“Gov. Scott Proposes Pay Raise for Officers”
WFOX – Jacksonville, FL
January 31, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
officers
Governor Scott Honors Two Polk Correctional Institution Officers with Medals of Heroism
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott recognized two Polk Correctional Institution officers with the Medal of Heroism for their brave actions to rescue a driver trapped inside a burning vehicle.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize Officer Estevin Taylor and Officer Bryan Childs for their quick response to save the life of an injured driver. Their heroic actions are a great example of the great men and women who protect our state every day, and I am honored to present them with the Medal of Heroism.”
Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Julie Jones said, “Thank you Governor Scott for recognizing these two heroes within the Department. Officer Childs and Officer Taylor witnessed a single car accident and, even as a deadly fire began, immediately took action to free the trapped driver. Their actions in that moment showed true selflessness and bravery, and I could not be more proud of them.”
On April 4, 2016, Officer Bryan Childs witnessed a car accident while driving to work. The driver’s side door was jammed shut and the vehicle had flipped onto the passenger side, trapping the injured driver inside. Officer Childs immediately contacted 911 as he saw a fire start within the vehicle. Officer Estevin Taylor arrived on scene and retrieved bolt cutters from his vehicle to break the windshield. Officers Childs and Taylor pulled the driver from the burning vehicle seconds before it was engulfed in flames. Both officers remained with the driver while emergency personnel arrived on scene.
Senator Victor Torres's statement on officers killed today in line of duty
Notified of the death of two Orlando-area police officers killed in the line of duty this morning – one shot, the other killed in a motorcycle crash responding to the shooting – state Senator Victor Torres (D-Orlando) issued the following statement:
“This has been a day of tremendous sadness for all of the people served by the dedicated members of the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. We have lost two brave and honorable police officers, who gave their lives in service to those they swore to protect.
“As a former New York City Transit Police Officer and lifelong public servant, I strongly condemn this violent act and I, too, pledge to work tirelessly to reform our laws, and end the ease with which hardened criminals can access high powered weapons. We owe at least this much to Sergeant Debra Clayton, and every other law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and colleagues of both officers killed in today’s tragic events. We must ensure that those who risk their lives every day in defense of our public safety will be protected under the full extent of our laws.”
Gov. Scott: We are Heartbroken by the Loss of Two Law Enforcement Officers in Orlando
Governor Rick Scott issued the following statement regarding the shooting death of Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, of the Orlando Police Department, and the death of an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy.
Governor Scott said, “I am heartbroken and angered to hear of the shooting and death of Master Sgt. Debra Clayton this morning. I am also saddened by the death of an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy who tragically lost his life in a vehicle accident while responding to this morning’s shooting. My wife Ann and I join Floridians across the state in praying for these officers and their families during this unimaginable time. We ask that God provide them with much needed healing, comfort and hope. Any act of violence against our heroes is cowardly and shameful and our state will not stand for it. I know the entire Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are working diligently to bring justice and ensure the Orlando community is safe and secure.
“This past year, our officers have faced challenges like never before. But even after the terrorist attack at Pulse nightclub last summer and the attack at the Fort Lauderdale International Airport last week, our law enforcement officers still wake up each day and choose to put their lives on the line in order to protect our state. I had the honor of visiting the Orlando Police Department last week to meet these officers firsthand to thank them on behalf of all Floridians, and it just breaks my heart that one of them has been senselessly killed this morning. I proclaimed this week as First Responder Appreciation week, and on the first day of it today, this tragic shooting serves as a sobering reminder of how important it is for each one of us to take every opportunity to thank these heroes for their service and sacrifice.”
