This week, I had the great privilege of hosting the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award ceremony for the first time as Florida’s Attorney General. Being referred to as Florida’s “top cop” is very humbling, knowing what all our law enforcement officers encounter and risk to protect us.

I was proud to name Detective Manuel Gonzalez of the Miami-Dade Police Department our 2018 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Last year, Detective Gonzalez suffered multiple gunshot wounds from a suspected shoplifter while on security detail at a Walmart Super Center. Despite being seriously wounded, Detective Gonzalez returned fire and incapacitated the suspect. His remarkable bravery and courage while facing grave danger is a shining example of the risks law enforcement officers take to protect, serve and keep our communities safe.

I congratulate and thank all the following nominees for their outstanding work in the line duty:

· Officer Michael Bibeau, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission;
· Trooper Nicholas Dolan, Florida Highway Patrol;
· Deputy Jesus Madrigal, Broward County Sheriff’s Office;
· Lieutenant Stacy McIntyre, Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services;
· Special Agent Daniel Mehler, Florida Department of Law Enforcement;
· Special Agent T. Judah Pent, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and
· Officer Rebecca Rivera, Orlando Police Department.

Another nominee is Lieutenant Debra Clayton of the Orlando Police Department. Lieutenant Clayton died in the line of duty in January 2017 after suffering fatal gunshot wounds from a fugitive. Lieutenant Clayton worked 17 years for the OPD and received the department’s Award of Valor and Purple Heart Award in recognition of her dedication of duty and sacrifice.

Click here to learn more about the accomplishments of this year’s nominees.

To watch the ceremony in its entirety, click here.

These brave men and women are heroes for the incredible service they provide every day to protect Floridians. Just as important as it is to recognize these nominees for the brave and diligent work they do, we must remember how dangerous their jobs are and how selfless their commitment is. My gratitude goes out to them and to all the remarkable Florida law enforcement officers serving our great state!