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Newsletter published by the Community Relations Division of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, for Monroe County Sheriff's Office employees. |
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Newsletter published by the Community Relations Division of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, for Monroe County Sheriff's Office employees. |
November/December, 2003
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format Table of ContentsEditor's Note: I will be out of the office from December 11th until January 12th, so there won't be a December Rap Sheet. I hope you all have a terrific Holiday Season. Happy Holidays from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office!
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The sacrificial pig |
Those that consumed the sacrificial pig - and fun was had by all (except, of course, that darn pig). |
On a last note, the FOP Christmas party is on December 6 at Hawks Cay. I hope everyone who can attend, does so. I am sure it will be a great time.
Until next month, stay safe.
By Lt. Larry Kelley
Not much to report from your neighbors and co-workers here in the Middle Keys of Marathon and Sector 5. We have been busy lately with the statewide Combined Safety Belt and DUI Enforcement Mobilization. As you all know this is the enforcement wave from November 21 through January 4 when the state has requested we target seat belt violations and DUI drivers. Deputies in Marathon have been setting up daily speed check stations where we are specifically targeting seat belt usage. When drivers are stopped at these checks and anyone in the vehicle is found in violation of any seat belt law they are ticketed and those in compliance are thanked and encouraged to continue the safe behavior. These efforts have been turning in impressive activity and I have received no adverse complaints but have gotten numerous positive citizens’ comments about the positive impact we are having out there. I was out yesterday evening trying to “keep up” with Deputy Harry Boyden and Willie Guerra on one such detail and it was a considerable challenge for me to mirror their energy—but I somehow kept up the pace. I worked the other night while Deputy Andrew Ensminger and I were playing leapfrog on traffic stops and I have got to say he certainly has a professional handle on DUI enforcement. I got to see his abilities up close. Great job, guys. And a job well done to all of you, throughout the county, who are dedicating part of your time to these enforcement actions. Keep up the good work. This is exactly how we can affect our citizens’ safety out there. We have secured TRAP money to put extra Deputies on weekend nights throughout December for just these purposes and hope to make a difference in the safety of our motoring public here.
We welcome our newest member to our group. Jennifer Hodges comes to us from the Marathon Corrections facility. Carolyn McKenzie left this month to work closer to home in the upper keys and she will be missed. We now look forward to working with Jen and I am sure she will be a tremendous asset to our office here. Sorry Lieutenant Jones, but your loss is our gain.
We welcome home all of our “Reserve Miami” police officers who spent the entire FTAA week up there facing those same anarchists we here had to watch on the TV every night. Having been in that situation many times myself I know they had a full plate confronting everything they did. They were required to stand and face-off antagonists for hours on end and they had to do it with little or no rest, as they never knew when or if their present shift would ever end. After awhile they all just blend together into one big blur, but you get to know the meaning of teamwork and dependence on officers shoulder to shoulder with you and that is a priceless commodity. Welcome home and we are all proud of you.
We are missing Sergeant Dennis Cain right now. He injured himself in training for the Miami detail and is very upset he missed it. We will be without his important services here for about another month as he works to return to full duty. Good luck Dennis, and God’s speed. Deputy Lin Badman is recovering now from a hand injury. We will be without her for another week or so and certainly miss her and we wish her a quick recovery as well. She told me today, in her own way, that she is going stir crazy not being out there with her squad and her return could not be quick enough for her.
Just another month and Deputy Harry Boyden will begin his new duties as our Marine Enforcement Deputy in Marathon waters. I would like to thank Lieutenant Tom Brazil and Deputy Nelson Sanchez, from Islamorada, for working with him in formulating all of the specialized aspects of this new job, from water activity to equipment. Harry has spent many hours in the securing and purchasing efforts of the new craft and equipment and should be congratulated for his efforts. We look forward to having that new asset on the waters here. With that in mind, we will be losing his knowledge and ability in his current assignment as Special Projects Deputy. Anyone that may be interested in that position can talk to me about it as we are currently choosing his replacement.
