OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — Deputy Chad Biernacki, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) Sworn Outstanding Performer of the Year, demonstrated exemplary professionalism and dedication in the performance of his duties as a deputy sheriff throughout 2021. A hard worker who never shies away from his responsibilities, he also routinely assists supervisors and deputies with administrative tasks, according to the OCSO.
Here’s why the OCSO named Biernacki its Sworn Outstanding Performer of the Year, according to the OCSO:
Deputy Biernacki has been involved in over 2,100 calls for service, 269 of which required a written report. He has recorded at least 202 arrests with only 36 being warrant services.
He has 51 felony narcotics cases and 23 misdemeanor narcotics cases for 2021.
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Biernacki has seized approximately 54 grams of meth, over 11 pounds of marijuana, 31 grams of cocaine, numerous prescription pills and MDMA, 7 grams of heroin, and 16 grams of fentanyl. His efforts undoubtedly helped to reduce the number of overdose-related incidents in Okaloosa County and surrounding counties.
Biernacki has been instrumental in reducing the number of convicted felons with firearms, making five arrests of felons in possession of firearms. At least one had been reported stolen. He identified and charged four subjects carrying concealed firearms without permits.
His investigations go above and beyond narcotics and firearms cases.
During July he conducted a welfare check of a man on the ground. Later he got a call of a burglary including a bicycle theft. Watching surveillance video, he recognized the male he conducted a welfare check on as the suspect in the burglary.
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He went back to where the suspect was last seen, confirmed he was still in possession of the stolen property, and arrested him.
In April, Deputy Biernacki showed tremendous bravery, professionalism, and care after receiving a call of a shooting.
He and other Delta Shift deputies stopped a suspicious vehicle. A 15-year-old victim was inside. Biernacki immediately rendered aid with chest compressions while simultaneously sealing an open chest wound. In addition, he assisted with an ambulatory bag until EMS personnel arrived.
Deputy Biernacki showed a willingness to learn and not give up on an investigation after being involved in a pursuit with a subject who tossed out numerous narcotics in residential and business areas.
He learned how to author search warrants for electronic devices to identify the subject, who was later found to have active warrants for two counts of vehicular homicide by the FHP.
Biernacki showed compassion and a willingness to go above and beyond when he was dispatched to a domestic violence incident. Once he de-escalated the situation, he noticed the husband was trying different tactics to prevent the wife from leaving for a safer location.
Deputy Biernacki met the victim at a gas station and filled up her gas tank so she would safely make it to a family member’s residence out of the county.
Biernacki has received three commendations this year for his bravery and professionalism.
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He assisted in keeping children safe at the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center during a shooting investigation. Without hesitation, he assisted an OCSO employee in changing a tire on their personal vehicle during the summer heat.
He was also praised for his professionalism and de-escalation techniques during a domestic dispute.
Biernacki maintains a positive professional image as well as a professional attitude. He produces a high quality and quantity of work and is often relied upon by his peers for guidance.
Deputy Biernacki has proven himself to be an outstanding role model for this agency and the community he serves.
