Last night, Congressman Vern Buchanan hosted the annual Law Enforcement Awards for Florida’s 15th Congressional District at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton. More than 200 community members attended as over 50 local law enforcement officers were recognized for their service.
“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 created the awards fifteen years ago to honor first responders who have shown exceptional achievement. An independent panel made up of current and retired law enforcement personnel selected this year’s recipients.
Awards presented included:
– Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award: Special Agent Matthew Murray (ATF), Deputy John Howes III (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office), Officer Chris Bennett (Holmes Beach Police Department), Deputies Leonel Barboza, Stephen Cook, Michael Davis, Jackson Dugmore, Robert Pereyra Jr., and Detective Randall Walker (Manatee County Sheriff’s Office).
– Dedication and Professionalism Award: Master Deputy Jeffery Merry (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office), Captain Mark Morie (Manatee County Sheriff’s Office), Corporal Quinn Moriarty (Palmetto Police Department).
– Gary Tibbetts Career Service Award: Chief Melanie Bevan and Sergeant Michael Kriebel (Bradenton Police Department), Captain Araseli Stanley (Manatee County Sheriff’s Office).
– Preservation of Life Award: Deputies Judd Beckwith, Lashonda Bowden, Colin Caldwell, Brian Fullbright, Adrian Harrison, Micah Osornio, Erika Perez-Ramos, Luis Rivera-Lopez, James Workman, Javier Zuniga-Mejia (Manatee County Sheriff’s Office).
– Unit Citation Award: Bradenton Police Department Crime Reduction Team; Elder Fraud Unit; Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit; Resource Assistance Program.
Buchanan is known for his support of law enforcement. He sponsors the Thin Blue Line Act in Congress to increase penalties for those who target or kill police officers or other first responders.
Vern Buchanan has served in the U.S. Congress since 2007 representing Florida’s 16th district after replacing Katherine Harris. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives. Born in Detroit in 1951, Buchanan now lives in Sarasota. He graduated from Cleary University with a BA in 1975 and from University of Detroit Mercy in 1986.
