"Officer of the Quarter"

Officer Jay L. Taylor Jr.

We have selected Officer Jay L. Taylor Jr. as our Officer of the Quarter.  Listed below is a summary of his exemplary service.
  
 In January of 2010, several business burglaries, auto thefts and grand thefts took place in the commercial districts of Zone 6.  Officer Taylor recognized this pattern before any other Unit in the Department and initiated an extensive investigation into these in attempt to solve them.  During the next several weeks, he put forth an outstanding effort and devoted not only his on-duty time, but also several hundred hours of his off-duty time.  In doing so, Officer Taylor was able to glean several key pieces of information and evidence which verified the crimes were related.  He discovered the losses were actually in the multimillion dollar levels, far greater than anyone had initially suspected.  Additionally, his efforts were directly responsible for the identification of several individuals who were participants in this organized crime ring.  These individuals have since been  associated with additional crimes out of the area.  Because of the depth this investigation has now taken, several other local, State, and Federal Agencies are now involved and pursuing other potential leads uncovered from Officer Taylor's investigation.  The fact this has become part of a continued investigation precludes the revelation of specific facts and information at this time, but highlights the accomplishment, dedication and commitment of Officer Jay Taylor to this Department.

Thanks,

Lt. Daniel T. Adams
Patrol West - Zone 6
936 Dunn Ave.
Jacksonville, Fl 32218

"Officer of the Quarter"

Presented by Northside Business Leaders

1st VP Ray Turner to

Officer J. L. Taylor Jr.

Officer of the Quarter

COMMENDATION 

Officer R.R. Hullender #7244
CCR# 234624

On 03-28-10 at 2310, a depressed subject called police to report that he was going to commit suicide.  The subject refused to give his name or any other information, other than he was going to kill himself by jumping off the Dames Point Bridge.  Several police officers quickly responded to the scene, including Officer Hullender.  The subject’s vehicle was located, abandoned at the top of the span.  Officers took up positions at the scene, as the bridge was closed and traffic was diverted around the area.  An immediate search of the area was conducted, but the subject was not located.  The Air Unit responded to assist in the search. 

Officer Hullender, realizing that the timing was of the utmost importance, used her personal cell phone to call the phone number left by the yet unknown subject.  Officer Hullender engaged the subject in casual conversation and was quickly able to gain his trust.  She established a rapport with the subject, as he told her his name and that he had already climbed to the top of the bridge tower.  The subject told Officer Hullender that he was depressed over a failed relationship and that he was going to jump.  

Due to inclement weather, the subject could not be seen from the bridge deck.  Once the Air Unit arrived at the scene, they were able to observe the subject with infrared vision.   The male was, in fact, at the top of the bridge tower pacing back and forth, looking over the railing.  Utilizing caring professionalism and expert negotiation tactics, Officer Hullender was not only able to keep the subject on the phone with her, but she was also able to calm the volatile man.  Less than an hour into the tense situation, Officer Hullender was able to successfully talk the suicidal man down from the top of the bridge and safely into the custody of the waiting officers below.   

As a direct result of Officer Hullender’s quick thinking and calm actions in a stressful situation, a suicidal man was saved from certain death.  Officer Hullender’s actions clearly exemplify the Sheriff’s Office Core Values of Worthy of Trust and Always Improving.  Excellent work!

Sincerely,

Sheriff John H. Rutherford

John H. Rutherford  

Sgt. R.R. Knecht #5947

Patrol West, Zone 6