RECOGNITION QUARTERLY BRIGHT STAR AWARDS

DEPUTY AMANDA EDDINGER, LAW ENFORCEMENT

Deputy Amanda Eddinger was the first on scene when a vehicle drove off the Dunedin Causeway, down a steep embankment, and into the Intracoastal Waterway. The driver was trapped inside the quickly submerging vehicle. It was a very cold, windy day and the waves and current were significant. Deputy Eddinger immediately realized the gravity of the situation, tied a rope around her waist, and jumped down several feet onto the trunk of the sinking vehicle. She was able to pull the incapacitated driver through the broken back window and stabilize the situation until the fire department arrived and used ropes and a ladder to get everyone safely back on shore. Her quick thinking, resourcefulness, and willingness to combat such hazardous conditions helped keep this single vehicle crash from turning into a tragedy.

CORPORAL JILL FERRIO AND DEPUTY MELISSA SILVA, DETENTION

During a routine booking and strip search Deputy Jill Ferrio and Deputy Melissa Silva observed suspicious behavior by an inmate. A security scan displayed a questionable image, and the deputies discussed the matter with the inmate, who said she had a medical/herbal item inserted within her person and the item was unremovable. With continuous prompting and discussion by Ferrio and Silva, the inmate voluntarily agreed to remove the item from her body. The deputies recovered three grams of Fentanyl and five grams of Methamphetamine. Deputy Ferrio’s and Deputy Silva’s intuitive response prevented the introduction of drugs into the facility, which could have led to a mass medical event. Further, if the narcotics ruptured in the inmate’s system it could have led to a potentially fatal medical emergency. The two deputies are recognized for their vigilant efforts to ensure the preservation of life and orderly running of the jail.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIST WESTON HILL, CIVILIAN

Information Technologist Weston Hill came in at 3 a.m. on multiple occasions to update the CAD and do server work at a time that would limit the impact on the agency and prevent the interruption of vital functions. He has also taken over the GIS mapping with little to no training. Co-workers describe Hill as a true asset to this agency.