Governor Rick Scott, First Lady Ann Scott and FDLE Host Florida Missing Children’s Day Ceremony
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott joined Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey and hundreds of law enforcement personnel, public officials and citizens for the 2013 Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony in Tallahassee. The annual event is an opportunity to remember Florida’s missing children, recognize the state’s efforts in child protection and educate Floridians on child safety and abduction prevention.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Today we join Floridians in remembering all of the missing children of our state. We come together with their families to grieve, pray and offer our comfort and support. It’s important that we never forget our state’s most innocent victims and work to ensure that every child reported missing has a safe return.”
First Lady Scott said, “As a mother and grandmother, I know personally that we must do everything possible to protect our children. I appreciate the dedication of the multiple Florida law enforcement agencies who work to maintain the safety of Florida’s children, and ensure a safe return when a child goes missing.”
“Those of us who are parents understand that the loved ones of missing children will never stop loving them, and law enforcement will not stop searching for them,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey.
During 2012, approximately 41,000 incidents of missing children were reported to Florida law enforcement agencies. Since its inception statewide, AMBER Alerts have directly aided in the rescue of 53 children.
This past weekend, the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association and its member advertising companies donated billboard space as part of an ongoing effort to feature missing children and adults. Lamar Advertising, Premium Outdoor, Clear Channel Outdoor and CBS Outdoor featured 28 missing children and adults on digital billboards throughout the state.
At the event, children participated in a safety presentation on abduction prevention. During a formal ceremony, Governor Scott and Commissioner Bailey recognized citizens, canine trailing teams and law enforcement officers for their exemplary efforts in missing children investigations.
The following individuals are recipients of the 2013 Florida Missing Children’s Day Awards:
Young Hero Award Winner – A’Nari Taylor– Miami, Fla.
Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – Lieutenant Jonathan Shaw – Margate Police Department
State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – Trooper Mauricio Vasconcelos – Florida Highway Patrol
Combatting Human Sex Trafficking Award-Narcotics Bureau, Organized Crime Section, Miami-Dade Police Department
Law Enforcement Task Force/Team of the Year – Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Services Section
The Jimmy Ryce Trailing Team of the Year – Dorn Beddow and K-9 Gracie Bell, Southwest Florida K-9 Search Unit
Essay Contest Winner – Victoria Zimmerman, Davie, Fla.
Department of Justice Poster Contest Recognition – Nacis Lapaix, Orlando, Fla.
FDLE invites the public to sign up to receive Missing Child Alerts and AMBER Alerts via email or text message by visiting
www.missingchildrenalert.com. To view photos of missing children, visit
www.fdle.state.fl.us. For more information about the Florida Missing Children’s Day Foundation, visit
www.fmcdf.org.
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