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The Florida Sheriffs Association offers a special Lifetime Achievement Award to sheriffs’ office employees with 40 years of service or more to law enforcement. To be eligible for the award, a sheriffs’ office employee must have a total of 40 years of sworn or non-sworn service in law enforcement with at least 20 years and one day of service for a Florida Sheriff (excluding military service). Award recipients receive a plaque acknowledging their dedication and a lifetime honorary membership in FSA.
Sheriffs’ offices may submit nominations online year-round, however, the annual call for nominations will be emailed to sheriffs and sheriffs’ assistants each October. Submission of employees for consideration must be approved by their current sheriff.
In October 2014, the Hall of Fame was created through Section 264.0041, Florida Statutes, to recognize and honor law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of Florida’s citizens and visitors through their works, service and exemplary accomplishments.
A rare award that the Florida sheriffs bestow on occasion is the title of “Honorary Sheriff.” This is given to someone who is a big supporter of law enforcement in Florida. The recipient, being of both high character and ethics, is recognized for their long-time support and relationship with law enforcement and/or the civil duties performed for the law enforcement society. A list of previous recipients and years can be found here.
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Back the Blue campaign highlights law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Supporting law enforcement is a top priority for Attorney General Moody and the mission of Back the Blue is to commend Florida’s brave law enforcement and Floridians who back them
Each year the Florida sheriffs Association recognizes exemplary performance in law enforcement and corrections at our sheriffs’ conferences. The four key awards consist of:
The Florida Sheriffs Association’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award is given annually to a Florida law enforcement officer who has demonstrated exemplary service in the line of duty and fulfills their oath to serve and protect the public. The recipient of the award receives recognition at the Florida Sheriffs Association’s annual conference, a plaque and $2,000.
The Florida Sheriffs Association is honored to announce the selection of Sergeant Jake Viano and Corporal Matt Aitken of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office as the 2024 Law Enforcement Officers of the Year.
The Florida Sheriffs Association’s Corrections Officer of the Year Award is given annually to a Florida corrections officer who has demonstrated exemplary service in the line of duty. The recipient of the award receives recognition at the Florida Sheriffs Association’s annual conference, a plaque and $2,000.
The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) is pleased to announce that DeSoto County Lieutenant Michael Bellflower has been selected as the 2024 Corrections Officer of the Year. Lt. Bellflower’s actions are evident of his selfless character and love for his community.
The Florida Sheriffs Association’s Dispatcher of the Year Award is given annually to a Florida communications officer who has demonstrated exemplary service in the line of duty. The recipient of the award receives recognition at the Florida Sheriffs Association’s annual conference, a plaque and $2,000.
The Florida Sheriffs Association is pleased to announce that Communications Specialist First Class Megan Burton of Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has been selected as the 2024 Dispatcher of the Year. Her calm demeanor has helped countless callers during times of distress, her attention to detail has helped keep Flagler deputies safe and her dedication to helping others has allowed new dispatchers to develop their careers.
About The Florida Sheriffs Association’s Civilian of the Year Award is given annually to a Florida sheriff’s office employee who has demonstrated exemplary service. The recipient of the award receives recognition at the Florida Sheriffs Association’s summer conference, a plaque and $2,000.
The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) announces that Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officer Jennifer Miller is the 2024 Florida Sheriffs Association Civilian of the Year.
