TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently named Officer Scott Peters as DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2007. Officer Peters is one of 91 Park Police Officers, who patrol 161 state parks and eight state trails, covering more than 700,000 acres statewide. 

“Officer Peters consistently demonstrates, models and reinforces the agency’s mission and fundamental values,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet. “He is an exemplary asset to the Department and law enforcement community.”

When nominated for this prestigious award, Officer Peters patrolled one of the busiest parks in the state – John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. Last month, he transferred to the Park Police’s Northwest District and is currently assigned to Wakulla Springs State Park.

During his tenure in South Florida, Officer Peters developed an excellent rapport with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. He worked tirelessly to maintain a high level of coordination and cooperation with these agencies. Officer Peters dedicated himself to go above and beyond the duties of a police officer to assist in the investigation and solving of sensitive environmental crimes. Due to his efforts, significant environmental impacts have been prevented or minimized in South Florida.

Officer Peters demonstrates his propensity to assist others by being one of the Division’s Field Training Officers, providing in-service training to other officers. Through his many years of experience in education and training with adults, and his continual sharing of expertise and knowledge, he has been able to bring trainees up to a substantial level of performance that others were unable to accomplish.

One non-supervisory sworn Law Enforcement Officer is selected as Officer of the Year based upon job performance, public service, improving coordination or cooperation within or outside the Division, and setting a positive example. For more information, visit www.floridadep.org .