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On October 7, 2018, Governor Scott declared a state of emergency in 26 Florida counties.
Hurricane Michael made landfall near Mexico Beach on Wednesday afternoon, October 10, 2018 as a high-end Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, just 2 mph below Category 5 intensity.
Catastrophic damage extended well inland, impacting several counties in the Panhandle and Big Bend regions, which resulted in widespread power outages and impacts to communications infrastructure. Peak storm surge height was measured at 15.5 ft. above sea level in Mexico Beach, and ranged from 5 to 10 feet in Bay through Taylor counties.
 After pre-storm staging and preparations, 440 officers and support staff responded to the panhandle in six waves after the storm made landfall.
 Officers helped those with physical needs or who suffered catastrophic loss and worked together with partner agencies to bring much needed assistance to local communities.
 FWC officers conducted search and rescue operations throughout the affected area.
 Among the first on the scene were several LE officers from FWC (pictured above is SW Region Officer Jeremy Deweese). Whether it was search and rescue, humanitarian efforts or just offering comfort to those trying to cope, our team was a welcome sight for those trying to deal with what had happened.
 FWC SOG teams provided security and support for Urban Search and Rescue Teams.
 While officers were deployed, they were some of the first people back in areas that had been hit hard by the storm. As you all have seen by now, the damage was unlike anything the panhandle has ever seen before. The area will be in recovery mode for a long time.
 Governor Scott visited the area multiple times during recovery and made a point to thank FWC, FHP, FDACS and local officers for their valuable work.
 FWC Chairman Robert Spottswood traveled up from The Keys to visit the affected area and serve dinner to demobilizing officers.
 The FWC Officers Association and the FWC Commissioners expressed their appreciation for all the hard work by providing great cookouts and demobilization meals for staff. FWC former Chairman Beau Rivard participated in the regional lunch following the hurricane.
 In the wake of Hurricane Michael, many asked how they could volunteer in the Panama City area to help their FWC family members who were impacted by the storm. On December 7, numerous FWC volunteers (Executive Director Sutton and Commissioner Josh Kellam pictured above) met at the NW Regional Office and split into work groups that assisted FWC staff with tree removal, yard debris and moving folks into temporary housing. Their efforts were greatly appreciated! Way to go, FWC family!
 The FWC Commissioners met September 26-27, 2018 at the Florida Public Safety Institute in Midway, FL. To address problems caused by invasive species, FWC voted to approve a reorganization of rules related to nonnative species. In addition, the Commission requested FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton and Vice Chairman Robert Spottswood to work on a temporary executive order to limit importation of potentially high-risk injurious species.
 The Commission approved Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines for eight of the more than 50 species in the agency’s Imperiled Species Management Plan. Based on thorough scientific review, FWC staff determined that the eastern chipmunk, harlequin darter, Homosassa shrew, southern fox squirrel and the Monroe County osprey population no longer warrant listing. The Suwannee alligator snapping turtle will now be listed as State Threatened, while two other species of alligator snapping turtle will no longer be listed.
 The Commission also directed staff to expand a recent catch-and-release only measure for snook and redfish to include Tampa Bay (including all of Manatee and Hillsborough counties) as well as all of Pinellas and Pasco counties starting Friday, September 28, 2018. These measures extend through May 10, 2019.
 Aaron Adams from Bonefish and Tarpon Trust received special recognition from Commissioners for their work to preserve species and habitat.
 At the December 12-13, 2018 Commission Meeting in St. Augustine, Commissioners elected Robert A. Spottswood (left), of Key West, to serve as chairman and Michael W. Sole (right), of Tequesta, to serve as vice chairman. Spottswood replaces Chairman Bo Rivard, of Panama City.
 The Commission approved draft changes to shark fishing regulations, including management changes for the shore-based shark fishery. These changes will increase survival of released sharks, improve information gathering of the fishery and address public safety concerns related to the fishery.
