Lake County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Frank Leonbruno

09/25/2026

The Romance Scam
It is estimated that over 1 billion dollars is lost per year in the US alone in romance scams. In this scam a criminal builds a fake online identity and engages you over Facebook, Instagram or other social media apps. They quickly build a romantic relationship. They shower you with affection and promises of a forever relationship. Through building trust the criminal manipulates you into sending personal data and money.

Red Flags include excuses of why they can’t see you in person, why they won’t stream a conversation with you, claim to be traveling abroad or work in the military. At some point a medical emergency or crisis will arise and they will ask for money, need you to wire money, or send cryptocurrency. There will be an extreme urgency, and they will press you for small amounts of money that lead to draining you of all your savings.

You can avoid losing money to a romance scammer. Stop communicating immediately. Do a reverse image search and see if their profile pictures appear anywhere else on the internet. Insist on a real time video call and if they refuse cut off contact. Talk to a friend or family member before making any financial decisions.

It happens to men and women, young and old, rich and poor. The internet is the wild west and criminals around the corner from every click.
• PAUSE before you react to unexpected calls, texts, or emails
• IGNORE URGENCY because scammers will rush you into acting without thinking
• NEVER PAY with gift cards, wire transfers and cryptocurrency to unknown contacts

Sheriff Frank Leonbruno

09/23/2026

Making Your Children Aware Of The Dangers Possible Getting On The Bus…
This video was taken at school bus stop in Anahauc, Texas just 5 days ago. The school bus was stopped, warning lights activated and signs to stop clearly displayed. As the student begins to cross to the school bus a vehicle screams by, breaking the bus stop laws, and nearly kills the student. Fortunately, she still looked both ways before approaching the bus even though the bus was stopped and lights activated.

Teach your children never to assume that cars will stop as directed, whether at a bus stop or crossing the street on a crosswalk. Show them this video, again and again over the years, at various times throughout the school year. Make sure they see and understand the dangers. It just might save their life.
Sheriff Frank Leonbruno

09/21/2026

09/21/2026

Ongoing Training at the Lake County Sheriff's Office OH

We continue to receive requests for information about the on-going training provided by our Sheriff’s Office. One such question asked was “Once a Deputy Sheriff or Corrections Officer graduates from the training academy do they receive any further training throughout their career to stay current on changes to the law, new standards, and other areas pertaining to their professions?”

The complexity of policing and corrections in today’s modern world requires significant, ongoing training in the criminal justice field. Providing knowledgeable, effective, and professional service to the community requires ongoing training in areas such as; problem solving skills, legal issues, changes in the directives and opinions from both Federal and State courts, dealing with the mentally ill, foreign and domestic terrorism, effectively responding to resistance and aggression, accident investigation, responding to critical incidents, and crisis intervention are just a few areas addressed in ongoing training.

Supervisors in our various divisions have attended the FBI Academy National Academy, Police Executive Leadership College, Certified Law Enforcement Executives program, FBI LEEDA, NIC Manager to Leader, and other leadership programs. Our Office has actively sought out candidates with Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Today over 50 people on our staff here at the Sheriff’s Office have obtained these advanced degrees. As Sheriff, I assure you that the staff and I will work to continue our history of professionalism, education, and training.

Yet training is not only at the supervision level, it takes place monthly in every division. Annually Corrections Officers receive an excess of 25 hours of in-service training in such areas as dealing with the mentally ill, investigations, crisis intervention, human diversity, search and seizure issues, legal aspects of jail operations, and policy and procedure compliance. Our Deputy Sheriffs complete in-service training on the Constitutional Use of Force, Human Trafficking, Crisis De-escalation focusing on Mental illness, Trauma Informed Policing, and legal updates regarding changes in the law. In addition, our Deputy Sheriffs receive training on crash investigations, interview and interrogation skills, fi****ms, computer forensics, and other technical areas faced in today’s changing society. Equally, Dispatchers receive a minimum of 20 hours of in-service training in areas such as; medical call issues, handling manmade and catastrophic events, emergency communications technology, and legal aspects of public safety communication.
Today we began our Corrections Officer training academy. Our 148 hour Corrections Academy is held right here at the Lake County Sheriff's Office. All new officers must complete the testing within their first year and pass the State examination. In the academy we use our own trained instructors to teach such areas as Report Writing, Self-Defense, Crisis Intervention, Ethics, Inter-Personal Skills, Civil Liability and Inmate Rights, Community Diversity and Procedural Justice, Fire Safety, Jail Standards, the Criminal Justice System, and other areas critical to jail operations.

