- December 5, 2025
VCSO's new mascot, Deputy Justice ,gives hugs and high-fives after the sheriff’s swearing-in ceremony at Pathways Elementary on May 7. Photo courtesy of VCSO
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood talks with the students about the Air 1 helicopter on May 7. Photo courtesy of VCSO
Pathways Principal Greg Schwartz keeps the kids entertained as they wait for the Air 1 sheriff’s helicopter to land, carrying Deputy Justice on May 7. Photo courtesy of VCSO
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood talks to the Safety Patrol officers before the assembly began at Pathways Elementary on May 7. Photo courtesy of VCSO
On Monday, May 7, students at Pathways Elementary watched as Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood's Air 1 helicopter descended on their campus with the agency's new mascot in tow: Deputy Justice.
Pathways Elementary recently won the naming contest for the Volusia County Sheriff's Office's new mascot. Chitwood received a list of names by all participants and narrowed it down to Pathways' suggestion. To honor the school, VCSO held an official naming and pinning ceremony.
While the students knew their school had won the naming contest, they did not know how the mascot would arrive, said VCSO Public Information Officer Laura Williams. Apart from Chitwood, in attendance to the ceremony was also Chief Deputy John Creamer, Capt. Richard Fortin and Juvenile Services Director Carla Quann.
