Thursday, October 09, 2008 Jacksonville, Fla.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) recognized six employees of the month and presented a Six Pillars of Character award and a Life Saving award, at the monthly meritorious awards ceremony held on September 25, 2008. In addition to the awards, eight Certificates of Commendation were given to JSO officers, and four Certificates of Appreciation were given to citizens who assisted the JSO.
Click here to view photos from the event.
Click here to view the video from the event.
"The monthly meritorious award ceremony is a key part of our employee recognition program. Our officers, civilian employees and volunteers work tirelessly for the citizens of Jacksonville. I am proud to recognize excellent performance, and let their families and loved ones know how much their dedication is appreciated. It is also important that we recognize the citizens that get involved with JSO to make a difference in the community," said Sheriff John Rutherford.
Police Officer of the Month ~ sponsored by Burger King; Detective Vernon A. Richardson, Missing Persons Unit
In March Detective Richardson received an information report requesting the search for a 31-year-old woman and her 3-year-old daughter who had disappeared. His investigation led to the home of a man the woman and child were last seen with. Det. Richardson arrived at the scene and identified a potential homicide and hostage situation and arrested the suspect.
Corrections Officer of the Month ~ Sponsored by Coggin Automotive; Corrections Officer Vericka V. Brookins, Pre-Trial Detention Facility (PTDF)
In the month of February Corrections Ofc. Brookins discovered eight cigarettes in the men's restroom, and a lighter and tobacco in the women's restroom. Her attention to detail led her to discover the contraband and prevent it from reaching the housing floors of the PTDF. The detection of all contraband is critical to ensuring the safety and security of inmates and workers in correctional facilities.
Civilian Employee of the Month ~ Sponsored by Solantic; Joseph R. Cangemi
His planning and execution of the construction and rehabilitation projects in the Police Memorial Building and other JSO facilities allows other JSO officers and employees to do their jobs without interference.
Reserve Officer of the Month ~ Sponsored by Nimnicht Chevrolet; E. Frank Grossholz
In March a theft occurred at a Hobby Lobby and 9-1-1 Dispatch received the tag number of the car involved. Officer Grossholz heard the dispatch and realized he was right behind the vehicle. He followed the car and provided minute-by-minute location information. His observation and dedication allowed officers to coordinate a traffic stop and apprehend the suspects.
Police Supervisor of the Month ~ Sponsored by Stein-Mart; Police Sergeant Robert A. Beers, Zone 2
On April 3, 2008, Sgt. Beers responded to the Lighthouse Bay apartment community in reference to an individual shot and killed. The three armed suspects fled to a residence two doors down. Sgt. Beers acquired the phone number of the residence and made telephone contact with the suspects. Sgt. Beers peacefully resolved the situation without further harm to innocent bystanders or his officers.
Corrections Supervisor of the Month ~ Sponsored by Bealls, Inc.; Sergeant Gary L. Riggs, Montgomery Corrections Center
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When on his way home, Sgt. Riggs responded to the concerns of a convenient store clerk. A man appeared to be asleep in his truck, parked at a gas pump. He called for police assistance. Further investigation revealed the presence of several stolen items. The items were returned to the owner and the suspect arrested.
Six Pillars of Character ~ Sponsored by "Character Counts! In Jacksonville"; Police Officer Hazel Moore, Zone 5
September's Six Pillars of Character recipient is Police Officer Hazel Moore. Ofc. Moore received this award because she displays Caring, Responsibility and Citizenship toward the families she works with in her Zone.
Officer Moore realized many parents with missing children were unable to provide the current and necessary information law enforcement needs to search for the child. She organized an "Operation Child Identification" special event, providing child identification cards for parents to give to police officers in the event of a missing child.
The Six Pillars of Character award is given in partnership with Character Counts! in Jacksonville. Any JSO employee who demonstrates one of the six pillars of character is eligible for this award.
Certificate of Appreciation and Commendation
Detective Sergeant Barry L. Stevenson, Violent Crimes Task Force, Assistant State Attorney Mark Caliel, and Assistant State Attorney Matt O'Keefe
Sergeant Barry L. Stevenson was presented with the Certificate of Commendation because he has led the investigative efforts of Operation Safe Streets, the JSO's response to violence and gun crime in Jacksonville. He leads the Homicide Violent Crimes Task Force and works with state and federal agencies to focus attention on habitual violent offenders and obtaining maximum sentences for these criminals.
Certificates of Appreciation were given to Assistant State Attorney's Mark Caliel and Matt O'Keefe for their prosecution of 123 violent criminal defendants, leading to sentences totaling 1152 years plus four additional life sentences, as part of OSS.
Certificate of Commendation
Police Officer Jody M. Kirkland, Police Officer Scott A. Tucker, and Police Officer Troy D. Yorton, Group One-Zone 5
Police Officer Jody M. Kirkland, Police Officer Scott A. Tucker and Police Officer Troy D. Yorton received Certificates of Commendation because of their dedication to protecting the lives of citizens of Jacksonville. On March 28, 2008 the officers responded to a "shots fired" call. While patrolling the area, Officers Kirkland, Tucker and Yorton prevented a possible rape and murder of a woman being attacked by the suspect. The suspect was charged with Armed Sexual Battery, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery, and Resisting Arrest Without Violence.
Certificate of Commendation
Detective Patrick A. Bodine, Detective Jamie Eason, Detective Margaret Rhatigan, and Detective Dennis Sullivan, Homicide Unit Team 6
Detective Patrick A. Bodine, Detective Jamie Eason, Detective Margaret Rhatigan and Detective Dennis Sullivan received Certificates of Commendation for their diligence and excellent investigative work when responding to an attempted robbery and shooting on June 16, 2008. They located and apprehended possible suspects and solved an attempted murder case within eight hours of the shooting, removing two dangerous criminals from the streets.
Certificate of Appreciation
Jerzy Z. Hubert and Maria C. Williams, Public Works
Jerzy Z. Hubert and Maria C. Williams of the City of Jacksonville's Public Works Department were recognized for assisting the Montgomery Correctional Center (MCC) with a variety of Capital Improvement Projects. They were instrumental in completing three projects at the MCC. Due to their expertise, The Inmate Housing Building Mold and Condensation project, The Water Processing Plant Replacement project, and The MCC Warehouse expansion project were completed.
Special Presentation
Police Officers David Sciandra and Curt Brown – Motorcycle Unit
Police Officer David Sciandra presented Sheriff Rutherford with the "Road King" Police Motorcycle that he won during the Harley Davidson Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary Police Motorcycle Skills Competition in Milwaukee, WI on August 29. Sciandra defeated more than 100 other police motorcyclists to win the Individual Timed Training & Skills event. Police Officer Curt Brown placed fourth in the Individual Timed Training & Skills event.
Life Saving Award
Police Officer John T. Whitcomb, Zone 4
Police Officer John T. Whitcomb was awarded the Life Saving Award for his quick thinking and decisive actions when responding to a shooting on April 27, 2008. When he arrived on the scene, he found a man lying of the floor and bleeding profusely. Ofc. Whitcomb retrieved towels and applied direct pressure to the wound. The victim's femoral artery had been completely severed by the gunshot. Ofc. Whitcomb's actions saved the victim's life.
The Gate Foundation is the co-sponsor our Lifesaving awards in partnership with our current sponsor, the Fraternal Order of Police.
The mission of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of this community, to preserve the peace and to prevent crime and disorder while constantly guarding personal liberties as prescribed by law.
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