 Commissioners also approved Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines for nine more species in the agency’s Imperiled Species Management Plan. The Florida bog frog, crystal darter, Sherman’s short-tailed shrew, Georgia blind salamander, Southern tessellated darter and four species of wading birds including the little blue heron, tricolored heron, reddish egret and roseate spoonbill will benefit from the new species guidelines.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for February 20-21, 2019 in Gainesville.
Congratulate these members on their recent recognition for their outstanding service!
Lifesaving: Awarded to a member or citizen for performance of an act which may have arisen through an emergency or otherwise, and which resulted in the saving of a human life.
Investigator Justin Miller - Investigations
Officer Michael Rice – Northeast Region
Officer Nathanael Martir-Negron – South Bravo Region
Lt. Ryan Smith – South Bravo Region
Officer Adam Winton – Southwest Region
Officer Floyd Fogle (now retired) – Southwest Region
Officer Keaton Hazelwood – Southwest Region
Letter of Commendation: For service rendered in the line of duty where the member or volunteer has displayed courage or outstanding performance while either assisting in the apprehension of criminals, prevention of a crime, protection of life or property, or contributions toward the improvement of Division efficiency, or contributions toward the improvement of public relations for the Division.
Officer Troy Starling – North Central Region
Lt. Daniel Willman - Aviation
Exceptional Performance: For performance above and beyond normal expectations for the position.
Officer Matthew Land – Northwest Region
Officer Matthew Cushing – Northwest Region
 Multiple FWC staff, including investigators , undercover officers, supervisors, intelligence personnel and staff from the Office of Licensing and Permitting, worked together to uncover criminal activity, protect one of our state’s iconic species and eliminate unfair competition for law-abiding commercial fishermen. For their efforts, those involved with Operation Thimblerig were presented with the National Conservation Law Enforcement Award for 2018 from the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies during the annual conference held earlier in September 2018 in Tampa.
Accepting the award on behalf of the entire team was Lt. Jose Escabi, Lt. Jeremy Munkelt, and Investigator Danielle Munkelt. Investigator Willie Almagro, Resource Protection Officer Adam Garrison, and Captains Jay Marvin, David Dipre, and Alberto Maza have also played major roles in this sweeping investigation.
Congratulations to our FWC investigative team for this hard-earned award and a job well done!
 Officer Chris Schirbock received the law enforcement commendation medal from the National Association of the Sons of the American Revolution.
 Officer Jacob Carter is joined by wife Miranda after he was presented with an award for Outstanding Dedication to BUI Enforcement. The award was presented at the Polk County MADD Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Awards Ceremony on November 13, 2018.
 Lt. Dustin Lightsey from Northeast Region received the Meritorious Act Award from the United States Lifesaving Association. The award was presented at an Indian River County Commission meeting. In attendance were his wife, son, and Captain Travis Franklin.
 Mr. Ignacio Pinochet, owner of Chalks Airlines, recognized FWC SRB personnel for their hard work and dedication in Miami-Dade County.
 Officer Randall Bibler, Officer Specialist Alex Martinez, and Officer James Pettifer were recently awarded the MADD BUI Team of the Year Award for their excellence in BUI enforcement, training, and mentoring in the Tampa Bay area. We are so proud of these officers as the award recognizes them as the team of the year for the entire State of Florida! Pictured are Lt. Col. Eason, Bibler, Martinez, Pettifer, and Major Young.
Please join us in congratulating these members on their new ranks and positions!
