Meet our LGBTQ Liaisons

Captain Beth Krivda #5491
I started my law enforcement career with the Riviera Beach Police Department in 1992, joining PBSO in 1995. I’ve had experience as a property detective, sex crimes detective and crimes against children detective. After being promoted to Sergeant I became an Investigative Sergeant for the Division of Internal Affairs. I then tested and was promoted to Lieutenant, spending four years as a Watch Commander and five years as an Administrative Lieutenant. I was promoted to Captain in 2020 and I am currently the Commander of Court Services, supervising 140 deputies and responsible for the safety and security of our five Courthouses, Governmental Center, Public Defender, and State’s Attorney office in Palm Beach County.

Bernie Hernandez ID8771
I am a Law Enforcement professional for 17 years for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. I began my career in Law Enforcement in District 1 Road Patrol in 2007 and have served in multiple levels of law enforcement, at different capacities. I promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2021 and completed 3yrs in Dist-6 (Unincorporated Boynton Beach) as a first line supervisor. I have successfully served as a Hostage Negotiator for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team since April of 2015. Once promoted to the rank of sergeant, I returned as a negotiation team leader under SWAT HNT. I promoted to Detective Sergeant in March of 2024. I am currently assigned to Behavioral Services Division as the lead Sergeant for the Crisis Response Team (CRT). CRT’s primary focus is preventing the repetitive baker act or arrest for persons in clear mental crisis or substance disorder. I am a Mexican Latino, proud member to the LGBTQ community, proud partner and extremely proud father.

Austin Fraser #9675
Since beginning my law enforcement career as a reserve Deputy Sheriff at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in 2011, I’ve been driven by a profound commitment to enhancing community welfare and quality of life. From the start, I knew that law enforcement would allow me to make a meaningful difference by fostering a safer, more supportive environment for everyone in the community. Over the years, my approach to policing has remained open-minded, grounded in empathy, and deeply aware of the tremendous impact we, as officers, have on the daily lives of those we serve.
I believe that effective law enforcement goes beyond enforcing laws—it’s about listening, understanding, and collaborating with individuals to address their unique challenges and concerns. Every interaction is an opportunity to uplift, solve problems, and build trust, and I make it my priority to ensure each person I encounter feels heard and valued. This commitment to compassionate policing drives my work and inspires me to continue learning, adapting, and advocating for practices that elevate the lives of community members.
It is nothing short of an honor to have a career in law enforcement, helping those who may not be in a position to help themselves and who, at times, have no one else to turn to for support and answers. Whether offering protection, guidance, or a listening ear, I am dedicated to being there for the most vulnerable members of our community.
With a career grounded in these principles, I am committed to a future where law enforcement not only protects but also empowers communities to thrive.

Daniel Hall #29248
I began my law enforcement career in Pennsylvania in 2006, where I first developed my commitment to public safety and serving the community. After gaining valuable experience, I relocated to Ohio and took on a position in law enforcement administration, where I honed my leadership and organizational skills over the course of two years. In 2017, I moved to Florida to join the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, starting in the Communications Division. Upon completing my communications commitment, I transitioned to Road Patrol and was assigned to the City of Lake Worth Beach (District 14), where I had the privilege of working closely with a vibrant and diverse community. My time in Lake Worth Beach was particularly rewarding as a member of the LGBTQ+ community; serving such an inclusive area of Palm Beach County allowed me to connect deeply with a place and people that resonate personally.
Following my assignment in Lake Worth Beach, I was honored to join the Violent Crimes Division, Homicide Unit, where I currently work. Over the course of my career, I have held a range of positions within patrol, investigations, administration, supervision, and command staff, each one enriching my understanding of law enforcement and further fueling my dedication to justice. Throughout my journey, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to protecting and serving the public with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to justice.

Mathew Meek #33849
Digital Media Technician, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
I began my career in law enforcement in 2016 as a dispatcher with the Florida Highway Patrol, and in 2017, I transitioned to the Town of Palm Beach, continuing my work as a dispatcher. In 2018, I joined the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) as a civilian Records Custodian in the Central Records Department. This role introduced me to the inner workings of the department and set the foundation for my continued service at PBSO.
Today, I serve as a Digital Media Technician within the Audio-Visual Department, where my primary responsibility is to review and manage all video, photo, and audio evidence for PBSO. In this role, I handle a wide range of media from body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, and other sources. I meticulously review, catalog, and ensure that all media is properly stored, organized, and made available for investigation, legal proceedings, and public records requests. My work plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the evidence and ensuring that it is accessible and secure.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am passionate about advocating for inclusivity and understanding within law enforcement. On the committee, I work to ensure that the needs of the LGBTQ+ community are heard and addressed within the department, helping to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for both PBSO employees and the public we serve. I am proud to contribute my perspective to ensure that PBSO’s policies reflect the diverse makeup of the communities we protect.
My work at PBSO allows me to combine my technical expertise with my passion for public service, and I am dedicated to helping ensure that all evidence is handled with the utmost professionalism and integrity. I believe in the importance of fairness, respect, and dignity in both my professional and personal life, and I strive to bring these values to every aspect of my work.

Katherine Nelson
I started my law enforcement career at a Sheriff’s Office, just south of the “Windy City” aka Chicago. I worked at this department from 2013 through 2021, holding numerous titles and positions. I planned to continue my career there until retirement, but there was just one problem. I was hiding my true self. Living, serving, and protecting in an area that held no safe spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community. At the end of 2020, as a resolution to myself, I vowed to become that safe space. In 2021, as I enacted this change, and openly stood for LGBTQ+ rights and members of the community, I was ridiculed by law enforcement officers across the ranks. A hard reality to face, but I knew I would not be able to continue my vow in an environment of contempt and hatred.
My journey was not perfect, but I continued on, and became Deputy Sheriff with PBSO in 2022. It is truly amazing that I now have the ability to represent my LGBTQ+ community as a Liaison. I strive every day to offer my best self to those who struggle to see that within themselves.
To those reading this, your path is ever changing, and I will be here to protect and guide you along the way.

LaShawnna “Leddy” Edwards
I began my career in law enforcement in 2013 in Belle Glade, located in Palm Beach County. Shortly after, I transferred to the unincorporated area of Palm Beach County (District 1).
In February 2016, I achieved one of the most significant milestones of my career, becoming the first woman to join the Palm Beach County SWAT team. The following year, in 2017, I transitioned to the role of robbery detective within the Violent Crimes Division, eventually moving on to serve as a homicide detective, a role I held for four years.
I am a proud member of the PBSO Honor Guard and a certified Emergency Medical Technician. Additionally, I have the privilege of serving as an LGBTQ+ Liaison for PBSO, a position that allows me to merge my passion for public service with my dedication to representing and advocating for my community.
I firmly believe in the importance of representation, ensuring individuals are seen, treated fairly, and heard. I take pride in living openly and unapologetically, and it is my honor to serve as a liaison, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to justice and inclusivity.

Matthew Gubish
My name is Matthew Gubish and I’ve been in law enforcement since 2006. I started my career as a Florida State Trooper and enjoyed my time there. I eventually became a Palm Beach County Deputy Sheriff in 2018. During my law enforcement career, it wasn’t always easy being gay I spent the beginning of my career in the closet. I had to deal with many incidents of ignorance, but I overcame when needed and I met and married another law enforcement officer. I continue in my goals of making the world a better place for both LGBTQ and straight society every day. I am proud to be an LGBTQ liaison for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and will continue helping where I am needed.