The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) has honored fallen Orange County Sheriff’s Office Field Service Officer David Grassi as the 2022 Florida Sheriffs Associations’ Civilian of the Year. Orange County Sheriff John Mina joined the Grassi family as they accepted the award on behalf of Officer Grassi during FSA’s award ceremony. This award recognizes exemplary service above self by a civilian employed at a Florida Sheriff’s office and is proudly sponsored by the Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund.

“David was the best kind of ambassador for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and an invaluable asset to our agency,” said Orange County Sheriff John Mina. “He was well respected among his peers and remained highly motivated and always willing to assist without hesitation. His positive attitude, strong work ethic, and desire to serve were evident every day he was with us.”

Field Service Officer Grassi was working off-duty early in the morning on Saturday, December 11, 2021, while sitting in his marked vehicle monitoring a lane closure on I-4 eastbound near the Kaley Street exit when his patrol vehicle was struck by another driver. He was transported to the hospital for treatment, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries that day. 

Officer Grassi was a cherished member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) family for nearly 19 years. He began working for OCSO in 2003 as a 911 operator. Starting in 2008, he began his career as a Field Service Officer, overseeing vital operations in his community: directing traffic, looking for parking violations, as well as responding to non-emergency non-in-progress calls such as over with burglaries, theft, and stolen vehicle calls for service. His numerous contributions to the agency were invaluable. David’s wife, Nancy Grassi, is also a part of the OCSO team. She has worked as an Emergency Communications Specialist in the Communications Center since 2007.

“Field Service Officer David Grassi exemplified the criteria by which this award is written, and his contributions are so deserving of recognition,” said FSA Executive Director Steve Casey. “He leaves a legacy as an incredible Field Service Officer, husband, father and community member, and we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate his life and work through this award.” 

While he appeared reserved, Field Service Officer Grassi was an informal leader and mentor among his team. He always wanted to improve the lives of those around him. His interactions with the public and his co-workers demonstrated that being a Field Service Officer was his life’s calling. He was very well-versed in policies and procedures and was often summoned to help and guide others. He showed a great passion and strong motivation for helping others, and his assistance was of great value to the office. The law enforcement officers he worked beside can name many instances where his help allowed them to respond to calls they would not have normally had the capacity to handle.

As a Field Service Officer, his work not only benefited the Sheriff’s Office but also helped to better the community. Field Service Officer Grassi consistently went above and beyond to help make Orange County safer and more comfortable for the people who live there.

For more information on this achievement, watch the official video here: https://youtu.be/Hg5qT6cUjM4.

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About Florida Sheriffs Association
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 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 www.flsheriffs.org.

About the Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund
The Florida Sheriffs Risk Management Fund (FSRMF), created and owned by Florida Sheriffs, provides customized and affordable liability, automobile and workers’ compensation coverages to Florida Sheriff’s offices. The FSRMF, which originally offered liability coverage, was established in 1978 and currently insures 59 Sheriffs’ offices. The FSRMF is managed by a Board of Managers comprised of Sheriffs elected by the membership. The day-to-day operations are handled by a professional team of dedicated underwriting, claims and risk control employees of FSRMF who have extensive working knowledge in law enforcement. Learn more at www.fsrmf.org.