Wells Said with Sheriff Rick Wells

Every child deserves to grow up safe, protected, and free from abuse and neglect. In this episode of Wells Said, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren are joined by Capt. Mark Morie, who leads the Child Protection Investigation Division. Together, they discuss the critical work detectives and deputies do every day to protect vulnerable children, investigate abuse and negle...

When major emergencies arise, a specialized team is ready to respond. In this episode of the Wells Said Podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren sit down with Lt. Ray Moss to discuss the critical role of the Emergency Services Team. From severe weather events and large-scale emergencies to high-risk incidents and mobile command operations, Lt. Moss shares how these d...

Boating season is in full swing, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is on watch. In this episode of Wells Said, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren chat with Sgt. Bobby French about patrolling our waterways, responding to emergencies, and helping ensure a safe, enjoyable day for boaters. Tune in for an inside look at the Marine Unit in action.  

In this episode of the Wells Said Podcast, Justin Halas, Executive Director of Hand Up to Victory, joins Sheriff Rick Wells and PIO Randy Warren to talk about overcoming addiction and rebuilding lives. Through honest conversation, they highlight hope, second chances, and the power of support. Recovery is possible. Restoration is possible. And sometimes, what someone needs isn’t a handout—it’s a ha...

Traffic — everyone has an opinion about it. In this episode of the Wells Said podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and PIO Randy Warren sit down with Deputy Jared Leggett from the Traffic Unit to talk about how everyday driving habits influence new laws, and everyday enforcement. From common misconceptions to what deputies really handle on the road, this conversation takes you behind the lights and sirens...

They don’t wear badges on the street, but they are first on the line. Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren welcome Caitlyn Welch to talk about the unsung heroes of dispatch. This episode dives into the critical role telecommunicators play, the intense demands of the job, and the emotional and mental strength it takes to answer the call—every time.

Standing watch over our schools takes more than a badge—it takes patience, trust, and a deep commitment to students and staff. In this episode of the Wells Said podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren sit down with Lt. Julio Jordon to discuss the challenges and responsibilities of serving as a School Resource Deputy in Manatee County Schools. From safety and prevent...

On this episode of the Wells Said Podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and PIO Randy Warren sit down with Sgt. Brett Getman from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria Island District. Together, they dive into what it’s like to answer calls for service in one of the most beautiful destinations in America. From the unique challenges of patrolling a popular beach community to the behind-the-scenes st...

They’re fast, fearless, and four-legged — and they're some of the most trusted partners in law enforcement. On this episode of The Wells Said Podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and PIO Randy Warren talk with Lt. Jeremy Bertolino about the grit, guts, and greatness of the Manatee County Sheriff's K-9 Unit. 

Would law enforcement know who to contact if you were involved in a serious emergency? In this episode of The Wells Said Podcast, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren are joined by Christine Olson, founder and president of To Inform Families First (TIFF). Christine shares the powerful story that inspired her to launch TIFF, an initiative dedicated to ensuring that emergen...

Behind every solved case is a strategy—and often, a skilled crime analyst connecting the dots. In this episode, Sheriff Rick Wells and Public Information Officer Randy Warren chat with Crime Analyst Manager Elicia Main about how the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office uses data and cutting-edge tools to spot crime patterns, track trends, and close cases.  

Homelessness impacts far too many individuals, but there is hope for those who seek it! In this episode of the Wells Said Podcast, Sgt. Joy Jewett joins Sheriff Rick Wells and Randy Warren to discuss how the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Resource Assistance Program (RAP) is creating pathways from the streets to stability.

Fraud is on the rise. From online schemes to con artists impersonating law enforcement, Sheriff Rick Wells dives into the growing world of fraud with his studio guest, Sergeant Jason Farrier. Learn how to spot the red flags, protect yourself from the latest scams, and hear what the Manatee County Sheriff's Office is doing to fight back!   

Sheriff Rick Wells talks about responding to calls for service and the different ways deputies in Manatee County, Florida, work to reduce crime while dealing with the challenges of a growing population. His in-studio guest is Captain Brad Johnson, the commander of Manatee County's largest and fastest-growing patrol district. Click now for a candid, well-said discussion about the daily operations o...