We in Marathon and Sector 5 would like to wish all of you a very happy and safe holiday season and hope you get lots of turkey and dressing tomorrow (as this writing is Thanksgiving-eve). Stay safe and fly right.
AND REMEMBER….You may sometimes feel that your efforts are going unnoticed, but I assure you that they are not.
Here are our heroes, on the job at the "big show".
They were assigned to secure the Intercontinental Hotel
and were right up front for the action at Gate 5.
Willie Guerra with
his Miami PD partner when they found
that one of the "anarchists" had taken a surreptitious picture
of our very own Super-cop. Did you know that his name translates
to "war"? Ohhhh, now I understand!
Here's another
picture of Willie and the Hollywood PD team
he was working with. (He sure gets in a lot of pictures!)
By Traffic Sgt. Glenn Test
The Traffic Unit was busy for much of the month of November preparing for the FTAA conference in Miami. The entire unit made the trip and put in 15+ hr days conducting escorts, traffic control, and security details. Fortunately the entire event went off with very little violence, and we made it back safely. The only near disaster was when one of the motor officers went into a skid on the wet pavement in a busy intersection downtown, ... but was able to pull out of it much to the surprise of those following him! Who was that anyway? Other minor injuries or physical conditions did manifest themselves, such as "saddle-back syndrome" from being in the saddle too long, but I am sure we will all recover soon.
We would also like to wish our newest member of the unit, Andy Leird, a speedy and full recovery. Andy wasn't quite able to pull out of his skid, but fortunately appears to be on his way to a full recovery.
We have been short handed for many months, and due to injuries, it appears it will be a few more before we are fully staffed. We are getting overwhelmed by subdivision traffic complaints and we will do our best to handle them. We can use all the help we can get, and if there are any road patrol units who like traffic, please read the Target Areas posted in Outlook (and on the website at http://www.keysso.net/patrol_ops/traffic/targets.htm) and knock yourself out!
Since I'm not sure what these photos are about, I can't really write a
caption for them. Suffice it to say, they were taken by Traffic Sgt. Glenn Test
and he asked me to put them with his traffic article. I'm sure they make sense
to someone out there.......
Sworn Law Enforcement Officer of the Quarter: K-9 Deputy Storm, Bureau of Operations, Sector VI Islamorada. On May 6th, Storm assisted officers of the Fish & Wildlife Commission in conducting a search of a vessel. Storm alerted officers on the rear of the vessel decking and once it was removed they uncovered approximately 46 pounds of marijuana. On May 11th, Storm assisted detectives of the Special Operations Division in making a narcotics case by searching and alerting on a vehicle, which contained 100 grams of cocaine. On May 11th, Storm assisted troopers of the Florida Highway Patrol in searching and alerting on a 2003 Dodge Ram pickup, which was found to contain 90 grams of cocaine. On July 29th, Storm assisted in an FBI investigation by searching a storage warehouse in Key Colony Beach. Storm alerted on an air conditioner unit, which established probable cause in developing a case against a major hydroponics marijuana cultivator in South Florida. This OCDETF case dubbed Operation High Alert targeted major marijuana cultivators. The FBI felt strongly enough to send a commendation letter. In addition, Storm has assisted patrol officers and performed numerous building searches on alarm and open door calls. Storm aided in numerous vessel searches at the request of the US Coast Guard and tracked suspects who have fled from officers.
Support Employee of the Quarter: Pilot Leland Cranmer, Bureau of Administration, Aviation. On August 2nd, the MCSO Trauma Star responded to a trauma request involving the search and rescue of a missing 19-year-old traffic crash victim. The victim’s driver’s side door was pinned up against the bridge barrier adjacent to the Sunshine Key Campground. The vehicle’s headlights and ignition were on, the radio was playing and the windshield wipers operating. The victim was nowhere to be found. It appeared that the victim must have been ejected or egressed through the window and may have fallen over the bridge. The Rescue 13 and Big Pine Fire Chief David Alan cleared the crash scene and called off the search for the victim. This is when Trauma Star was summoned. With a thunderstorm over Marathon Airport and darkness still prevalent the Trauma Star was scrambled. Pilot Cranmer was flying Trauma Star single pilot with no other crewmembers on board, Cranmer would be flying and searching from air, by himself. It was this noble act that Cranmer maneuvered the helicopter in low light conditions and following the rip current to the open ocean and discovered the victim’s motionless body floating in the water face down. Cranmer immediately advised Central and took up and over watch position. During this time, Cranmer realized the victim was moving and floundering in the water. With units still too far away, Cranmer had to think quickly and take immediate action. The victim was rescued and rendered medical aid.
