The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) is pleased to announce that Communications Officer Cheree Raymond of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has been selected as the 2026 Dispatcher of the Year. Each year, this award is presented at the FSA Sheriffs Winter Conference to a telecommunicator who has demonstrated exceptional service in the line of duty. The award is sponsored by L3Harris Technologies.  

Communications Officer Cheree Raymond began her career with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in 2017. On the night of June 6, 2025, Communications Officer Raymond answered a 9-1-1 call from an adult male who calmly stated that he intended to end his life using a loaded firearm in his possession. Within seconds, she entered a priority call for service while simultaneously engaging the caller with a calm, empathetic, and steady presence. For more than 40 minutes, Communications Officer Raymond remained actively engaged with the caller during a highly volatile emotional crisis, gathering critical officer safety information, assessing his mental state, and building rapport to keep him connected to choosing life.

Through steady conversation and careful listening, Communications Officer Raymond learned the caller was a military veteran facing significant personal hardship. Even as the caller insisted his decision was final, she stayed engaged, keeping him talking while deputies responded and coordinated their approach. As the situation progressed, she connected the caller with a responding deputy who was also a veteran, helping build trust and reinforce the sense that he was not alone.

Ultimately, the caller agreed to put down his firearm, exit his residence, and surrender peacefully. When deputies entered the home, they discovered the loaded weapon placed exactly where the caller had described, along with a case containing his military honors, underscoring how close the situation came to ending tragically. Communications Officer Raymond’s actions were later recognized by agency personnel, praising her extraordinary humanity, care, and professionalism.

“We are proud to recognize Communications Officer Cheree Raymond as the 2026 Florida Sheriffs Association Dispatcher of the Year for her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public safety, as well as her care for others,” said FSA President and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma. “Without question, she played a critical role in saving a life. Her calm decision making and steady presence under pressure highlight what it takes to be the best of the best.”

The Florida Sheriffs Association Dispatcher of the Year Award is proudly sponsored by L3Harris Technologies. Official award video: https://youtu.be/leK7Octnsyw

###

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 L3Harris Technologies:

L3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our 50,000 employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.