FIRST RESPONDERS
FALLEN FIRST RESPONDERS
We honor the profound bravery, unwavering courage, and deep compassion of first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice by losing their lives in the line of duty. These heroes have selflessly put the safety and well-being of others above their own, exemplifying the highest standards of service and dedication. In recognition of their noble sacrifice, we are committed to providing financial assistance to the families they leave behind, ensuring that their legacy of heroism is remembered and cherished. Through our support, we aim to offer some measure of comfort and stability to those enduring unimaginable loss, in honor of these fallen heroes' valor and selflessness.
Battalion Chief Terryson Jackson Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue End of Watch: August 28, 2023
Officer Charles Herring Pembroke Pines Police Department End of Watch: February 9, 2023
Sergeant Patrick Madison Coral Spring Police Department End of Watch: August 20, 2021
Officer Jennifer Sepot Fort Lauderdale Police Department End of Watch: August 14, 2021
Officer Horacio Dominguez Miccosukee Police Department End of Watch: February 21, 2021
Special Agent Laura Ann Schwartzenberger Federal Bureau of Investigation End of Watch: February 2, 2021
Special Agent Daniel Alfin Federal Bureau of Investigation End of Watch: February 2, 2021
Lieutenant Aldemar Rengifo, Jr. Broward Sheriff's Office End of Watch: August 16, 2020
MEDAL OF VALOR HONOREES
TRIBUTE TO BRAVERY LUNCHEON & CEREMONY
An exceptional person gives of themselves selflessly and without hesitation. A hero puts their own life on the line, everyday, for total strangers . In honor of the daily sacrifices of Broward’s heroes, those first responders who protect and serve our communities, the Advisory Council presents its highest honor, the Medal of Valor Award, to these brave men and women in recognition of extraordinary acts of bravery.
Broward Sheriff's Office Co-Responder Team: In the face of a growing mental health crisis, Deputy Marcus Hall and Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist Daniel Gelpi are changing lives. They do this not with force, but with empathy, expertise, and heart. In 2024, they responded to over 400 crisis calls without a single use-of-force incident, including one life-saving intervention with a young man in Cooper City. Their work has diverted more than 100 people from jail and into treatment, proving that true bravery often looks like a calm voice, a listening ear, and a refusal to give up on someone in pain.
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue Division Special Operations Command- TRT (Technical Rescue Team): Captain Kevin Meyers is a standout leader in BSO Fire Rescue’s Technical Rescue Team and a member of FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue Task Force. In 2024, he helped overhaul the department’s training and selection process for one of the most elite units in the county. He built realistic training props, mentored less experienced firefighters, and ensured every member under his leadership earned state certification. Through his dedication, innovation, and guidance, Captain Meyers continues to shape the future of fire rescue and inspire the next generation of lifesavers.
Broward Sheriff's Office Titan Unit: A highly specialized team that blends tactical precision with fearless frontline response. In 2024, they showed exactly why they’re one of Broward’s most trusted. From locating armed suspects and responding to active crime scenes, to rescuing a suicidal individual and preventing further loss in multiple violent incidents, the unit responded to over 300 calls with unmatched skill and resolve. Behind every high-risk pursuit, foot chase, and lifesaving arrest, the TITAN team proves again and again that they are committed to standing between danger and safety in our community.
Coral Springs Police Department: When a mental health call escalated into a violent ambush, Officers Dakota Dussault, Giovana Giraldo, and Karla Torres faced a life-threatening attack with extraordinary courage. Officer Dussault was struck with a bat and stabbed in the head, Officer Giraldo was wounded while protecting her partner, and Officer Torres, just three months on the job, stayed calm under pressure and deployed her Taser, ending the assault. Their bravery, teamwork, and split-second decision-making prevented a tragedy and exemplified the very best of law enforcement.
Coconut Creek Police Department: Detective Clint Corey is known not only for his deep compassion but also for his exceptional investigative skill and leadership. When a beloved member of Coconut Creek’s Foundation for Independent Living passed away, the longtime volunteer and board member delivered the heartbreaking news to her family and supported dozens of special needs residents through their grief. Beyond moments like this, he has helped recover hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud cases, trains the next generation of investigators through his F.I.T. program, and has become one of the most trusted public safety voices in his city, earning him the nickname “The Mayor of Coconut Creek.”
