Broward Mayor Congratulates Recipients of the BSO Annual Awards

- Mayor Ken Keechl First Mayor to Deliver Keynote Address at Ceremony -

The Broward Sheriff's Office recognized outstanding deputies, firefighters, civilian employees and local businesses at the BSO

Annual Awards Ceremony held Monday at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Mayor Ken Keechl set a precedent, becoming the first Broward County Mayor to deliver the keynote address at the ceremony. "You

are here today because you are the best of the best in Broward County," said Mayor Keechl. "You have shown courage, dedication, discipline and commitment to public service and I thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty. Everyone in Broward County benefits from your service."

Notable awards included the Samaritan of the Year award given to train conductors Willy Brommell and Raymond Alcala. When a 22-year-old motorist became stuck on the railroad tracks, Brommell and Alcala saw what was happening and their situational awareness allowed them to stop the train without harm.

The Citizen Life Saving Award was given to dive boat captain Shane Creech and boaters Lawrence and Julie Fitzpatrick for stopping an unmanned boat that was travelling at a high rate of speed toward shore and rescuing the four juveniles who had abandoned the vessel.

George Selimos received the Citizen of the Year Award for apprehending a burglary suspect after he witnessed the suspect ram a police vehicle during a pursuit.

The Gold Cross Award, recognizing acts of heroism that involve great personal risk or serious injury, was given to nine Pompano Beach deputies. Sergeants Mark Alexander and Tincu Taranu and detectives Eric Cieza-Aguilar, Albury Burrows, Erick Quigley, Kevin Vieira, Steven Handras, Ana Murillo, and Ryan Zimber exchanged gunfire with a robbery suspect who was under surveillance. The suspect survived and was arrested along with two others.

Numerous BSO law enforcement, fire rescue and detention employees were honored for myriad examples of exceptional service, courageous acts and volunteer work.