Johnathan started his law enforcement career in 2003 shortly after he was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corp.  He started on patrol and had served in all three districts in Okaloosa County. While on patrol, he become a Field Training Officer and trained several up in coming deputies for the agency. In 2008 he was selected to be a part of the Beach and Marine Unit.  In 2010 he was selected to be a canine handler. Training working dogs had always been his passion.  Prior to getting into the canine unit he had trained several dogs in Schutzhund/American Working Dog Federation.

Johnathan has worked and trained four dual purpose dogs for the Sheriff’s Office.  These dogs have been trained in Advanced Canine Tactical Operations and been a part of Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Special Response Team.  His first K9, Diesel was German Shepard from Czech Republic which he worked 5 years and retired in 2015.  Second K9, Axel was a Belgium Malinois from Hungry which he work for 5 years and retired in 2020.  Third K9, Chaka a Belgium Malinois from Holland which he worked for 2 years. Fourth K9, Kepuha which he is currently working.  

Johnathan is a certified FDLE Evaluator, FDLE Instructor, FDLE K9 Team Instructor, USPCA K9 Trainer and USPCA K9 Level 1 Trainer, USPCA K9 Level 2 Trainer, USPCA Detector Trainer, USPCA Regional Tracking, and Detection Judge. He is a graduate of K9 Working Dogs KVD-WELLEN-BELGIUM, K9 Handler/First Responder Advanced Scope, Canine Tactical Operations, Advanced Canine Tracking, K9 Bite Doctor and K9 E-Collar.

During his time off, Johnathan enjoys training hog hunting dogs, training horses to complete in team roping events and spending time with family and friends.