Wellington Honors PBSO Deputy Scott Poritz And PBC Fire-Rescue Capt. Craig Dube
First Responders Top Cop
PBSO Deputy Scott Poritz
Top Firefighter
PBCFR Capt. Craig Dube BY M. DENNIS TAYLOR
Among the many standout professionals who work as local first responders, the Village of Wellington annually honors the best of the best when it presents its “Top Cop” and “Top Firefighter” award. When Wellington’s Public Safety Committee discussed the naming of this year’s award recipients, the consensus was about how hard the decision is every year because there are such good candidates nominated by officials from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue. This year, the honor for Top Cop went to PBSO Deputy Scott Poritz, while PBCFR Capt. Craig Dube was named Top Firefighter. Nominated by PBSO Sgt. Andrew Porath, Poritz has been in law enforcement for 18-and-a-half years, the last 14 in Wellington. “Poritz has become an integral part of the successful programs implemented throughout Wellington,” said Porath,
who cited several programs that Poritz has started that benefit residents. “He helped create the annual Child Safety Experience and continues to coordinate it.” said Porath, explaining that Poritz partnered with Wellington Parks & Recreation along with PBCFR and helped with fundraising to ensure that the event was free to the community. “The event has vendor booths and educational information associated with child development.The event also has an area where kids can experience the different PBSO and PBCFR vehicles. There’s also free [bicycle] helmet fitting and giveaway, along with a child car seat install station.” Poritz also goes out of his way to help Wellington residents in need, such as aiding an elderly couple age in place when too much stuff in their garage prevented repairs to the ceiling and electrical system. He organized the removal, storage and return of the items. Poritz also coordinated a partner-
ship between the PBSO, PBCFR and the village with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities on the annual Day for Autism: Building Bridges with Law Enforcement Picnic. This event seeks to deescalate any future interaction between law enforcement and people with autism by providing a foundation of positive interaction. Poritz has also taken a lead for the last six years in the massive effort to coordinate law enforcement resource activities for the annual holiday parade in Wellington. “Poritz has an extensive background in crime prevention in which he is a certified crime prevention practitioner for the State of Florida,” Porath said.“He also advises on the Neighborhood Watch program, which includes 23 groups in Wellington.” Poritz has worked in road patrol, community policing and crime prevention in Wellington. He enjoys serving in the community. wellington the magazine | september 2020 35