Charlotte County Corrections Deputy Bobby Beverly, FSA President Sheriff Jerry Demings, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell and Alan Durham, CEO and president of award sponsor Star & Shield Insurance.

The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) is pleased to announce that Charlotte County Corrections Deputy First Class Bobby Beverly has been selected as the 2017 Corrections Officer of the Year. The award, presented each year at the FSA Winter Conference by FSA and Star & Shield Insurance, is given to one corrections officer who has demonstrated outstanding service in the line of duty.

CDFC Beverly has 13 years of experience working for the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and is a member of the agency’s FTO program. Not only does he demonstrate exemplary leadership skills training new deputies, but he’s received commendable awards throughout his career, including the Lifesaver award on May 3, 2013, after saving the life of an inmate in his housing unit. He has also received several Member of the Month awards for his squad.

Beyond these honorable recognitions, CDFC Beverly’s service exceeded these awards on October 17, 2016, when he was off duty at his home address. Beverly was awakened by a loud bang on his door from his neighbor, Courtney Acevedo, with her 17-month-old daughter Zoe who was severely injured after being accidentally run over by a car in her driveway.

“He had been working the night before and my screaming and pounding on the door woke him up,” said Courtney Acevedo. “When he came to the door, he immediately went into action. He helped me get her on the floor and keep her conscious all while calling 911.”

While waiting for the EMS to arrive, Beverly stayed with Zoe to make sure she stayed awake. At times, he had to wave his hands and yell her name to keep her conscious. Upon arrival, CDFC Beverly communicated with EMS and let them know what he did before they arrived to the scene, but his actions didn’t stop there. Beverly even watched over, and comforted, Acevedo’s three young children while she and Zoe were at the hospital.

“Bobby is a man who doesn’t want a lot of recognition. He would probably say he was just doing what anyone would do in the same situation, but I know it was Bobby’s quick thinking and training that saved my daughter’s life today,” said Acevedo.

Zoe was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital and spent five days in the ICU. Today, she’s been making great progress and is expected to make a full recovery.

“His dedication to others is a credit to himself and is in keeping with the highest standards of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Bill Prummell. “I am grateful to have Deputy Bobby Beverly working for our agency.”

For his dedicated service, the Florida Sheriffs Association and Star & Shield Insurance have named Deputy First Class Bobby Beverly the 2017 Corrections Officer of the Year. During their annual winter conference banquet, Beverly was given a standing ovation from the 500-plus law enforcement attendees and their supporters.

For more information on CDFC Beverly’s heroic actions, check out his spotlight video here: [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1HIJpnxjAY&feature=youtu.be]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1HIJpnxjAY&feature=youtu.be[/url]

# # #

About 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 quietly 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. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit [url=http://www.flsheriffs.org]http://www.flsheriffs.org[/url].

About the Star & Shield Insurance:
Star & Shield Insurance 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 is committed to providing great coverage, service and value to those who put their lives on the line every day. For more information, visit [url=http://www.starandshield.com]http://www.starandshield.com[/url].