Pilot Cranmer’s ability to perform under tremendous pressure, and under extremely hazardous conditions while flying and searching by himself is without equal. His selfless act of courage and concern for the needs of the victim goes beyond the normal call-of-duty. Because of his actions, a local youth’s life was spared from certain death. His dedication to duty, professionalism, ability to perform with expert precision and concern for the lives of others reflects greatly upon himself, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Citizens of Monroe County.
Sworn Corrections Officer of the Quarter: Detention Sgt. Linda Simonet, Bureau of Corrections, Security Division – KW Facility. Detention Sgt. Linda Simonet made a good first impression recently with a team of three on-site inspectors, who toured the three detention facilities. One of the team members, Captain Fred Latsko, told Captain Phelps, “Captain, this is going to be a great on-site. I can tell by looking at your facilities that your staff is in control. The buildings are spotless and the inmates are quiet. You should be extremely proud of your staff.” Sgt. Simonet recognized the importance of a good first impression. She willingly accepted the responsibility of ensuring that our facilities looked sharp.
Sgt. Simonet organized inmate work crews that cleaned, stripped and waxed floors and painted anything and everything that stood still long enough for the paintbrush or roller to run over the top of it. She worked many nights and weekends motivating inmates to continue scraping, cleaning, and painting. She accomplished miracles considering her only motivators were an occasional cup of coffee and a few extra days of gain time.
Reserve Deputy of the Quarter: Reserve Deputy Lynn Faircloth, Bureau of Operations, Sector VI & V. Reserve Deputy Faircloth has been doing parking enforcement recently and rides in all sectors. She finds that by riding it helps her with her job as a dispatcher as well as assisting the deputies with her additional knowledge of the area and the people. She has recently volunteered to assist Detective Reidelbach with data entry to help catch up some intelligence files. A recent event that Reserve Deputy Faircloth was involved in shows how she supports her community policing. The situation occurred several months ago involving the Baker’s Act with an elderly victim that had no relatives or friends in the area. The victim had a small dog that was her only companion and needed someone to care for the dog while she was in the hospital. Faircloth took the dog in and cared for it until the victim was able to return home. Faircloth became close to the victim and the victim’ son. Unfortunately, the victim was killed in a car accident a few months later, but once again Faircloth came to the victims needs. The victim’s son came down to handle the victim’s affairs and Faircloth was the one that helped the son get around town. Faircloth did this out of the goodness of her heart, and she is someone we can depend on to do quality volunteer work in the reserves well into the future.
Cadet/Explorer of the Quarter: Cadet Thomas Brazil, Bureau of Operations, Explorer/Cadet Section. Cadet Brazil has donated over 60 hours to assist Sgt. Hurd in training “Deputy Storm” and was available anytime he was needed. This is in addition to the hours he has spent riding with deputies. Often times a “decoy” was needed to be stationary for a long period of time. Not only can this be boring but is also time consuming. When most young adults his age would rather be out doing far more enjoyable activities, we can always count on Cadet Brazil to assist. He never complains or says he does not want to help. Not only does he assist in keeping “Deputy Storm” sharp, he demonstrates the true desire to do more than any Cadet. Brazil displays the eagerness and desire that is necessary to be a member of the Explorer/Cadet program of the County.
William Naylor of Key Largo wrote to Sheriff Roth commending Deputies Jason Madnick and Jason Krith for their help when his wife was injured falling down a flight of stairs. He says, in part, "They were extremely efficient, kind and helpful by holding my wife to ease her pain, but the thing that impressed me most was that one drove my car to the hospital, so that I could get home. Then they both came back to my home a few days later, to see how my wife was....I come from Britain where "Bobbies" are held in high esteem, but they would certainly have a lot to live up to beat your Bobbies."