Training is an on-going process for our Office, and a critical facet for an effective, community responsive, and liability conscious organization.

Sheriff Frank Leonbruno

09/21/2026

Neglected to mention Constitution Day last week

Last Thursday was Constitution Day on which our Nation commemorates the signing of the United States Constitution by the 39 delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.

It is important to remember that the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are very much intertwined. The Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution are not separate documents but rather work hand in hand together. The Declaration of Independence (authored by Thomas Jefferson) is our US Charter, it is our statement of why we exist today as a Nation. The US Constitution (authored by James Madison) contains our by-laws, it is our organizational document.
It is important to note that many of the delegates refused to approve the United States Constitution unless there was a Bill of Rights ( authored by James Madison at the urging of Thomas Jefferson) was attached, the 1st ten amendments guaranteeing free speech, freedom of religion, due process, and so much more.

I encourage everyone to watch the “American Experiment” on Netflix. It traces the founding of our Country and the thinking of our Founding Fathers. It is well put together and worth the watch to know the history of our Nation and why we exist today.

Remember, at one time people knew how the pyramids were built, the just quit studying it and so it was forgotten. Learn and know our history before it is forgotten.

Sheriff Frank Leonbruno

09/17/2026

Ask the Sheriff….. banking scams
How can I tell if the phone call or text I receive is really from my bank? I know scams are increasing but I am afraid I will be hurt financially if I don’t answer right away.

It can be difficult, especially when the number that appears is your Bank’s phone number. Best answer and safest path forward, don’t answer.

Today scammers spoof the numbers of banks that the fraudsters get right off the bank’s website. So, when the scammer calls using that number, it will come up on your caller ID as your bank calling. Personal information is shared and sold all around the internet through data bases so the scammer may very well already have your name, account numbers, probably mother’s maiden name and possibly your social security number. Sad and scary right?

If you see your bank, Amazon, credit card company or other people you do business with calling you should never answer the call. These are high tech scams that are increasing all over the country and far too many go down the rabbit hole of answering the call and losing thousands of dollars in an elaborate fraud. So don’t answer the call, don’t press redial if they leave a message. The same applies to phone texts and emails. Never reply and provide sensitive account or personal information.

Never panic, answers are easily attainable. On the back of your credit card or bank card is a number, call that trusted touchpoint. This is the number that is legitimate and avoids the “spoof number” fraud attempt. Find the legitimate Amazon service number and call them direct.

The key is never panic, and nothing is so urgent that taking the time to call a trusted number isn’t worth the extra moments. It should always be a redlight signals when a message or text tells you it is urgent move money, buy gift cars or provide your personal information.

One last thing, AI today can take recorded voices of family members and duplicate them for scammers asking you for immediate money for court, emergencies on the road, medical crisis and much more. Best advice, have a code phrase that only your family members know. When you hear the voice requesting money or help, ask for the code. If the voice does not know it, then hang up. Call them back on your phone … chances are they will tell you they never called.

Sheriff Frank Leonbruno

09/15/2026

Ask the Sheriff…..
Recently, the President ordered flags flown at half-staff for Senator Graham and fat the death of Dolly Parton. However, my flag is flown from the pillar on my front porch and cannot be lowered on its pole. What should I do on days such as today?

An excellent question! Many people have unmovable an United States flag on their porch, and certainly you see them inside positioned on metal bases in government buildings and in schools. Thus such flags cannot be lowered.

The accepted practice in such cases is to attach a black mourning ribbon/streamer to the top of the flag. The black ribbon is usually about 3 inches wide, and some are as long 5-10’ depending on the placement of the flag. The streamer is attached to the flag for the entire day when other flags are at half-mast.

“Half-Staff” days are designated as: Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th ), Memorial Day (Last Monday in June), Patriot Day (September 11th), Pearl Harbor Day (December 7th), and on any occasion proclaimed by the President of the United States. Also, half-mast for 30 days at the death of current or former President. 10 days at the death of Vice-President, Chief Justice or Speaker of the House, or from day of death until internment for other high-ranking officials.

Just as a note, often people with very good intentions place the flag at half-mast to honor various fallen heroes or local dignitaries. While well intentioned it is generally accepted that outside of the 4 designated days listed above, it is only the President of the United States who can order the United States flag to be flown at half-staff. At times, the Governor here in Ohio has ordered flags at half-mast for fallen officers or other Ohio dignitaries. According to the flag code "by order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law.”
(https://www.united-states-flag.com/half-staff.html

Sheriff Frank Leonbruno

09/14/2026

Congratulations to Correction Officer Logan Musacchio who has successfully completed his training in the Corrections Division. He is now working on his own in the jail facility. We wish him all the best and expect great things in his future here at the Lake County Sheriff's Office !