Promotions from September 1, 2018 to December 1, 2018
James Adams (Southwest Region) - Promoted to Officer Specialist
Ryan Crane (North Central Region - Promoted to Officer Specialist
Jonathan Greene (Northwest Region) - Promoted to Officer Specialist
Matthew Land (Northwest Region) - Promoted to Officer Specialist
Bryan Little (Northwest Region) - Promoted to Officer Specialist
Jason Rafter (South Bravo Region) - Promoted to Officer Specialist
David Read (North Central Region) - Promoted to Officer Specialist
Clayton Wagner (South Bravo Region) - Promoted to Officer Specialist
Edward Webb (Northwest Region) - Promoted to Officer Specialist
Jason Willems (South Alpha Region) – Promoted to Officer Specialist
Richard Dearborn (Southwest Region) - Promoted to Officer Specialist
Lowell Forehand (Northwest Region) - Promoted to Officer Specialist
Ronald Perry (Southwest Region) – Promoted to Officer Specialist
John Salem (Southwest Region) – Promoted to Officer Specialist
Glen Way (South Bravo Region) – Promoted to Officer Specialist
Matthew Griffis (North Central Region) – Promoted to Lieutenant
Christopher Jones (Northwest Region) – Promoted to Investigator 2
Brandon Lewis (Northwest Region) – Promoted to Officer Specialist
Sulin Schafer (Northwest Region) – Promoted to Investigator 2
Paul Hein (South Bravo Region) – Promoted to Investigator 2
Christina Martin (South Bravo Region) – Promoted to Investigator 2
Casey Anderson (Investigations/Intelligence) – Promoted to Lieutenant
Matthew Cushing (Northwest Region) – Promoted to Officer Specialist
Maxwell Edson (Northeast Region) – Promoted to Officer Specialist
David Jernigan (Training Academy) – Promoted to Lieutenant
Stuart Messman (Southwest Region) – Promoted to Officer Specialist
Andrew Polaszek (Southwest Region) – Promoted to Officer Specialist
Welcome to the Family!
Jeanne Schodde (North Central Region) - AA1
Maninder Bawa (South Alpha Region) - Duty Officer
Nichole Bushue (South Alpha Region) - Duty Officer
Amanda Howard (Southwest Region) - Duty Officer
Michael Shepherd (South Alpha Region) - Duty Officer
Christina Clark (South Bravo Region) - Duty Officer
Annette Detzel (Southwest Region) - AA1
Adam Chvosta (South Bravo Region) - Law Enforcement Pilot
Paul Brickman (Southwest Region) - Law Enforcement Pilot
 FWC Officers assisted FWRI staff with a manatee release in November.
 On September 29, Officer Christian Earls (left) and Lt. George McCorkle responded with other Law Enforcement Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and assisted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Fire Rescue with a plane crash near Lake Hancock. Fortunately, there were no life-threatening injuries.
 Officer Clay McDonough and Lt. James Yetter from Northeast Region assisted with the Strategic Initiative Summit at Ponce Inlet. The officers took summit attendees for an excursion in the New Smyrna/ Ponce Inlet Area. Eleven attendees joined the OPV Osprey crew for a tour of the area.
 After helping with the Displaced Vessel detail in the Keys, South Region Alpha regional office joined with the Coast Guard and their contractor to identify and remove several vessels from Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie County. This effort started last November and pollution spilling vessels were removed right through the holidays.
 FWC's NE Region Division of Law Enforcement was featured in the November 2018 Wrackline Newsletter, the newsletter of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, for their stepped up shorebird patrols.
 Officer Ron Washington of South Bravo Region conducts a boater safety education course for students associated with the Associated Marine Institute in Miami. The purpose of the institute is to help inner city youth to “develop into responsible and productive citizens."
 From R-L - Lt. Steve VanNortwick and Officers Seth Wingard, Clay McDonough, and Chris Demeter from the Northeast Region attended the annual Tomoka Fest event at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach. The event draws approximately 1,000 people and the officers answered questions regarding the mission and work of FWC.
 Officer Markiel Curbelo of South Bravo Region discusses hunter safety at the Collier County Pepper Ranch Youth Hunt.
 North Central FWC Officer Matt Quarterman, PIO Roland Green and Marine Fisheries staff spent a great morning at Bartram Springs Elementary School with lots of other first responders for their Careers on Wheels Event! Careers on Wheels is an event which provides kindergartners and first graders an inside look at the professionals who spend their workdays – you guessed it – on wheels (or boats)!
 Officer David Bellville (Northeast Region) attended the National Night Out in Volusia County, which attracted hundreds. He brought a patrol vehicle, ATV, and a live alligator. Holding the young gator is Deland Police Chief Edward Overman.
