For Immediate Release: Dec. 22, 2011
Contact: DEP Press Office, (850) 245-2112, DEPnews@dep.state.fl.us
DEP LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL AWARDED FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AND COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT
~Officer, Agent, Employee and Manager of the Year 2011 Announced~
 Pictured left to right: Greg Gibson, Assistant Director, DEP Division of Law Enforcement, Christopher Troedson, DEP 2011 Officer of the Year, Percy Griffin, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Park Police
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently recognized four Division of Law Enforcement staff members for outstanding job performance. The Officer of the Year, Agent of the Year, Employee of the Year and Manager of the Year for 2011 were presented at the Division of Law Enforcement’s annual Holiday Luncheon and Awards Ceremony.
“DEP is fortunate to have such dedicated law enforcement professionals serve the state of Florida and who continue to go above and beyond their respective duties each day,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Assistant Director Greg Gibson. “These individuals are dedicated to protecting Floridians and our natural resources, and are very deserving of this recognition.”
The four division awards winners were selected based upon job performance, public service, improving coordination or cooperation within or outside the division and setting a positive example.
Awards were presented to the following employees:
Officer of the Year - Officer Christopher Troedson, Bureau of Park Police Northeast District, has been a member of the division for more than 12 years. Officer Troedson’s proactive policing, keen skills and attention to detail are examples of the excellent service he provides both to DEP and to the residents and visitors of Florida. For example, on Aug. 27, 2011, Officer Troedson discovered a motorist at Amelia Island State Park attempting to unlock a vehicle door with a fishing pole. After confirming the person’s ownership of the car, Officer Troedson helped him gain entry. Officer Troedson observed a green, leafy substance scattered throughout the vehicle’s interior and smelled the odor of marijuana when the door was opened. After obtaining consent to search the vehicle, Officer Troedson found a 95 gram brick of marijuana, 12.5 morphine sulfate tablets, a digital scale and plastic baggies. The suspect was charged with trafficking and possession of narcotics with intent to distribute, and his illegal operations have ceased in Florida’s parks.
Photo: DEP Division of Law Enforcement presents Bureau of Park Police Officer Christopher Troedson with the Officer of Year award. Pictured left to right is : Assistant Division Director Greg Gibson, Officer Chris Troedson and Bureau Chief Percy Griffin.
Agent of the Year - Special Agent Kathy Martinez, Criminal Investigations Bureau South District, has been a member of the division for more than 12 years. Agent Martinez has voluntarily served as a liaison between the division and the court systems of southeast Florida, assisting agents and officers in registering address information to provide efficient delivery of communications and subpoenas from the local clerks of court. Agent Martinez routinely coordinates relationships with a vast network of local, state and federal law enforcement and regulatory entities to carry out her responsibilities and is recognized as a leader in her area of responsibility.
Photo: DEP Division of Law Enforcement presents Special Agent Kathy Martinez of the Criminal Investigation Bureau with the Agent of Year award. Pictured left to right is : Assistant Division Director Greg Gibson, Agent Kathy Martinez and Captain George LaMont.
Employee of the Year – Mona Strickland Williams, Office of the Director, has been a member of the division for more than four years. Mona serves in numerous roles, including assisting the division’s legal counsel with personnel matters, serving as recruitment coordinator, and assisting field personnel with human resource management. She was instrumental in assisting with special projects involving litigation and investigations, while still attending to the daily demands of the office. Mona’s initiative, willingness and “behind the scenes” organization make it easy for division staff to accomplish projects, allowing them more time to focus on their law enforcement duties.
Manager of the Year – Bill Keenan, Bureau of Operational Support & Planning, has been a member of the division for more than 18 years. Bill has worked tirelessly, devoting his time, experience and efficiency to educating everyone in the division about budget procedures. His leadership and competence brings calm to even the most challenging situations. The historical and organizational knowledge he possesses and shares is an invaluable resource in carrying out the daily activities of the division.
DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement is responsible for statewide environmental resource law enforcement, as well as providing law enforcement services to Florida’s state parks and greenways and trails. Division personnel from the three operational bureaus patrol state lands, investigate environmental resource crimes, and respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, hazardous material incidents and oil spills that threaten the environment.
To report an environmental crime, wireless customers can dial #DEP. Callers can also report environmental crimes to the State Warning Point by calling (877) 2-SAVE-FL (1.877.272.8335). General environmental inquiries should be directed to DEP district offices during business hours. For more information about DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/law.
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