforcement Officer Crossover Coordinator.

He began his public service career in the United States Air Force (1989–1995) before joining the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (1995–2020), where he served in a wide range of operational and leadership assignments. Dual-certified as both a law enforcement and corrections officer, Sgt. Cunningham excelled as a K-9 handler and trainer, and served on the SWAT Team from 1997 to 2007.

He rose through the ranks rapidly, serving as Sergeant (2001–2005) in multiple specialized units including the COPS Unit, Violent Crimes Task Force, and as a Crimes Against Children Detective and Sergeant. Promoted to Lieutenant (2005–2013), he commanded patrol operations, oversaw the Field Training Program, and led the Criminal Investigations Division. From 2013 to 2020, as a Lieutenant, he directed District 1 Operations, served as K-9 Commander, and led the Burglary Task Force, demonstrating exceptional leadership in both administrative and tactical arenas. He also represented the agency on the Manatee County Veterans Council (2013–2017).

Sgt. Cunningham is a Saint Leo University graduate, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, summa cum laude, and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Criminology from Florida State University. He is also a graduate of the Command Officer Management Program (Class 10) at Saint Leo University.

Today, Sgt. Cunningham leverages his extensive field experience, command background, and academic excellence to mentor and prepare the next generation of law enforcement officers with professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service.

Sarah Huggett has served as the Advanced and Specialized Coordinator for The Citrus County Public Safety Training Center since April 2025. In this role, she oversees the management of FDLE Trust Fund allocations and coordinates a wide range of Advanced and Specialized training programs, working directly with instructors and law enforcement partners to ensure high-quality professional development opportunities. She is also responsible for maintaining compliance and reporting with FDLE for all advanced courses.

Prior to her current position, Sarah worked within the district as a Paraprofessional, supporting student success at the elementary level. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Government with a concentration in State and Local Policy, further strengthening her expertise in public service and policy development.

Capt. Mike Kanter (Ret.) brings over 27 years of law enforcement experience, including service in the United States Air Force as a K-9 drug and bomb dog handler. He continued his career with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a K-9 handler, traffic homicide investigator, and major crimes detective. He later became supervisor of the Crimes Against Children Unit.

After being promoted to the rank of Captain, he oversaw the agency’s accreditation programs and training division. In collaboration with the Citrus County School District, he also served as Director of the Citrus County Public Safety Training Center.

Following several years of retirement, Capt. Kanter returned to once again lead the Citrus County Public Safety Training Center as its Director.

John Pusey serves as the Correctional Officer Basic Recruit coordinator as well as the coordinator for the Law Enforcement Officer to Correctional Officer Crossover courses. John comes to the Training Center after retiring from the Florida Department of Corrections.  

Denise Barber is the administrative assistant assigned to the Criminal Justice Training Center. Denise is respondsible for enrollment  for all basic recruit programs. Additionally she maintains all instructor certifications and tracks completion,state exam scores and placement rates for all recruits.