Gallery of Plant City

Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner

On May 9, Plant City played host to the 61st annual East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner. The event honors one officer from Plant City Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission and Florida Highway Patrol for his or her exceptional service to East Hillsborough. Meet this year’s honorees:

Senior Office Joshua Snyder, PCPD

Trooper Wesley Kelly, FHP

Detective Michael Fernandes, HCSO Officer Specialist Hunter Caldwell, FWC a. PCPD Officer Joshua Snyder (right) was recognized for always conducting quality investigations and being proactive in the community. He can always be relied upon as a Field Training Officer. Officer Snyder was presented with a plaque by PCPD Chief James Bradford (left). b. FWC Officer Specialist Hunter Caldwell joined FWC in 2011 and moved back to Tampa in 2015. He was recognized for making arrests of subjects shooting federally protected birds, a case of illegally harvesting 61 gamefish, and played a leading role in the arrest of individuals commercially gill netting thousands of fish and juvenile freshwater game. He was recognized by FWC Captain Evan Laskowski (right). c. Trooper Wesley Kelly (right) has been with FHP for 8 years and served 3.5 years with Criminal Interdiction Unit. In a recent case, Trooper Kelly’s instincts led to the discovery of six pounds of heroin in the vehicle of two undocumented aliens. Trooper Kelly was presented his plaque by Major Richard Benton (left). d. HCSO Detective Michael Fernandes (right) has been with HCSO since 2014, primarily patrolling Dover. He has dedicated himself to combating violent gang activity. In 2022, 45 criminals were arrested on felony charges, including 14 gang members/associates, and the recovery of 25 firearms, and the execution of 4 search warrants. Fernandes was recognized by HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister (right).

Be a bright light for children like Leo during what can be an overwhelming time in their lives. Making a donation during the Christmas in July event is a way to give kids comfort and help them cope while they’re in the hospital.

You can help: StJosephsChristmas.org