Sheriff Frank Leonbruno

09/10/2026

During one of our Explorer Post 43 meetings this month, the Explorers had the opportunity to get a firsthand look at how the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Basic Police Academy with the Lakeland Community College operates.

The Explorers observed fi****ms training and learned about modern law enforcement techniques, including how lessons learned throughout the history of policing have helped shape the fi****ms tactics and safety practices used today.

Assistant Commander Ticel also spent time with the Explorers explaining and demonstrating the OPOTA fi****ms qualification course, giving them a better understanding of the standards recruits must meet to become certified police officers in Ohio.

It was a great opportunity for our Explorers to see another aspect of law enforcement training and learn directly from the instructors who prepare the next generation of law enforcement officers.

09/07/2026

PRESS RELEASE – 2026 ACTIVE THREAT/MASS CASUALTY INCIDENT DRILL – Monday, September 7, 2026
*** Warning- Photos contain realistic looking injuries on role players***

The Lake County Active Threat/Mass Casualty Incident Drill Training Group, comprised of law enforcement, dispatch, and fire/rescue personnel from Lake and Geauga Counties, completed two days of active threat/mass casualty incident drill training that took place on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026 and Thursday, September 3rd, 2026.
The drill, held at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Painesville Township, drew nearly 200 police, fire and dispatch personnel from across Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, and Cuyahoga Counties. This training, now in its ninth consecutive year, provides an opportunity for first responders to train together on current active threat/mass casualty incident response operations. Training is designed for police, fire and dispatch personnel throughout the area to work in a collaborative effort for response to critical incidents such as active shooters in populated areas. This year’s training included a heavily populated open-air incident which has been seen so often across the world.
Critical Incident instruction was given by members of the following partnering agencies: Concord Township Fire, Eastlake Police and Fire, Kirtland Police and Fire, Lake Metroparks Rangers, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Emergency Operations Center, Madison Township Police, Mentor Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Painesville City Police and Fire, Painesville Township Fire, University Hospitals (TAC MED Division), Wickliffe Police, Willoughby Police, Willoughby Hills Police & Fire, and Willowick Police.
The following organizations were in attendance over the course of this two-day training:
• Concord Township Fire Department
• Eastlake Police Department
• Eastlake Fire Department
• Eastlake Police & Fire Dispatch
• Fairport Harbor Fire Department
• Geauga County Sheriff’s Office
• Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch
• Kirtland Fire Department
• Kirtland Police Department
• Lake County Emergency Operations Center
• Lake County Sheriff’s Office
• Lake County Sheriff’s Office Explorer’s Post
• Lake Metroparks Rangers
• Lakeland Community College Police Department
• Madison Fire District
• Madison Township Police Department
• Madison Township Police Department Dispatch
• Mentor Police Department
• Mentor on the Lake Fire Department
• Ohio State Highway Patrol
• Painesville City Fire Department
• Painesville City Police Department
• Painesville Township Fire Department
• Perry Joint Fire District
• Perry Village Police Department
• Wickliffe Police Department
• Wickliffe Police & Fire Dispatch
• Willoughby Fire Department
• Willoughby Police Department
• Willoughby Hills Fire Department
• Willowick Police Department
• Willowick Police & Fire Dispatch

The training team contracted with Traumatic Players of Cleveland to enhance the drill by providing extractable victims with realistic appearance of wounds for treatment, assessment and first aid application.
Special thanks to the Lake County Chiefs of Police and Fire Chiefs Associations, Director Pat Hengst and the Lake County Narcotics Agency, and Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno for providing hydration for participants and meals for the training staff and role players. We would also like to give a special thank you to University Hospitals TacMed and AirMed units for their specialized instruction and demonstration.
Thank you, Lake County Fair Board as well as fairgrounds staff Dave Herroon and Michelle Byram, for hosting the 2026 MCI Drill. We truly appreciate all your effort and accommodation!
It is the goal of the Lake County Active Threat/Mass Casualty Incident Drill Training Group to continue to expand the operational preparedness of first responders who serve Lake and neighboring counties. Initial participant feedback from this year’s drill is very positive, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with our fellow first responders in an effort continually improve upon our emergency service response to the communities within and adjacent to Lake County.

- Lake County Active Threat/Mass Casualty Incident Drill Training Group

Lt. Larry Harpster