Police chiefs honor Officers/Civilian Of The Year
On Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010, members of the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association honored three Lee County Sheriff’s Office employees with the Association’s first annual Officer and Civilian of the Year Awards. These awards were voted by the membership from a number of nominations submitted from law enforcement agencies across Southwest Florida for distinction above and beyond the call of duty. Recipients of this prestigious recognition were as follows:
– 2010 Civilian of the Year Analyst Myra Simmons, Lee County Sheriff’s Office:
Ms. Simmons was recognized for her extraordinary devotion to duty and analytical prowess which led to the apprehension of First Degree Murder suspect James Edward Sims on July 2, 2010.
– 2010 Officers of the Year Sergeant Pat McDonald and Deputy Ryan Justham, Lee County Sheriff’s Office:
Sergeant McDonald and Deputy Justham were recognized for their valor and bravery in the April 24, 2010 shootout with an armed subject, which potentially saved the lives of several innocent citizens.
The honorees received standing ovations as Punta Gorda Police Chief Albert A. Arenal, President of the SWFPCA, presented the awards before the membership. Chief Arenal stated “these outstanding individuals represent the high quality of law enforcement personnel we are so proud to have in Southwest Florida. It is our honor to recognize these dedicated individuals who stand on the front lines to protect our communities’ day in and day out.”
Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott stated “we at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office value our relationship with the Police Chiefs and their members; therefore, it is even more of an honor for Sergeant McDonald, Deputy Justham, and Analyst Myra Simmons to receive their highest recognition for actions above and beyond.”
The SWFPCA is coalition of Southwest Florida law enforcement Chief Executives and Command Officers dedicated to promoting efficient law enforcement services to our citizens through a coordinated and cooperative law enforcement effort. SWFPCA has served Southwest Florida for more than 25 years.