 Officer Clay McDonough and Officer Chris Demeter from Northeast Region participated in the Volusia County Basket Brigade. They helped distribute Thanksgiving food baskets to needy members in the Volusia community.
 Lt. Jeff Hudson of Northeast Region represented FWC at the Wounded Warrior Outdoors annual wild hog and alligator hunt in Osceola County. This event provides our veterans the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while challenging them physically beyond what they previously believed they were capable of doing.
 Officer Specialist Johnston and Officer Hilliard from North Central Region participated in a trunk or treat outreach on Halloween at Port St. Joe Elementary School while on hurricane deployment. They were joined at the event by Officer Specialist Crane and Officer Specialist Suttles.
 Operation Outdoor Freedom is a Florida Forest Service program that provides outdoor recreational opportunities for wounded veterans. Several officers from the Northeast region, along with staff from Saint John’s River Water Management District, rallied to support this endeavor by setting up camp, preparing meals and serving as hunt guides.
 Volunteers kayaked out to Sandspur Island (managed by Oleta River State Park) and aided in trash pickup, removing over 50 pounds of trash. It was part of an ongoing effort to protect, preserve and restore natural habitat within the park. Pictured are youth members of North Miami Beach Police Activities League and FWC Officer Tyler Dunn (left), PIO Ronald Washington (right) and FYCCN South Region Partnership Coordinator Leo Villar (right).
 14 FWC officers (Officers Meade and Miller pictured above) were proud to participate in the 11th annual Christmas with an Officer event hosted by the Flagler County Sherriff’s Office in partnership with Target. This is the seventh year our officers have taken children on a shopping spree to buy gifts for their families, friends and—of course—themselves! This year, our officers adopted 14 children!
 Please Welcome FWC’s Newest Officers.
On October 19, 2018 FWC Academy Class 37 graduated 32 new officers, sending them on a career path of serving the public and enforcing the state’s conservation laws. They pledge to live up to their class motto of “Woods, Water, Air - 37's There!”
Congratulations to a great class and the excellent team of trainers at the academy!
Welcome our new sworn team members as they begin their careers at their first duty assignment.
Aaron Amador (South Alpha Region) – LE Officer
Ryan Ames (South Alpha Region) – LE Officer
Corrie Bell (North Central Region) – LE Officer
Alexander Bruder (South Bravo Region) – LE Officer
Steven Chamberlain (South Alpha Region) – LE Officer
Jessica Conroy (South Bravo Region) – LE Officer
Eric Fowler (North Central Region) – LE Officer
Kyle Freda (Southwest Region) – LE Officer
Christopher Guy (Southwest Region) – LE Officer
Jeffrey Hart (South Bravo Region) – LE Officer
Steven Hart (South Alpha Region) – LE Officer
Timothy Hedgepeth (South Bravo Region) – LE Officer
Collin Hocker (Northeast Region) – LE Officer
Garrett Jacobs (South Bravo Region) – LE Officer
James Jarrett (Aviation) – LE Pilot
Michael Johnston (South Bravo Region) – LE Officer
Matthew Lamoureux (Southwest Region) – LE Officer
Daniel Lebreton (Southwest Region) – LE Officer
Ian Lemaster (North Central Region) – LE Officer
Kaila Munkwitz (Southwest Region) – LE Officer
Corey Nall (South Alpha Region) – LE Officer
Barry Partelow (South Alpha Region) – LE Officer
James Riggs (South Alpha Region) – LE Officer
Eduardo Rodriguez (South Alpha Region) – LE Officer
Forest Rothchild (Southwest Region) – LE Officer
Tyler Schmitt (Northwest Region) – LE Officer
John Sizemore (South Bravo Region) – LE Officer
Stephen Smith (Aviation) – LE Pilot
William Smith (North Central Region) – LE Officer
Taryn Stanton (South Bravo Region) – LE Officer
Robert Starling (North Central Region) – LE Officer
 North Central team members undergoing defensive tactics training at the Jacksonville Office.
