(see video below)

For Immediate Release:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 30, 2013) – The Florida Sheriffs Association announced today that Corporal James Ris of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has been selected as the 2013 Corrections Officer of the Year. The award, presented each year at the Mid Winter Conference and Exhibition, is given to a Corrections Officer who has demonstrated exemplary service in the line of duty. FSA Executive Director Steve Casey and President Sheriff Susan Benton presented Cpl. Ris with the award.

In five short years, Cpl. Ris has established himself as an extremely pro-active corrections officer and demonstrates a strong care for his community. On May 14, 2012 Cpl. Ris and his bloodhound partners Buck and Gordito were dispatched to assist in the search for a missing 12-year-old girl. The missing girl suffered from mental illness and had reportedly taken a large dose of medication and threatened to take her own life. As the father of a 12-year-old himself, Cpl. Ris understood how important it was to locate the missing girl and get her to safety. After several on-scene deputies recommended suspending the search because they felt all resources had been exhausted, Cpl. Ris continued the search. After backup K-9 units arrived on scene, Cpl. Ris and others ventured out for another search, ultimately locating the missing girl. Cpl. Ris’ willing attitude and diligent attention to detail are credited with the case ending so positively.

“I could not be more proud of Jim and his outstanding accomplishments that demonstrate his commitment to the protection of the citizens of Brevard County and to his amazing family,” said Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey. “Jim's actions serve as a constant reminder of the incredible dedication and service the men and women of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office provide to our citizens each and everyday.”    

The work of Cpl. Ris inside the jail complex is just as impressive, according to his commanders. Cpl. Ris has an extreme attention to detail and has an uncanny ability for finding contraband within the housing units. Cpl. Ris most recently conducted an investigation, which led to the recovery of approximately five gallons of “buck,” an inmate created alcoholic beverage. Cpl. Ris was also nominated for a Merit Bar for his actions leading to the discovery of an inmate snorting a mixture of coffee and Ajax.

“The Florida Sheriffs Association is honored to recognize Corporal James Ris for his dedication to protecting the citizens of Brevard County each and every day,” said FSA President and Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton. “His swift actions and willingness to go beyond the call of duty has saved the lives of many people and for that we express our deepest gratitude.”

Law enforcement is truly a 24/7 job and this is no different for Cpl. Ris. While off duty at his home, Cpl. Ris was rushed over to help perform CPR on a three-year-old who nearly drowned in a lake behind his home. Cpl. Ris continued to perform CPR until further help could arrive. His quick actions contributed to another successful outcome and the child has since made a full recovery. In his free time, Cpl. Ris coordinates mission trips through his church, including one to assist victims of the tornadoes that ravaged through Tuscaloosa, AL in June of 2011. He also has helped raise money for non-profits and shooting competitions. Cpl. Ris has been in his current position since September of 2012, when now retired Sheriff Jack Parker promoted him from Corrections Deputy.

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