Assistant State Attorney David Macey, with the Civil Forfeiture Unit of the South Florida Money Laundering Strike Force, wrote to Sheriff Roth commending the work of Detective Thomas Moran. He said, "Detective Thomas Moran is a unique individual who possesses a relentless passion for justice. This passion translates into a superior body of investigative work.....The numerous legal victories of Detective Moran are matched with a positive mental attitude that contagiously uplifts our work environment."
Cameron Hintzen, Patrol Agent in Charge for U.S. Border Patrol in the Florida Keys, wrote to Sheriff Roth commending the work of Joanie Green. He said, "On countless occasions my agents have praised the selfless assistance provided them by Traffic Enforcement administration Clerk Joanie Green. She has been of great assistance in our agency's efforts to track down criminal aliens and have them deported from the United States for their crimes....Ms. Green's strong work ethic and affirmative demeanor are a reflection of the professionalism of the Monroe County Sheriff's Department."
Detective Larry O'Neill wrote to Captain Ross Thomson commending Detective Alberto Ramirez for his help with a case. He says, "Detective Ramirez is always willing to help, no matter what the need is. This is not the first time Detective Ramirez has jumped right in to help and his actions deserve notice."
Tom and Sue Hennek of Minnesota wrote to Sheriff Roth to commend Sgt. Jake Brady for his help when they lost the keys to their rental car in Marathon. They say, "We are very grateful that Jake was nearby when we needed help. We appreciate his efforts at getting us back into our car - but we were especially impressed with the patience and kindness he showed while doing that....You are fortunate to have such a high-caliber individual on your team."
Patricia Almeda Welichko wrote to Sheriff Roth to commend Elaine Lash for a tour she gave to Brownie Troop 616 of the Sheriff's Office Animal Farm. She said, "I would like to especially thank Elaine for not only very patiently taking the girls around to see, touch and learn about the animals, but also because she went out of her way to accommodate us after work hours."
Charles Martin, Criminal Investigator with the Child abduction Unit of the District Attorney's Office of San Diego County wrote a letter of thanks to Sheriff Roth recently. He wanted to commend a number of Sheriff's Office employees for their help recovering a six year old child abducted by her mother from California. He wants to thank the following employees for their "great attitude, diligence and swift response": Lieutenant Donnie Fanelli, Sergeant Lou Caputo, Sergeant Corey Bryan, Sergeant Deborah Ryan, Detective Todd Wyatt, Deputy Sever Hustad, Deputy Jason Madnick, Deputy Lee Cowart, Deputy Don Dalton, Deputy Laura Garcia, and Records Supervisor Peggy Bryan.
Michael Dooley of Dooley Construction in Tavernier wrote a letter to Sheriff Roth commending Detective Sgt. Corey Bryan for his help solving a case of contractor fraud. Dooley was the victim of grand theft when a man working for him took a large amount of money for some work which he never completed. The case was solved and the suspect arrested, according to Dooley, largely because of Sgt. Bryan's diligence and persistence. He says, "You should be proud of this employee for his professionalism and diligence in solving this case."
Deputy Jim Ford, who is acting supervisor on the night shift in the upper Keys, wrote to Lt. Donnie Fanelli to thank him for his help, support and assistance during a busy weekend in November. He said, "You stayed out longer than you were needed and offered to bring out extra help if desired. You went home again only to get called at home about an armed robbery and again you were there in minutes....Lt., I just wanted to let you know from the squad we appreciate you and it is a pleasure to work under your command."
Nextel
Phone Details
By Finance Director Tom Ravenel
A description of the Nextel plan for members with agency supplied phones is as follows:
The Sheriff's Human Resources Division
Staff had fun on Halloween with
their 60s "Hippy" theme. Here they are all - "Cool, man!"
Here's an example of
Jerry's new world...here he is with
his wife Donna enjoying the "great outdoors"!
