Today, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) is proud to announce that Deputy Jesus “Jesse” Madrigal of the Broward Sheriff’s Office has been selected as the 2018 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Each year the award is presented at the FSA Summer Conference to an officer who has demonstrated an exemplary model of honor, service and courage. The award is sponsored by Star & Shield Insurance Services.

Deputy Madrigal embodied the true meaning of these qualities when he quickly responded to the sound of gunshots while on duty in 2017. Deputy Madrigal was assigned to the Delta Checkpoint in Terminal 2 at the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport when the mass murder of five innocent travelers occurred. Esteban Santiago, the active shooter, retrieved the gun he had sent through his checked luggage, loaded the weapon in the men’s room and proceeded to randomly shoot people in the baggage claim area.

As travelers ran to find safety, Deputy Madrigal, without hesitation, ran toward the sounds of chaos and the cloud of gun smoke. He was able to make his way through the fleeing passengers and immobilized victims to reach Santiago. Santiago followed orders as Deputy Madrigal commanded him to drop his weapon and get on the ground. He was able to take Santiago into custody after additional deputies arrived.

His swift response time of 85 seconds allowed for the wounded victims to receive medical attention quickly and for more lives to be saved. When he ran toward the danger, he showed true selfless and heroic character.

“You train for moments like these, but when it actually happens, your instincts take over and you do the best you can to save as many people as possible,” said Deputy Madrigal. “Your focus becomes finding the source of the problem and diffusing it.”

“In stressful and harmful situations such as this, the human instinct is to run for cover. Deputy Madrigal showed true courage when he responded to the incident without hesitation,” said Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel. “I am proud to work alongside a man with a heart for service.”

“The deputies who represent the Florida Sheriffs Association are the finest men and women in their field,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President and Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “What Deputy Madrigal did in this horrific situation is a testament to that claim.”

“Deputy Madrigal’s response to this incident exemplified the qualities that best represent law enforcement: courage, integrity and honor,” said Steve Casey, Executive Director of the Florida Sheriffs Association. “Heroes like Jesse uphold our reputation of service and sacrifice.”

For his commendable act of valor, the Florida Sheriffs Association has named Deputy Jesus “Jesse” Madrigal the 2018 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. During the annual summer conference banquet, Deputy Madrigal was given a standing ovation from the 300-plus law enforcement attendees and their supporters.

The Florida Sheriffs Association Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by Star & Shield Insurance Services. “Deputy Madrigal is an outstanding example of the exceptional law enforcement officers who serve the citizens of the state of Florida,” said Allen Durham, president and CEO of Star & Shield.  “We are so appreciative to Deputy Madrigal for his incredible actions and the Florida Sheriffs Association for honoring him as their 2018 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.”   

For more information on Deputy Jesus Madrigal’s heroic actions, check out his spotlight video:

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Florida Sheriffs Association
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 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 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 [url=http://www.flsheriffs.org]http://www.flsheriffs.org[/url].

About Star & Shield Insurance Services:
The mission of Star & Shield Insurance Services (Star & Shield) is to provide affordable insurance for First Responders, their families, friends and neighbors. Representing multiple leading insurers, Star & Shield offers competitive options for auto (including classic car and commercial), homeowners, renters, rental home, motorcycle, boat, RV and umbrella insurance. Star & Shield is also proud to offer product features with First Responders in mind, such as take-home car liability coverage. Since 2009, Star & Shield has provided millions in support of programs, events and activities that train, equip and honor our First Responders. This includes Law Enforcement, Corrections, Fire Rescue, EMS and Emergency Management Personnel (sworn/certified, civilian, credentialed volunteers and retirees) and their families.  For more information on Star & Shield Insurance Services, visit [url=http://www.starandshield.com]http://www.starandshield.com[/url].