Recognizes 50+ First Responders for Outstanding Service Across the District
Watch the full awards ceremony here.
View photos from the event here.
BRADENTON, Fla. — Last night, Congressman Vern Buchanan hosted his annual Florida’s 15th Congressional District Law Enforcement Awards in front of over 200 constituents at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. Buchanan recognized over 50 members of the area’s finest for their exceptional service to the community.
“Every day, these brave men and women put their lives on the line to enforce the rule of law and keep our communities safe,” said Buchanan. “Now more than ever, they need and deserve our full support. These awards are a fitting tribute to their dedication, courage and the heroic role they play in our communities.”
Buchanan established the awards fifteen years ago to give special recognition to first responders in the District for exceptional achievement. The winners were selected by an independent panel of current and retired law enforcement personnel organized by Buchanan.
Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award:
- ATF: Special Agent Matthew Murray
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy John Howes III
- Holmes Beach Police Department: Officer Chris Bennett
- Manatee County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy Leonel Barboza, Deputy Stephen Cook, Deputy Michael Davis, Deputy Jackson Dugmore, Deputy Robert Pereyra Jr., and Detective Randall Walker
Dedication and Professionalism Award:
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office: Master Deputy Jeffery Merry
- Manatee County Sheriff’s Office: Captain Mark Morie
- Palmetto Police Department: Corporal Quinn Moriarty
Gary Tibbetts Career Service Award:
- Bradenton Police Department: Chief Melanie Bevan and Sergeant Michael Kriebel
- Manatee County Sheriff’s Office: Captain Araseli Stanley
Preservation of Life Award:
- Manatee County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy Judd Beckwith, Deputy Lashonda Bowden, Deputy Colin Caldwell, Deputy Brian Fullbright, Deputy Adrian Harrison, Deputy Micah Osornio, Deputy Erika Perez-Ramos, Deputy Luis Rivera-Lopez, Deputy James Workman, and Deputy Javier Zuniga-Mejia
Unit Citation Award:
- Bradenton Police Department Crime Reduction Team: Sergeant Todd Freed, K-9 Officer Michael Wall, Officer Steven Bembry, Officer Jordan Miller, Officer Aaron Smith, Officer Connor Horsley, Acting Sergeant Jeff Beckley, K-9 Officer Nicolas Leeman, Officer Enzo Rovira, Officer Brett Heagney-Sciamatore, Officer Marisol Valente, and Officer Maddie Johnson
- Bradenton Police Department Elder Fraud Unit: Detective James Curulla and Officer Deana McNeal
- Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit: Major Anthony Williams, Captain Darin Bankert, Sergeant Salvatore Levita, Detective Charles Butler, Detective Darryl Davis, Detective Mark Pearson, Detective Garrick Plonczynski, Detective Michael Smith, Detective Justin Warren and Sergeant Jeremy Liddell
- Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Resource Assistance Program (RAP Unit)
Buchanan is a strong supporter of the law enforcement community and first responders. Buchanan is the sponsor of the Thin Blue Line Act in Congress, which toughens penalties against anyone who targets or kills police officers and other first responders.
Watch the full awards ceremony here.
View photos from the event here.
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