U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida announced that Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has revealed the recipients of the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. This award honors law enforcement officers who have shown dedication to building trust, engaging with communities, and enhancing public safety. Among those recognized are deputies serving communities in the Southern District of Florida.
Attorney General Garland stated, “All 21 of today’s awardees have demonstrated what community-oriented policing looks like in practice. They come from all different parts of the country. They represent communities of all shapes and sizes. Their typical days might not all look the same. But they are united by a deep commitment to protecting their communities.”
The award acknowledges state, local, and Tribal sworn officers for their efforts in community policing across three categories: criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing.
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer commented on the significance of these awards: “Today, we stand in the presence of extraordinary individuals who exemplify the very best of what it means to protect and serve... These awards honor those who exemplify the very best of the profession and showcases these individuals as pillars of trust, empathy, and unity.”
The 2024 award recipients include:
**Criminal Investigations:** Detective Matthew Newbold (Polk County Sheriff’s Office), Detective Liz Grant (Kennewick Police Department), Detective Tyler Norman (Salt Lake City Police Department), Officer Reece Walno (Spearfish Police Department).
**Field Operations:** Deputy Sheriff Jahmar Robinson (Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office), Lance Corporal Justin Boyd (Columbia Police Department), Detective/Community Policing Officer Stephen Leacroy (La Marque Police Department).
**Innovations in Community Policing:** Corporal Adrian Maldonado, Deputies James Mackey, Jason Coker, Tammy Fox, Yanick Exceus (Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office); Detective Edwin Hugh and Officer Thomas Joy (Suffolk County Police Department); Officers Stephen Malandro, Trevor Stamper; Specialist Todd Nutbrown (Largo Police Department); Officers Wesley Griffith and Bill Koehn (Overland Park Police Department); Master Officers Thomas Rodriquez and Shauna Moller (Manassas City Police Department).
Director Hugh T. Clements from the Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services remarked on sharing this recognition with such distinguished recipients: “It is an honor to share the stage with these recipients... I am inspired by their actions and service.”
These honorees were selected from numerous nominees nationwide for their contributions to creating safer communities.
The Justice Department applauds these officers' leadership and dedication to public service. Further details about these awards can be found at www.justice.gov.
The COPS Office is part of the Justice Department dedicated to advancing community policing since its establishment in 1994. It supports law enforcement agencies through grants and resources aimed at reducing crime while fostering trust between police forces and their communities.
