Sheriff Appoints Fernez As Public Information Officer

By  //  March 5, 2013

Will Serve As Interface Between BCSO & Media

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – Deputy Maria Fernez has been appointed by Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey as the new full-time public information officer for the department.

Deputy Maria Fernez, an eight-year Brevard County Sheriff’s Office veteran, has been appointed as the department’s full-time public information officer. (Image by Ed Pierce)

Fernez will serve as a focal point for information released to the public and will become the department’s spokeswoman in times of crisis and breaking news situations.

She has served with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office for eight years, seven as a road patrol officer and another year as a sheriff’s agent.

Ivey introduced Fernez and other members of his leadership staff at a special gathering on Tuesday for media members at the sheriff’s West Precinct headquarters in Viera.

He said Fernez is a great fit for the job and will be at the forefront of  a new crime prevention initiative the sheriff’s department will be rolling out in the near future.

“She is talented and passionate for law enforcement,” Ivey said. “We’re going to take a whole new swing at bat in crime prevention. We want to change the dynamic. We want to let people know what’s going on and how to protect themselves.”

Ramping Up Sheriff’s Office Social Media Postings

Fernez will be based in Titusville and said she’s ready to take on the duties of the position, which will involve serving as an interface between the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the media in all its forms.

“I’m very excited,” Fernez said. “My vision is to have open communication with the media. I’m hoping to have have a really good relationship with them.”

She said that includes ramping up the sheriff’s office social media postings.

“I’m very excited,” Fernez said. “My vision is to have open communication with the media. I’m hoping to have have a really good relationship with them.”

Fernez will be assisted by Sheriff’s Community Services Lieutenant Mike Scully and Community Relations Coordinator Lindsey Deaton.