Jax Det. Jared Reston Named LE Officer of the Year

Tallahassee, Fla. (January 27, 2010) - Today, the Florida Sheriffs Association is proud to announce that Detective Jared Reston of the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office received the Attorney General's 2009 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. Reston was one of 12 nominees present at the Capitol ceremony recognizing the distinguished officers for their dedication to law enforcement and their protection of the public.

"We congratulate all the award nominees and offer thanks to the thousands of Florida law enforcement officers who serve," Peggy Goff, interim executive director of the Florida Sheriffs Association, said. "The Florida Sheriffs' offices embody excellence as we make a difference in each of the 67 counties we serve, and we are honored that the exemplary efforts of Jacksonville Sheriff's Deputy Reston were recognized today."

Throughout his nine-year tenure at the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Detective Reston has continually exemplified determination and courage while serving and protecting his community. One year ago, working off-duty, Reston answered a call involving two shoplifting suspects. While trying to bring the two men into custody, one suspect fired a .45-caliber semiautomatic handgun striking Reston in the jaw. The suspect continued shooting and after striking the Detective Reston multiple times in the chest, Reston was finally able to pull his firearm to defend himself and return fire.

"Detective Reston served our community with courage and dedication in the face of danger. Our entire staff is proud to see his efforts recognized as we continue to protect and serve countless Floridians," Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford said at the ceremony.
Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford has developed a culture of excellence and ensures that officers possess the right training and equipment. The office focuses on its quality of management, as well as its attention to the efficiency and effectiveness of its programs and services.

# # #

The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the 67 Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has quietly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, the 67 Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida's public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.