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Oct. 29, 2009
David Byron, APR, CPRC
Community Information Director

Volusia County manager names sheriff's office captain new director of Public Protection Department

Mike Coffin, a 22-year veteran of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, has been chosen by Volusia County Manager Jim Dinneen as the new director of the Department of Public Protection.

Coffin, 49, a captain, joined the SO in June 1987 and rose through the ranks. Currently, he is second in command of the Law Enforcement Services Division that is responsible for all law enforcement operations, including patrol and investigations.

Coffin will take over the county’s largest department. The Department of Public Protection includes the divisions of Animal Control, Beach Safety, Corrections, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Services, and Medical Examiner. Combined, those divisions have 577 employees and a budget of $95.7 million.

“I am confident Mike has the experience and management style to oversee this complex department,” said Dinneen. “He has been a very high performing member of the sheriff’s team for many years and is held in high regard not just at county government but in the community as well.”

Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson also had words of praise for his longtime employee. “Mike has done an outstanding job for our department,” he said. “He has had a number of important positions in the sheriff’s office and he has excelled. Obviously, I am sorry to lose him, but I am glad he’s staying with the county. The county manager has made an excellent decision.”

Since the retirement early this year of James Willits as department director, Public Protection has been managed by James Ryan, who will stay on as the department’s deputy director. “Jim Ryan has done an outstanding job as interim director of the department,” Dinneen said. “Mike and Jim give us very solid leadership and vast experience in this department.”

Coffin has a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Warner Southern College, Lake Wales. His confirmation will be considered by the Volusia County Council at its Nov. 19 meeting.

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