 FWC’s Miami Port Investigations Team was asked to train the Customs and Border Patrol Ag K-9 Unit on Migratory Bird detection. Pictured from FWC are Inv. Bill Stiffler, Port K-9 Officer Nate Martir-Negron and K-9 Trainer Officer Felix Collazo.
 South Region Alpha hosted the 2nd FWC Advanced Conservation Academy at the Quail Creek Plantation in Okeechobee County.
Congratulations to the new additions to our special teams!
Officer Jefferson Carroll has joined OPV as part of the Crystal River Fincat.
Officers Mason Tyler and Randy McDonald have joined the NC Region SOG Team.
 Northeast region welcomes weimaraner K-9 Blue to the family. Officer Brandon Hadwin was recently selected to serve as a K-9 handler.
 On August 28, the Division of Law Enforcement’s Special Operations Group (SOG) had the opportunity to conduct specialized training onboard the 455-foot SS American Victory Ship, located in Tampa Bay. The large, intricate ship allowed the SOG team to simulate real life training exercises. The American Victory consists of nine decks, a complex engine room equipped with catwalks and numerous maze-like passageways. These intricacies provided valuable training for the SOG team. The SS American Victory served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. It was saved from salvage in 1999 and converted into a museum, where it also provides an excellent venue to conduct training exercises.
 The crew of the OPV Trident conducted a marine fisheries inspection on a commercial shrimp vessel and located three large bagsof spiny lobster hidden beneath sacks of shrimp in the below-deck freezer.
 FWC Officers Jason Richards, Jeremy Foell, Jessica Sutter and NOAA Officer Robb found a total of 101 spiny lobster onboard, with 33 being undersized. The officers also discovered numerous turtle excluding device (TED) violations and the marine sanitation device (MSD) was discharging overboard. A crew member was arrested and booked into the Monroe County Detention Facility on numerous misdemeanor charges. The federal TED violations were documented and will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service.
 While on a Dry Tortugas patrol, the crew onboard FWC offshore patrol vessel CT Randall received information of a vessel returning to Key West with commercial quantities of reef fish without the required federal commercial permit. FWC Officers Richards, Foell, Hettel and NOAA/NMFS Officer Robb gathered further information on the vessel and awaited dockside. Upon arrival, the officers conducted a marine fisheries inspection. Four male subjects were onboard the vessel claiming to be on a commercial spearfishing trip from South Atlantic federal waters. A total of 560 pounds of snapper-grouper species were located onboard. The vessel did not have a valid NOAA South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper commercial permit. The snapper-grouper species were seized and the operator of the vessel was issued a federal citation.
 This homemade fish electroshock device, commonly known as a "monkey machine," because of its resemblance to an organ grinder's instrument, was donated by FWC Captain John West. These devices are designed by poachers to shock and catch fish. The crank handle delivers an electric charge to the leads, which connect to wires that extend into the water.
 Here's a great story about Officer Ronald Washington's participation in the Big Brother/Big Sister Program in Miami. Great Job!
 Officer Duane North and K9 Max assisted the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in the search and detection of a firearm that was used in a murder.
 The Orlando Sentinel ran an article about the arrest of a subject for destruction of burrowing owl nests. Full story here.
 In the culmination to a news story that made headlines for many days, the capture and safe return of the Asian water monitor lizard (not a Nile monitor) was featured on WSVN and other outlets here.
 Body Camera Update From Fleet and Technical Services!
In mid-2017, Technical Services began the process of selecting a body camera. Eight vendors applied and five were selected to participate in field trials and negotiations. The vendor that was awarded the contract is GETAC. Their camera is small, lightweight and has all the features we were looking for.
There are several mounting options for this body camera for officers in Class C uniforms, with or without the external ballistic carrier, and members in plain clothes. The camera is IP67 rated for dust and immersion in water. It has a 30 second pre-record buffer that will be video only and a record time of approximately 9 hours at 720p.
The camera has a docking station like your handheld radios that will be mounted in the vehicle. This docking station will allow for quick offload of videos to your laptop and easy charging. There is also a charging dock for at-home charging.
