Officer Randolph earned the January 2012 “Police Officer of the Month” award for his investigative work that led to the resolution of two unrelated burglaries that occurred in July and August 2011.
C.O. Taylor earned the “Corrections Officer of the Month” award for her work as the Juvenile Program Coordinator at the jail. In this role she oversees the four educational programs taught at the facility by contracted Duval County School Board personnel.
“Civilian Employee of the Month” – Fingerprint Technician Sharren D. Forehand
Police Services Division / Central Records
Sponsored by: Solantic Baptist Urgent Care
Fingerprint Technician Forehand was recognized as the “Civilian Employee of the Month” for the role she played in the August 2011 apprehension of a suspect wanted for Attempted Murder. Following a request from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) for a full name check on a suspect, FT Forehand recognized the name from an arrest warrant issued the day before, and notified her supervisor. They worked with CCSO Deputies to arrest and transport the suspect to Duval County.
“Police Supervisor of the Month” – Police Sergeant Mark E. Romano
Patrol Division / Zone 5
Sponsored by: Stein Mart, Inc.
Sergeant Romano earned the January 2012 “Police Supervisor of the Month” award for his outstanding work supervising the Auto Burglary Task Force West, the Zone 5 Bike Unit and two officers assigned to Edward Waters College.
Under Sergeant Romano’s supervision, the Auto Burglary Task Force currently has a 32% clearance rate while the national average is 12%.
Under his supervision the Zone 5 Bike Unit made 104 felony arrests, 103 misdemeanor arrests, located 390 truants, served numerous warrants, and located several persons of interest in 2011 for the Investigations (Detective) Division.
“Correction Supervisor of the Month” – Corrections Sergeant William R. Messick
Pre-Trial Detention Facility
Sponsored by: First Coast Security Services, Inc.
Sergeant Messick received the January 2012 “Corrections Supervisor of the Month” award for his dedication to continuous improvement.
In July and August 2011, Sergeant Messick helped the JSO police academy with Firearms training for Police and Corrections officers.
Also, during that time, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement requested Sergeant Messick’s input as a subject matter expert in corrections, to serve on the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Sergeant Messick traveled to Tallahassee to review the standards and provide input.
“Certificate of Appreciation”
Randall Gilbert - Citizen
Mr. Randall Gilbert earned a “Certificate of Appreciation” for rescuing a woman from her SUV while it was sinking in a pond in front of St. Luke’s hospital in October 2011.
“Certificate of Appreciation”
1st Class Petty Officer of the Navy Joseph D. Cowan
2nd Class Petty Officer of the Navy Frank L. Christian III
Several officials from NAS-Mayport were honored guests at the January Meritorious Awards Ceremony. Two individuals, 1st Class Petty Officer Joseph Cowan and 2nd Class Petty Officer Frank Christian III were each recognized by the Sheriff with a “Certificate of Appreciation” for their heroism on the morning of Friday, July 22, 2011. They assisted two individuals who were involved in a serious car crash on San Pablo Road.
Years of Service and Recognitions
Seven employees who have dedicated twenty or more years-of-service to the agency were recognized at the ceremony.
20 Years of Service
- Police Emergency Communications Officer Lovevonia H. Nathan
- Police Emergency Communications Sergeant Ladonna F. Barber
- Corrections Officer Rhonda G. Bradley
- Police Officer Michael S. Hiday
25 Years of Service
- Police Officer Darion Green
- Assistant Chief Raymond L. Walden
30 Years of Service
- Corrections Sergeant William R. Messick
The ceremony concluded with a presentation from the Director of Personnel and Professional Standards, Michele Remolde. Director Remolde presented Sheriff Rutherford with the JSO’s reaccreditation certificate from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
“The JSO was one of 94 agencies to receive the CALEA accreditation, but the only one with 100-percent compliance for both the mandatory and non-mandatory standards,” stated Director Remolde.
The mission of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of this community, to preserve the peace and to prevent crime and disorder while constantly guarding personal liberties as prescribed by law.
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