Northside Business Leaders

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Officer of the Quarter

The Northside Business Leaders feel our Police Officers do a great job for us each and every day and deserve recognition.  Each quarter the Club introduces the officer or the quarter, honors him or her with a plaque and gives them a saving bond.

Zone 6

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

Officer of the Quarter

February 9, 2010

Lt.-Allen-EasonOfficer T.W. Herrington

                      Lt. Allen Eason                            Officer T. W. Herrington

Lt. Allen Eason of Zone 6 introduced Officer Herrington was commended for his community services in addition to his regular duties.   This past Christmas Officer Herrington put together a team of Officers who went to various neighborhoods in uniform and gave candy and gifts to the kids.  You guessed it Officer Herrington dressed up as Santa Clause,  The function really was received by these kids as a very positive thing to see that police are not just out there to give tickets or arrest people. Officer Herrington, Officer of the Quarter received a plaque and a savings bond from NSBL for his contribution to the community and his dedication to safety and security of not only north Jax but the city as well. 

Congratulations Officer Herrington!
  Officer Herrington & Wife

Officer T. W. Herrington with his wife at his side receives the Officer of the Quarter award from Ray Turner First Vice President.

It appears our President Patricia Hamn and our First VP Ray Turner may have been bad?  Just kidding they put on a great meeting.  Keep up the good work!

Paul

 

December 8, 2009

Officer of the Quarter

                  Lt. Sean McCormick                           Officer Bruce Porter

Lt. Shawn McCormick of Zone 6 introduced Officer Bruce Porter to the audience while receiving a commendation from JSO for a thorough investigation of a suspicious car theft. After on site investigations Officer Porter was able to identify, arrest and get confessions from  2 suspects linked to a murder investigation.   Officer Bruce Porter our Officer of the Quarter received a plaque and a savings bond from NSBL for his contribution to the safety and security of not only north Jax but the city as well. 

Congratulations Officer Porter!
 

Ray Turner presenting Award to Officer Bruce Porter


 

 

        Officer Harris

            Sgt. R. R. Knecht                 Officer is C. R. Harris

The Officer of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter 2009 was introduced by Sgt. R. R. Knecht.  The Officer is C. R. Harris.  In late March of 2009, several businesses and public property in the Oceanway area were the targets of gang graffiti.  Officer Harris immediately identified the problem and started gathering intelligence on possible suspects.  Officer Harris also began photographing the spray painted graffiti to develop patterns and gang affiliations.  On April 8, 2009, Officer Harris conducted a directed deployment in response to the recent rash of criminal mischief.  He was on foot patrol in Oceanway Village speaking with citizens in the neighborhood and gathering additional information on suspects.  While speaking with a resident, Officer Harris was alerted to a potential suspect that had just arrived home in the small community.

When Officer Harris contacted the suspect, he had just driven up in his driveway.  Officer Harris quickly noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the suspect’s vehicle.  The suspect consented to a search of his car, which resulted in the recover of marijuana, numerous cans of spray paint, and drawings with references to the Folk Nation gang.  Officer Harris also noticed that the suspect had the name “Karma” tattooed on his left arm.  This was the same name spray painted at the scene of an earlier criminal mischief.  Officer Harris realized the connections to the gang graffiti in the area and advised the suspect of his Miranda warnings.  During the ensuing interview, the suspect admitted to his involvement in the pattern of criminal mischief plaguing the Oceanway area.  Officer Harris obtained a written profession from the suspect and cleared two cases.  In addition, the suspect gave information identifying the remaining suspects.  Officer Harris continued to work the case, while coordinating his efforts with the Gang Investigations Unit.  He quickly located and interviewed the other two suspects.  He gained confessions from both of them and arrested them. 

Due to Officer Harris’s attention to detail and dedication to community policing, the suspects were arrested on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.  His actions exemplify the Sheriff’s Office Core Values of Always Improving and Community Focused. 


Officer of the Quarter

Officer Sandy Taylor


Zone Six

Sgt. Messersmith Commending Officer Taylor

Sgt. R. C. Messersmith introduced Officer Taylor as the senior member of his squad and has been recognized for two quarters in a row for his professionalism and strong decision making skills at all times.  He has been in charge in a supervisory capacity when Sgt. Messersmith is absent.  Officer Taylor coordinated and participated in seven directed patrol activities this quarter which resulted in nine felony arrests.  Officer Taylor received a commendation for his efforts after he responded to a felony theft from a construction site.  The suspect was arrested and the property was returned to the construction company.  He received another commendation for his efforts after he responded to reports of suspicious persons possibly burglarizing unlocked cars in a residential area.  Two suspects were arrested and charged with two counts of auto burglary. 

The Northside Business Leaders is proud of the Officers serving our area.  Because of their continued efforts we can rest easier in our daily living.  Their jobs are really tough.   

The next time you see an Officer be sure to thank him for the great job they do to continue the fight against crime.  They risk their lives every day for our safety.  

Nancy Burnett, Secretary/Treasurer

 

 Officer Taylor introduced his wife Linda who accompanied him to the award ceremony. 


2008 Officer of the Fourth Quarter

Jason Williams

Officer Williams completed two solving worksheets generated by ShadCo complaints and was responsible for one felony arrest, two misdemeanor arrests, four traffic citations and assisted in the arrest of a suspect after a string of burglaries in Zone 6.  The suspect to confessed to numerous burglaries and has been charged with over 30 felony charges.  It was a great privilege to award Officer Williams as Officer of the Quarter for the 4th Quarter 2008.  We owe our Officers a lot of praise for the great job they do in the community to help keep us safe.  They put their lives on the line every day and we need to show more appreciation for their work.

Nancy Burnett, "Jackson Hewitt Tax Service"

Jason & Mom

Officer Jason Williams received his Savings Bond and plaque from Patricia Hamn with his Mom looking on at his side.


2008 Officer of the 3rd Quarter

Max Baxter
Officer & Angie Chesser Sam,s Club

Officer Matt Baxter & Angie Chesser "Sams Club"

Officer Matt Baxter, 64381, Officer of the Quarter.  Officer Baxter has just completed his first year in Zone 6, yet he is one of the most dependable and proactive officers.  Officer Baxter is not content to just answer calls for service; instead, he seeks out on-view activity.  During his shift, he will walk through troubled apartment communities and he will conduct surveillance in known drug areas.  Officer Baxter exemplifies community policing philosophies by reaching out beyond traditional, marked police vehicle patrol. 

There have also been occasions when Officer Baxter has been able to demonstrate investigative skills that are well above average for a first year officer.  Officer Baxter’s actions exemplify the Sheriff’s Office Core Values of Community Focused and Always Improving


2008 Officer of the 2nd Quarter

Presented to

Officer Trent Helms
Bill Baisden-Trent Helms-Julie Helms

Bill Baisden presents a Northside Business Leaders "Officer of the Quarter Plaque" and a $50 U.S. Savings Bond to Officer Trent Helms with his wife Julie at his side.  Congratulations to Officer Helms and his wife. Julie has to be flexible to his hours and support  him while he serves the greater Jacksonville Community.

Officer Lt. Allen Eason

Lt. Eason talks about Officer Helms' dedication to duty and beyond.

 

Officer of the First Quarter 2008