In early January, the regional MCT / SmartCop power users will attend training in Tallahassee and receive the first batch of cameras. They will begin field tests and assist with deployment. Deployments will begin at the end of January with the Northwest Region and should be completed statewide by April. During the deployment, the docking stations will be installed in vehicles.
The body camera policy is under final review, and when finalized will be pushed out through PowerDMS.
For more information click here.
 During a two-night poaching enforcement detail, Southwest Region FWC officers used specialized equipment and a K-9 to combat night time poaching. Ten misdemeanors were issued and the team seized five guns and two deer.
(From L-R) K-9 Officer Peter Gaudion, Officer Ashley Tyer, Lt. William Holcomb (back), Officer Reece Alvis (front holding K-9 Rita), Officer Kevin Balfour (back), Officer Nicholas Guerin (center), Pilot Garret Fields (back), Officer Dominique Infante (front), Officer Robert Berg
 Officer Roger Dubose with 42 undersized sheepshead, one undersized mangrove snapper and one undersized black drum, seized from a group of anglers in Brevard County.
 Officers Conroy, Araujo, and Yurewitch were on offshore patrol in the Gulf of Mexico at night and saw a commercial vessel returning from offshore. They conducted a resource inspection and found approximately 30 king mackerel on the deck in open air with no ice. Further inspection revealed other holds on the vessel and 100-king mackerel with no ice and an internal temperature ranging between 62 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making them unfit for human consumption. The officers estimated that the fish would be well over the 1250-pound commercial daily limit and followed the vessel back to the dock. Officers Wagner, Knutson and Collier County supervisors met the patrol boat at the dock to finish the inspection. The total weight was 1,637 pounds. The fish were seized, and the subject was cited accordingly for being over their quota allowance and for quality control. Great case!
 Pink Patches are still available! Proceeds are split between the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research and the Employee Assistance Fund with the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Contact David.Pate@MyFWC.com for more information!
 Officer Mike Rice from Northeast Region recently completed Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) school with fellow law enforcement professionals. Congratulations!
 While going to the Marianna Assembly of God first responder dinner four days after Hurricane Michael hit, FWC officers came across a just concluded wedding that had been displaced to the church. The officers helped out with some wedding photos to help celebrate the special moment.
Milestones
Make sure to congratulate these members on their recent employment milestone!
Retirement!
Charles Burkes (16 years, 9 months)
Scott Wilkenson (15 years, 4 months)
35 Years of Service
Terrynce Bing
Laura Dewald
Beth Smith
15 Years of service
David Jernigan
Richard Chason
Jorge Pino
Scott Lee
 Officer Kyle Plussa, seriously injured in a vehicle accident, finally returned home to a huge welcome form his law family.
 Lt. Mike Davis from Northeast Region and his Wife Ashley had a daughter Makennah Joy Davis born on September 13. She weighed 8 pounds.
 Officer Seth Loffler from Northeast Region and his wife Rebekah had a son Micah born on September 14. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 7 ounces.
 Officer Caleb & Elise Hallsten from Northeast Region welcomed their new baby girl Lydia on September 7.
 Duty Officer Justin Helton of the Northwest Region welcomed Brynleigh Grace Helton on November 22, weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces.
 Officer Sean Swindell and wife Allison from the Northwest Region welcomed Adalynn on November 12.
 Officer James Brodbeck and Mrs. Brodbeck from South Alpha Region welcomed newborn Kiera Faye Brodbeck on November 2. Kiera weighed 10 pounds 8 ounces.
 Officers Travis and Nicole Basford from the Northwest Region, and Big Sister Bella, welcomed Wyatt David born November 2 at 3:40 AM EST weighing in at 6 lbs., 11 oz. and 18.75” long.
 Lieutenant Jonathan Ruggiero snapped this shot of a mighty fine Florida specimen late in 2018. "I took this photo this year when the rut kicked in. This buck was following a doe and let me walk right up to him. Thought it was a pretty good shot!"
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