Police Officer of the Month- Sponsored by Burger King; Police Officer Trent Helms
Police Officer Trent Helms (Zone 6) assisted another officer in the apprehension of two suspects behind the closed businesses at the Busch Drive Business Park. The suspects were caught with cans of spray paint in their possession. Further investigation revealed the suspects caused more than $10,000 in graffiti damages and were charged with four counts of Felony Criminal Mischief.

Officer Helms also implemented a Code Red in Zone 6. The system alerted residents in the area about preventing thefts and burglaries.  His use of the system as a part of the zone's crime prevention strategies contributed to a significant decrease in home and automobile burglaries in the area.

On June 14, 2008, Officer Helms responded to a drowning in Huguenot Park. The victim was seen floating in the water and Officer Helms swam out to the victim and stayed with the body until the JFRD rescue boat arrived. Once in the boat, Officer Helms attempted to revive the victim by performing CPR on the man. Although all efforts to resuscitate the victim failed, Officer Helms' was recognized for his quick and decisive response to the situation and attempt to save the man's life.

Ms. McDowell also checked the name of a Tracy A. Robinson and found that his twin brother Trevor used his brother's name at the time of a traffic stop.

She helped Police Officer Bass remove an armed felon from the streets when she did a felony check on a John Call. Ms. McDowell learned that Call had a felony conviction and Officer Bass was able to confiscate a weapon and add the charge of Possession of a Firearm or Concealed Weapon by a Convicted Felon.

Reserve Officer of the Month-Sponsored by Nimnicht Chevrolet; Reserve Sergeant Michael D. Bragg
Reserve Sgt. Bragg volunteers more than 100 hours of volunteer time to the JSO each quarter. He works in a supervisory role in the Reserve Division where he manages eight officers. Over the summer he also assumed the supervisory functions of the Huguenot Park Reserve Squad.

Police Supervisor of the Month-Sponsored by Stein-Mart; Sergeant Robert L. Lyle, Field Training Office
Sergeant Robert L. Lyle served as the Operation Safe Streets (OSS) II coordinator from February to June of 2008.  He was responsible for scheduling 72 officers to work overtime and scheduled the special units that participated in OSS.

In addition, he developed a webpage on 94net, the JSO employee intranet Web site that was interactive and contained direct links to other city entities, resources, upcoming events, and recognition for outstanding performers. As of May 31, 2008, murder in the OSS II assigned areas had been reduced by 56% as compared to the four months preceding.   

Corrections/Civilian Supervisor of the Month-Sponsored by Bealls Department Stores
Facilities Manager William Winstead
Mr. Winstead manages the critical support services required by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. He plans and coordinates the maintenance and construction required at all of the JSO facilities.

From Jan. 2008 to July of 2008, Mr. Winstead completed the renovation of the old Supervisor of Elections warehouse and created the temporary Zone 5 Substation, installed new carpet in five units and the Zone 2 substation, constructed   new public counters for the  Zone 2 substation and for the police service technicians at the Property and Evidence Warehouse, and constructed new offices at the Vehicle Impound Warehouse.

Mr. Winstead is currently overseeing the removal and replacement of the roof at the PMB and the construction of an 8000 square foot office complex for the Jacksonville Re-entry Center adjacent to the Zone 5 substation on Superior Street.

Special Presentation
The Police Explorers presented $10,000 to Sheriff Rutherford and $2,500 to JSO Assistant Chief Greg Burton, board member of the Sickle Cell Foundation. The Police Explorers raised money by parking cars at the Jacksonville Florida Georgia Football game at North Florida Shipyards.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office will be donating the $10,000 to the Police Athletic League's general fund to be applied to the everyday education and athletic programming that PAL provides to the Jacksonville community.

The money received for the Sickle Cell Foundation will go directly to support the lives of patients. The foundation will help families pay utilities or funeral expenses as well as provide children afflicted with Sickle Cell disease, Christmas gifts, Summer Camp and other fun activities.

(l-r) Police Explorers James McKinnon; Joshua Parker; Radeem Jones; Maja Carva; Tiffany Bass; Jessica Rowlan; Police Officer Stefanie A. Walker, SRO and Police Explorer Advisor; Micheal Parker; Lieutenant Rob Schoonover, Police Athletic League, Police Officer Kendal Anderson, Senior Police Explorer Advisor, and Sheriff John H. Rutherford.