For Immediate Release

May 1, 2016

 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –Current and former law enforcement officers from throughout Florida were honored Sunday at Florida’s first Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.   FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen presided over the ceremony held inside Florida’s Capitol along with bill sponsor, Representative Daphne Campbell. 
 
The inaugural inductees were nominated by the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs Association, Police Benevolent Association, Fraternal Order of Police and the State Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association and then were selected by a committee.  The inductees were approved by Governor Rick Scott and Florida’s Cabinet. 
 
Willis D. Booth, former Clearwater Police Chief
Chief Booth’s 40 year law enforcement career helped shaped today’s law enforcement community. He served 10 years with the Clearwater Police Department before joining the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in 1968 until his retirement in 1984.  Following retirement, he became the Executive Director of the Florida Police Chiefs Association until 1991. During his career, he served as a mentor for countless law enforcement executives and agencies throughout Florida.
 
Larry Campbell, former Leon County Sheriff
Sheriff Campbell’s 53 year law enforcement career began in 1961at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.  In 1971, he took a job with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as the agency’s first undercover special agent. Later, he served as Special Agent in Charge over Tampa and Miami FDLE offices. He won the J. Edgar Hoover award of excellence at the FBI National Academy in 1973.  He returned to the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in 1981 and was elected sheriff in 1996, a position he held until his death in 2014. Sheriff Campbell’s wife Machelle, son Jack and brother David Ferrell accepted the nomination on his behalf. 
 
Thomas D. Hurlburt Jr., former Orlando Police Chief and former U.S. Marshal
Chief Hurlburt began his law enforcement career in 1968 with the Orlando Police Department and became chief in 1992.  During his tenure, he actively worked to diversify Orlando’s police force to reflect the community it served and established a legacy for community policing.  In 1998, he became Orange County’s director of public safety and in 2003 was appointed U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida.  He helped establish the first Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force before retiring in 2011. 
 
James F. Medley, former Pasco County Sheriff’s Detective and current reserve investigator
Detective Medley served more than 35 years with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office where he investigated violent crimes including several high-profile homicides. In 2004, he was name “Detective of the Year.”  His dedication to investigative work and inter-agency cooperation led to the capture of the Dougherty Gang following a 2011 cross-country crime spree that included attempted murder and bank robbery.  He continues to serve the citizens of Pasco County as a reserve investigator. 
 
Leonidas G. Thalassites, former Hialeah Police Lieutenant and current reserve officer
Lieutenant Thalassites is America’s oldest serving law enforcement officer according to the International Police Association.  His career began in 1956 with Metro-Dade Police Department.  In 1963, he joined the Hialeah Police Department and was promoted to Lieutenant before retiring in 1990.  After retiring, he joined the Tampa Police Department as a reserve officer and is currently working as a reserve officer with Hialeah Police Department.  Throughout his life, he has been dedicated to serving others joining the Marine Corps at 14 and serving in World War II and the Korean War. 
 
 
The Florida Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame was created by the 2014 Florida Legislature to recognize and honor law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of Florida’s citizens and visitors through their works, service and exemplary accomplishments. 
 
For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Molly Best, Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001