JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office recognized its "best of the best" Thursday morning and presented its 2016 awards for officers and employees of the year.
The 2016 “Police Officer of the Year” award went to an undercover gang investigations detective. He was honored for the work he did in a long-term drug investigation and a Racketeering Influence Corrupt Organization (RICO) investigation.
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During the ceremony, Sheriff Mike Williams presented a variety of other plaques for employees recognized as everything from “Corrections Supervisor of the Year” to “Reserve Officer of the Year” and the "Six Pillars of Character" award.
Other officers recognized at the awards ceremony are listed below.
- Corrections Officer Marshall Smith was recognized for his work as a dual-certified officer, for helping remove contraband from inmate housing facilities and for assisting with cases by providing detectives with valuable criminal intelligence.
- Vocational Training Specialist Travis Bowles was recognized as the “Civilian Employee of the Year” for his dedication to providing training to inmates in various trades and for supervising projects that help support the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and other governmental entities.
- Reserve Officer Bill Coyle received the 2016 “Reserve Officer of the Year” award for the actions he took in July 2015 when an undercover narcotics sergeant was injured during a buy-bust operation.
- Police Sergeant Christopher King was honored at the ceremony for his leadership and dedication to the JSO Bomb Squad and for supporting the mission of the Homeland Security Division by being part of multi-jurisdictional programs and exercises.
- Corrections Sergeant Richard Long received the “Corrections Supervisor of the Year” award for implementing the inmate-led K-9 training program at the prison known as “A New Leash on Life” and for launching the alterations program at the prison that is supported through the inmate labor.
- Police Officer Misty Turner was presented with the 2016 “Six Pillars of Character Employee of the Year” award for her dedication to making sure special children in our community are given the same opportunities regardless of their disabilities.
- Sheriff Williams presented the “Citizen of the Year” award to Kent Stermon, chief operating officer/chief financial officer for Total Military Management, for his commitment to the morale, welfare and recreation of the men and women of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Police Athletic League.
