Captain Leon Watko

School Safety Division

Captain Leon Watko is a 32-year law enforcement veteran and currently leads the School Safety Division. A native of Saint Cloud, Florida, he has focused his career on public service, officer development, investigative excellence, and the safety of students, staff, and school communities. Before joining the sheriff’s office, he served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. Captain Watko is a proud father; his son, Jordan, serves in the United States Marine Corps.

Captain Watko has held diverse operational, investigative, and leadership roles, including Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, FTO Coordinator, Detective in Criminal Investigations, Internal Affairs Sergeant, Criminal Investigations Lieutenant, School Safety Lieutenant, and School Safety Captain. His investigative work covers crimes against persons, sex crimes, property crimes, and financial crimes.

Captain Watko is a graduate of the 77th SPI Command Officer Development Course and holds a Force Science Certification. He oversees 56 deputies and supervisors dedicated to protecting and supporting local schools. He has developed and implemented several school-based initiatives, including the agency’s anti-bullying project, the Cookies with a Cop Program, and the School-Based Detective Unit. He remains committed to strengthening relationships among law enforcement, schools, students, families, and the community.