The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) is pleased to announce that Brevard County Corrections Deputy Carissa LaRoche has been selected as the 2018 Corrections Officer of the Year. Each year the award is presented at the FSA Winter Conference to an officer who has demonstrated exceptional service in the line of duty. This award is sponsored by Star & Shield Insurance Services.

Corrections Deputy LaRoche has been a member of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office for nine years. She is commended for her consistent devotion, professionalism and acts of heroism in the line of duty. In response to her unparalleled response and dedication to the corrections field, she has been nominated for numerous recognitions including Life Saving Awards, Corrections Deputy of the Month awards and many commendation report awards.

Among her acts of heroism, LaRoche has saved numerous lives while working in the Brevard County Correction Facility. On July 30, 2017, she observed an inmate in the Jail Complex Female Annex who appeared to be having a seizure. She jumped into action, calling all necessary medical assistance and then moved the inmate to the floor where she performed CPR for seven minutes until the EMT arrived.

“If it were not for the quick response of Corrections Deputy LaRoche, the female inmate would have died,” said a member of the medical staff on scene.

On September 24, 2017, Corrections Deputy LaRoche saved another inmate’s life upon his arrival to the Brevard County Jail Complex. Another Deputy called for assistance with an unresponsive inmate being transported into the jail. LaRoche was the first to arrive on scene where she assessed the victim and began CPR, which lasted for five minutes until the inmate began breathing again.

Jail complex medical staff commended her quick response and expert implementation of CPR, which ultimately saved the inmate’s life.

She exemplified her perseverance again on August 17, 2017, when a female inmate suddenly fell to the ground due to a seizure shortly after being relocated to a holding cell. The booking nurse was quick to respond to the scene; however, she was unable to revive the inmate. LaRoche then grabbed the AED, attached the pads to the inmate and followed with chest compressions for 15 minutes until the patient was revived.

The inmate was transferred to a local hospital where it was determined she was suffering from a drug overdose, and sadly she died shortly after.

“LaRoche epitomizes the essence of care, custody and control,” said Chief Michael DeMorat. “Her dedication and pride is unparalleled in our field, and she serves as a role model for all corrections officers.”

The Florida Sheriffs Association Corrections Officer of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by Star & Shield Insurance Services. Allen Durham, President and CEO of Star & Shield Insurance Services, said: “We are so greatly appreciative to Brevard County Corrections Deputy LaRoche for her incredible dedication and professionalism. A well-deserved honor presented by the Florida Sheriffs Association to Corrections Deputy LaRoche as the 2018 Corrections Officer of the Year.” 

During the annual winter conference banquet, LaRoche was given a standing ovation from the 500-plus law enforcement attendees and their supporters.

For more information on Corrections Deputy Carissa LaRoche’s heroic actions, check out her spotlight video here: [url=https://youtu.be/_ZqFHkzqCa0]https://youtu.be/_ZqFHkzqCa0[/url]

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About the Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of Florida’s Sheriffs, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law-enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, 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 both established and continues to fund the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. The Florida Sheriffs Association has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation.

About Star & Shield Insurance Services:
Star & Shield Insurance Services is dedicated to serving those in Public Safety and their families. Representing multiple leading insurance companies offering coverage for auto, homeowners, renters, rental homes, boats, RVs, motorcycles and umbrella, Star & Shield Insurance Services is committed to providing great coverage, service and value to those who put their lives on the line every day. For more information, visit https://www.starandshield.com.