|
March 5, 2008
The State Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association (SLECA) presented
its 2007 Officer of the Year award to Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer Michael “Brad” Stanley, a
co-winner with an FDLE officer. This is the second time in two years
an FWC officer has been awarded this top honor.
In addition, Col. Julie Jones, director of the FWC’s Division of Law
Enforcement, was sworn in as the organization’s new president,
succeeding Eric Miller, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Department
of Financial Services.
“This just goes to show you what an exemplary group of people we
have working for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission,” said Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “They are
among the best.”
Established in 1984, SLECA is a not-for-profit organization that
provides training, educational opportunities and support services to
Florida’s state law enforcement agencies, which enhances law
enforcement in the state.
Stanley began his career with the FWC in 2002. During the past year,
he made more than 2,600 contacts and conducted 571 vessel
inspections, documenting more than 480 violations. In one notable
incident, Stanley discovered a pedestrian lying in a roadside ditch
in Fellsmere in Indian River County. The man could not speak
English, but Stanley determined the victim had been hit by a vehicle
that fled the scene. The victim described the vehicle and driver to
Stanley, who later spotted the vehicle and arrested the driver for
leaving the scene of an accident and DUI.
Stanley is also an accomplished public speaker and is well respected
for his efforts not only to enforce the law but to educate the
public about Florida’s resources.
Jones has been director of the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement for
six years. She began her career as a biologist with the Florida Game
and Fresh Water Fish Commission, FWC’s predecessor, in 1980. Wanting
a more active role in natural resource conservation, she traded in
her microscope for a firearm in 1983. Jones assumed the position of
president of SLECA during a swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.
“I am pleased to have been chosen to lead an outstanding
organization like SLECA,” Jones said. “This organization is the
foundation for the interaction of law enforcement agencies and is
the forum to implement best management practices and create
efficiencies in government.”
|
