Sheriff Johnson Promotes Three Deputies

Date Added: February 05, 2008 11:30 am

Gary Davidson
Public Information Officer

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has a new captain, lieutenant and sergeant and the agency’s investigative services and internal affairs sections have new commanders, thanks to personnel moves announced Tuesday by Sheriff Ben Johnson. Among the changes announced Tuesday was the promotion of 22-year Sheriff’s Office veteran Jim Melady to the rank of captain. Also promoted Tuesday were Bobby Goggin to the rank of lieutenant and Pat Leahy to the rank of sergeant. 

The 41-year-old Melady joined the Sheriff’s Office in February 1986 and spent several years investigating drug trafficking and organized crime. He also worked stints in road patrol and court security and served as an assistant district commander in the Sheriff’s Office’s DeLand headquarters. The most recent assignment for Melady, who has a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from Union Institute & University, has been supervising the internal affairs section since November 2005. “It’s an honor and a pleasure to present you with your captain’s badge,” Sheriff Johnson said Tuesday morning during a promotion ceremony at the Deputy Stephen Saboda Training Center in Daytona Beach. “You’ve earned this and you make us proud.” 

With his promotion, Melady has been transferred to the agency’s Operations Center to supervise the investigative services section. He replaces Captain Bob Matusick, a longtime officer who’s set to retire at the end of the month. Taking command of the internal affairs unit is Goggin, who has served as an investigator in the unit since April 2006. The 44-year-old Goggin has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 24 years, having served as a narcotics investigator and motors officer as well as a stint in court security. “You’ve been a good cop your entire career,” Sheriff Johnson told Goggin. “You’re straight up and a straight shooter. You’ve done a great job.” 

Also promoted Tuesday was Leahy, who is 34-years-old and has been with the Sheriff’s Office for six years.