FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2016
Contact: Sandi Poreda, APR
sandi@bulldogstrategygroup.com / 850.766.1906
FLORIDA POLICE CHIEFS RECOGNIZE AVENTURA OFFICERS FOR LIFESAVING EVENT
AVENTURA, FL – The Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) today announced the recipient of the FPCA Lifesaving Award. Sergeant Robert Myers with the Aventura Police Department was honored for an exceptional lifesaving act which occurred earlier this year.
“As our nation struggles with the relationships between communities and police officers, we are extremely proud to honor these fine officers for not only saving a life, but for setting a good example in their community of what it means to protect and serve,” said Coconut Creek Police Chief Butch Arenal, President of the FPCA. “It is critical for us to recognize the good in this profession and honor those who work hard to keep our residents and guests safe throughout the state of Florida.”
In March, Sergeant Myers was off-duty in the area of Haulover Beach when he heard frantic screams for help coming from further down the inlet. He saw a young boy in extreme distress. Fearing the child would drown, he jumped into the strong currents to save the child’s life. The child was losing energy fast in his attempt to stay above water, and large waves continued to crash over top of him. The child fought to swim in the strong currents along the shoreline and away from the rocks like Sergeant Myers told him. Sergeant Myers maintained contact with the child until the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) Rescue boat arrived and removed the child from the water. Both the child and Sergeant Myers required emergency medical attention after being rescued from the water. MDPD Rescue had been looking for another lost swimmer that day who ended up losing their life in the rough waters.
“Sergeant Myers is a very dedicated and professional officer,” said Aventura Police Department Chief Steve Steinberg. “This is not the first time that he has taken action while off duty and put his own life and safety on the line. His actions embody all of the positive aspects of law enforcement that an agency, and society, wants from their officers. As his Chief it is an honor and privilege to serve with him and have him as a member of the Aventura Police Department.”
The Lifesaving Award, sponsored by the Harris Foundation, recognizes law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to serve and protect their communities. The FPCA accepts nominations from member agencies online at: https://fpca.com/lifesaving-award/. The award nomination and selection process occurs twice annually.
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