USA. Charles Crist at Florida Marine Industries Association Fish & Wildlife Officer of Year award PDF Print E-mail
Wednesday, 03 May 2006
Association news:


Attorney General Charles Crist has sponsored the Marine Industries Association of Florida (MIAF) presentation of a framed limited edition everglades print to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Officer of the Year to Rick Francis before Governor Jeb Bush and the Cabinet in Tallahassee.

This award is presented annually by MIAF but this was the first time it was done at a Cabinet meeting. Representing MIAF was John Sprague, Legislative Chair, Marine Industries Association of Florida as well as Mr. Ken Haddad, Executive Director – FWC, Colonel Julie Jones, Division Director – Division of Law Enforcement, Lt. Colonel Don Holway, Deputy Director – South Operations, Lt. Colonel Mike Wiwi, Deputy Director – North Operations and Lt. Mark Hodges, Supervisor – Northeast Region, Officer Francis’ region.

General Crist also presented Officer Francis the following Resolution from the Governor and Cabinet:

Whereas, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, selects an outstanding officer each year; and

Whereas, this year’s outstanding officer has demonstrated the ability to perform above expectations during the past year; and

Whereas, Officer Rick Francis of the Northeast Region was selected from nominees from the Division’s six regions; and

Whereas, Officer Francis has worked cases involving fresh and saltwater fisheries violations, alligator hunting, boating under the influence, driving under the influence, boating accidents, sex crimes, and suicide; and

Whereas, Officer Francis successfully concluded a felony investigation that resulted in five suspects being charged with cutting unused, high-voltage utility cable that runs across the marsh for New Smyrna Beach Utility which constituted grand theft in the amount of $100,000; and

Whereas, Officer Francis was instrumental in the recovery of a stolen $200,000 Hatteras yacht and the arrest of two subjects possessing false Documentation Certificates, while off duty and on vacation in the Keys; and

Whereas, Officer Francis was the third law enforcement officer to respond to the scene of a domestic disturbance call only to find one Lake County deputy fatally shot and two others with gun-shot injuries; and

Whereas, Officer Francis, along with an FDLE agent, was able to clear the house of the domestic disturbance call, secure the victims and perimeter, and assist in locating and apprehending the felony suspect; and

Whereas, Officer Francis served the citizens of Florida and Mississippi in the aftermath of Hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, and Wilma and provided law enforcement presence during the Summit of the Americas, the Columbus Day Regatta, and Dade County mini-lobster season; and

Whereas, Officer Francis received the 2005 Prestigious Officer of the Year nomination for Crime Stoppers for Volusia, Flagler, and St. Johns counties.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby recognize and commend Officer Rick Francis 2006 Officer of the Year for his stellar reputation, exemplary leadership skills, devotion to duty, and outstanding performance during this past year.

In testimony whereof, the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee this 2nd day of May, 2006.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 May 2006 )
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