The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) announces that Ilka Roncone of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office is the 2026 Florida Sheriffs Association Civilian of the Year. This award recognizes exemplary service above self by a civilian employed at a Florida Sheriff’s office and is proudly sponsored by the Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund.
“Ilka has an extraordinary gift for supporting victims in their most vulnerable moments, treating every person with grace and support,” said Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook. “She sees each case and victim as an opportunity, showing grace, compassion, and unwavering commitment to victims, coworkers, and our community. We’re proud to have her on our team, as she exemplifies the very best of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and sets the standard for victim advocacy.”
On May 5, 2025, a Clay County Sheriff’s Office patrol unit responded to a welfare check on a woman who hadn’t shown up for work. The victim was located with severe head injuries and transported to the hospital. Ilka Roncone got the call that the victim had no phone, was being transported to the hospital, and was hesitant to confirm her abuser. The case was assigned to a detective and Roncone knew the urgency of the situation. She briefed command on the victim’s history of abuse, coordinated with detectives and patrol, and drove to the hospital herself. She stayed with the victim through the entire investigation, building enough trust that the woman finally told detectives what had happened which led to her abuser’s arrest. Roncone secured a bed for the victim in case she needed somewhere safe to go and made sure she had a working phone again. That phone mattered when days later the victim used it to report a burglar trying to get into her home. Without it, she might not have received help in time.
That response earned Roncone the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Civilian of the Year award for 2025 and fits a pattern. Before she became a Victim Advocate, she spent years as the Person Crimes Unit’s staff assistant, keeping case files accurate, tracking overdose data, and using her bilingual skills to help victims who couldn’t otherwise tell their story to detectives. Her colleagues and supervisors point to the same thing: she shows up for crime victims at their most vulnerable moments and doesn’t let go until they’re safe. She consistently demonstrates leadership and compassion through her actions, and an unwavering commitment to her community.
“Ilka Roncone truly captures the heart of what the Florida Sheriffs Association values and works to celebrate. Through her tireless support of victims, she is not only changing individual lives but helping to forge stronger, safer communities across our state,” said FSA Executive Director Matt Dunagan. “Ilka’s passion and genuine care for others make her an inspiring example of public safety service, and we could not be more proud to call her our Civilian of the Year.”
Known as a dependable leader and a trusted colleague, Roncone continues to go above and beyond. Her dedication to rehabilitation, education, and service makes her an outstanding representative of the Civilian of the Year Award.
“The Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund is proud to support the Florida Sheriffs Association’s Civilian of the Year Award,” said Executive Director Don Eslinger. “Ilka Roncone’s unwavering commitment and devotion to the mission of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office makes her not only deserving of this honor, but a shining example of what it truly means to serve others — demonstrated through her drive, foresight, and care for those around her. The entire Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund Team extends its warmest congratulations.”
The Florida Sheriffs Association is proud to honor the 2026 Civilian of the Year. For more information on this achievement, watch the official video here.
Left to Right: Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook, award winner Ilka Roncone, FSA President Dennis Lemma, Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund.
About the Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state’s law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs’ Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.
About the Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund:
The Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund (FSRMF), created and owned by Florida Sheriffs, provides customized and affordable liability, automobile and workers’ compensation coverages to Florida Sheriff’s offices. The FSRMF, which originally offered liability coverage, was established in 1978 and currently insures 59 Sheriffs’ offices. The FSRMF is managed by a Board of Managers comprised of Sheriffs elected by the membership. The day-to-day operations are handled by a professional team of dedicated underwriting, claims and risk control employees of FSRMF who have extensive working knowledge in law enforcement. Learn more at www.fsrmf.org.
