TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Department of Law Enforcement members from throughout the state were honored Monday in Tallahassee for their outstanding performances during 2013.
FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey congratulated the award winners for key accomplishments, money saving ideas and productivity. Recipients were chosen from more than 200 nominations.
“While each nomination was unique, there was a common denominator – outstanding performance,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. “Outstanding performance distinguishes these award winners as our ‘go-tos,’ when we demand first class results.”
Award winners are as follows:
Commissioner’s Award Winner – Senior Crime Laboratory Analyst Tamara Monville, Fort Myers Regional Operations Center.
In 2013, Senior Crime Laboratory Analyst Tamara Monville recognized the dire need to quickly identify the increasing number of synthetic drugs in Florida and ban these substances. Rising to the challenge, she performed the extensive scientific research necessary to determine protocols and means of identification in our labs. Her methodology involved running numerous samples and variables, compiling massive data sets and then organizing her findings into a comprehensive procedure for use in our system.
Special Agent of the Year – Andrew Watts, Orlando Regional Operations Center special agent.
Special Agent Watts was instrumental in two high-profile FDLE investigations, Allied Veterans of the World and the Department of Corrections Inmate Escape Scheme. As lead investigator in the Allied Veteran’s investigation, Andy coordinated the execution of a search warrant that played a significant role in the subsequent conviction of a subject for a lengthy list of felony charges. As lead investigator in the Inmate Escape Scheme, his aggressive investigative actions resulted in the apprehension of both subjects within two days of their escape.
Forensic Scientist of the Year – Crime Laboratory Analyst Jessica Barrington, Orlando Regional Operations Center.
During 2012 and 2013, Crime Lab Analyst Barrington worked on a complex synthetic drug case that led to the arrest of 14 individuals. She analyzed 46 items and identified seven different synthetic drugs, including several that had either not yet become controlled substances or previously not been identified in Central Florida and helped result in their scheduling by the Attorney General’s Office.
Capitol Police Officer of the Year/Life Saving Medal – Law Enforcement Officer Joseph Trimboli.
Shortly after midnight on Nov. 16, 2013, Officer Joseph Trimboli was working an off-duty detail. Upon hearing a radio call of “shots fired,” he proceeded, on foot, to the incident. He was the first officer on scene, where he found two young teens, one mortally wounded.
Officer Trimboli immediately rendered aid to the surviving teen, who was struggling for his life from a “through-and-through” chest bullet wound. He noted the victim’s deteriorating condition and sealed the wounds to stop the bleeding until paramedics arrived.
The 14-year old victim was transported to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Thanks to Officer Trimboli’s swift actions, he survived and has made a full recovery.
Commissioner Bailey also presented Officer Trimboli with FDLE’s Life Saving Medal.
Distinguished Member of the Year – Senior Crime Intelligence Analyst I Amanda Ensminger, Jacksonville Regional Operations Center.
Senior Crime Intelligence Analyst I Amanda Ensminger provides analytical support to the Jacksonville Regional Operations Center Violent Fugitive Apprehension squad. She assists in the location of fugitives by developing detailed backgrounds; and identifying patterns of criminal and social activity, associates, relatives, etc. in order to find likely addresses and areas frequented by the fugitive. During 2013, Ensminger’s analytical work contributed to the arrest of 87 fugitives and the seizure of nine weapons.
Distinguished Support Member of the Year – Crime Intelligence Analyst II Amanda Bartolome-Stephens.
During 2013, Crime Intelligence Analyst II Amanda Bartolome-Stephens provided key analytical support to FDLE investigators to identify, locate and arrest violent offenders. Additionally, she created a PowerPoint presentation that allows prosecutors to present FDLE’s investigative capabilities to a jury, fostering a professional public image for FDLE. Her efforts have increased efficiency and have indirectly saved lives.
Excellence in Leadership – Chief of Forensic Services Roshale Gaytmenn, Fort Myers Regional Operations Center
Chief of Forensic Services Roshale Gaytmenn provided guidance and stability through a time of organizational change for the Fort Myers Regional Operations Center. During 2013, she served as acting chief for the Fort Myers Regional Crime Lab as well as supervisor of the Biology section, which had undergone an extensive turnover in staff. While juggling both roles, she continued her outreach to law enforcement and prosecutors, building a better understanding of FDLE’s forensic capabilities and evidence acceptance policy as well as offering executive-level training on forensic matters to the Southwest Florida law enforcement community. Even with the additional workload, Chief Gaytmenn was able to inspire her unit to exceed all productivity standards and fostered teamwork.
Distinguished Team of the Year – Orlando Regional Operations Center Public Integrity Squad:
Chris Woehr
Andrew Watts
Daniel Wallace
Julie Bressin
Lloyd Randolph
Alphonso Williams
Bill Lee
Jason Cook
Emma Santos
The Public Integrity Squad investigates public integrity allegations, in-custody death investigations and all officer involved shootings throughout a nine-county central Florida area. In 2013, the squad represented FDLE in the highly publicized criminal investigations of the Allied Veterans of the World and the Department of Corrections Inmate Escape Scheme. Each of these investigations had a significant impact within the state.
Innovation of the Year – Computer-Based Testing
Roy Gunnarsson
Ashley Pennington
Wendy Bailey
Stacey Price
Priscilla Martin
Thelma Williams
Cathy Caslin
Mary Anne Matas
David Duey
Andrew Gutsch
Ravi Gorijavolu
Lisa Hopkins
Randy Smith
Sonya Avant
Since 1993, the paper-pencil State Officer Certification Examination has been administered monthly to over 565 law enforcement, corrections, and correctional probation recruits. CBT was launched in November 2013 to 13 schools and statewide implementation will be complete this year. FDLE and the criminal justice community will realize significant benefits from the new exam format such as cost savings, reduced travel, easier test scheduling and more immediate exam results. This initiative is a great example of looking for innovative ways to improve services provided by FDLE.
Contribution to Criminal Justice – Crime Laboratory Analyst Sarah Hayman, Orlando Regional Operations Center.
During a two week period in July 2013, Crime Laboratory Analyst Sarah Hayman provided expert and expeditious analysis of firearms evidence related to multiple shootings in the Kissimmee/St. Cloud area. CLA Hayman examined evidence submitted by three agencies and linked over 50 pieces of evidence to the same .45-caliber firearm, which provided law enforcement the crucial information that led to the arrest of four teens and young adults for the commission of these crimes.
The Commissioner’s Award, Special Agent of the Year, Capitol Police Officer of the Year and Forensic Scientist of the Year recipients were recognized with resolutions by the Cabinet yesterday in Tallahassee.
For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001