Lieutenant Matthew Schaefer possesses over 19 years of law enforcement experience. He began his career with the Lake Mary Police Department in 2004. He has held multiple positions throughout his career, such as: Patrol Officer, Assistant Squad Leader, Criminal Investigations Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Criminal Investigations & Community Relations Sergeant and in early 2023, he was promoted to Lieutenant. Lieutenant Schaefer has been an Adjunct Professor with Seminole State College since 2016. Areas he instructs include: FDLE Criminal Justice courses, Basic Law Enforcement and Corrections Crossover Academies.
During his career, Lieutenant Schaefer has obtained several certifications such as: FDLE High Liabilities Instructor (Firearms/First Aid), Glock/M-4/Remington 870 Armorer, Force on Force Simunitions Instructor, Less Lethal/Impact Weapons Instructor, Active Shooter/SAVE Instructor and is also a Certified Voice Stress Analysis Examiner for the agency.
Lieutenant Schaefer obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Beloit College in May 1998. Lieutenant Schaefer is also graduate of the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute Command Officer’s Development Course-Class #80.