Friday, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried recognized Insurance Fraud Detective DeWayne White, along with eight other law enforcement officers across the state, for their dedication to protecting Floridians during the 2019 Law Enforcement Officers of the Year Ceremony. [Read more…] about Insurance Fraud Detective DeWayne White Honored as 2019 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
law enforcement officer of the year
Attorney General Moody Names Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Attorney General Ashley Moody today named Miami-Dade Police Department Detective Manuel Gonzalez the Florida Attorney General’s 2018 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. [Read more…] about Attorney General Moody Names Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Attorney General Bondi Announces the 2017 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Attorney General Pam Bondi today named Orlando Police Department Lieutenant Scott Smith as the 2017 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Attorney General Bondi recognized Lieutenant Smith and seven other officers from across the state for their dedication and courage protecting Floridians.
“I am eternally grateful for these nominees and all our brave law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily to keep us safe,” said Attorney General Bondi. “We cannot thank these officers enough for the sacrifices they and their families make daily to protect our communities.”
On June 12, 2016, Lieutenant Scott Smith was one of the Watch Commanders during the Pulse nightclub attack in Orlando. This incident would become the second deadliest mass shooting in our country’s history. Smith organized and led a team into the nightclub. Smith shot at the suspect inside the building, allowing responding officers to rescue patrons and employees still inside the club.
Smith played a critical role during the law enforcement response to the Pulse nightclub attack. Smith commanded the initial tactical response as a first responder. Smith led officers into the building, confronting the active shooter with return fire, limiting the shooter’s access to further victims. SWAT team members, including Smith, returned fire, killing the suspect. During a dangerous situation, Smith displayed commendable acts of valor and heroism.
A selection committee appointed by Attorney General Bondi considered the distinguished group of nominees from state agencies and organizations.
The following law enforcement officers are the additional nominees:
- Detective Jeff Batz, Florida Department of Financial Services;
- Officer Schiefer S. Buckles, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement;
- Special Agent Don Cannon, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Miami Regional Operations Center;
- Detective Wolfgang Daniel, Fort Myers Police Department, Special Investigations Group;
- Deputy Justin Ferrari, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office;
- Detective Sandra Marquez, City of Aventura Police Department; and
- Corporal Julio Torres, Florida Highway Patrol.
For more information on the nominees’ accomplishments, click here.
ICYMI: The Florida Channel: 2/22/17 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award Ceremony
Pam Bondi: “They are out there risking their lives for you every single day, so we need to appreciate our law enforcement throughout this country.”
The Florida Channel
Feb. 22, 2017
To watch the full Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award Ceremony, visit TheFloridaChannel.org
Attorney General Bondi Announces the 2016 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Attorney General Pam Bondi today named Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor the 2016 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Attorney General Bondi recognized Lieutenant Taylor and nine other officers from across the state for their dedication to protecting Floridians.
“I am eternally grateful for these nominees and all our brave law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily to keep us safe,” said Attorney General Bondi. “We cannot thank these officers enough for the sacrifices they and their families make to protect our communities.”
On June 14, 2015, while on patrol, Lieutenant Taylor noticed a truck being operated without headlights, approached the vehicle and asked the driver for her license. Suddenly, a male passenger produced a revolver and fired at Lieutenant Taylor, striking him once in the shoulder. Lieutenant Taylor took cover and drew his firearm. When the suspects attempted to flee the scene, Lieutenant Taylor left his covered position to gain a clear line of sight of the vehicle and its occupants and fired his service firearm, striking the male passenger and causing the vehicle to stop.
Lieutenant Taylor not only ended a life-threatening situation to himself, but his quick and decisive actions ensured the safety of the individuals around him. Lieutenant Taylor’s actions demonstrated that the safety and welfare of the public and the prevention of further injury was his main concern.
Each of today’s honorees had been previously selected as the Officer of the Year by a Florida law enforcement agency or association. The Florida Highway Patrol nominated Lieutenant Taylor, a 22-year veteran of FHP. A selection committee appointed by Attorney General Bondi considered the distinguished group of nominees from state agencies and organizations.
The following law enforcement officers are the additional nominees:
- Officer Christopher Ayala, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services;
- Officer David Brady, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission;
- Deputy Emanuel Gonzalez, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office;
- Officer Jason Hutchinson, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission;
- Officer Niel Johnson, North Miami Police Department;
- Special Agent Travis Lawson, Florida Department of Law Enforcement;
- Investigator Jason Newlin, the State Attorney’s Office for the Second Judicial Circuit;
- Investigator Jayson Paul, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office; and
- Deputy Nicholas Worthy, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
For more information on the nominees’ accomplishments, click here.