Broward Sheriff's Office Deerfield Beach District: While pursuing armed kidnapping suspects on a crowded stretch of I-95, Detective Jonathan Brown made a split-second decision that likely saved a life. As the suspects sped toward a Florida Highway Patrol trooper conducting a traffic stop, Detective Brown executed a precise PIT maneuver, stopping their vehicle just in time. His bravery and quick thinking led to the safe arrest of two armed individuals and protected not just a fellow officer, but countless lives on the road that day.
Florida Highway Patrol: On December 30, 2024, Trooper Frank Hernandez helped track down a vehicle connected to multiple homicides in Broward County. When the suspects fled, he initiated a high-speed pursuit and executed a precise PIT maneuver that brought the car to a safe stop. One suspect was taken into custody immediately and the second quickly captured with BSO’s support. His quick thinking, coordination, and calm under pressure helped take two dangerous individuals off the streets, preventing further tragedy.
Fort Lauderdale Police Department: On the evening of July 8, 2024, Detective Joseph Hoffman and Officer Erick Flores responded to a mass shooting in Fort Lauderdale where multiple victims had been struck, sadly including a two-year-old boy who had been shot in the head and leg. Realizing there was no time to wait for EMS, the officers rendered lifesaving aid on scene and personally transported the critically injured child to the hospital, continuing care during the drive. Thanks to their fast thinking and courageous action, the young boy survived and is now on the road to recovery.
Hallandale Beach Police Department: In 2024, Detective Sandra Harris led some of the county’s most high-risk criminal investigations. This included presenting Broward’s first capital sexual battery case to a grand jury and securing a 33-count RICO indictment against a violent gang. Despite threats and the danger involved, she pursued justice with courage, collaborating across agencies to dismantle networks that posed serious threats to public safety. Her bravery, leadership, and relentless commitment to protecting the community make her a truly distinguished honoree.
Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue Division Hallandale Beach: On January 23, 2024, EMS Captain Jennifer Arreola responded to a dangerous crane collapse in unincorporated Broward County, where she found a critically injured 26-year-old man in traumatic shock. Demonstrating exceptional skill and composure, she performed a life-saving bilateral chest thoracotomy and administered emergency treatment that stabilized the victim. Thanks to her bravery and skill, that young man walked out of the hospital just weeks later, back to his wife and two small children.
Hillsboro Beach Police Department: On July 24, 2024, after a pedestrian was critically injured in a hit-and-run on A1A, Detective Maria Stengel took on what seemed like an unsolvable case. There were no witnesses and only a few fragments of broken headlight at the scene. Through tireless investigation, collaboration with forensic experts, and remarkable attention to detail, she identified the vehicle. After obtaining a search warrant, she secured charges against the driver. Her relentless pursuit of justice brought accountability for the victim and peace of mind to the community she passionately serves.
Hollywood Police Department: Since joining the Department’s in July 2024, Officer David Diaz has gone above and beyond in his service. He has arrested violent offenders, recovered a vehicle tied to a felony homicide, and tracked down a wanted sex offender using a false identity, just to name a few. His sharp instincts, relentless follow-through, and deep commitment to protecting the public have made him a standout officer in every sense. Officer Diaz has earned him the respect and trust of not only his department, but the entire community.
Lauderhill Police Department: On August 11, 2024, Officer Cody Richards responded to a life-threatening suicide attempt where a woman was bleeding heavily from a self-inflicted injury. Amid the chaos, he remained calm, quickly subdued the distraught woman, and expertly applied a tourniquet that ultimately saved her life. His swift, compassionate, and skillful response gave her a second chance and reflected the highest standards of service and humanity in law enforcement.
Margate Police Department: Detective Megan Britt has worked tirelessly to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable victims. Her work on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including a case involving over 80,000 illegal files, highlights her precision and relentless commitment to protecting the innocent. Whether uncovering the sexual abuse of an elderly woman with Alzheimer’s or intercepting an online predator before he could meet a juvenile victim, Detective Britt brings extraordinary determination to every case she takes on.
Miramar Police Department: On New Year’s Eve 2024, Officer Xavier Osorio stopped a stolen vehicle only to discover the driver was a convicted felon armed with a fully loaded AR-15. His prompt and composed response led not only to a peaceful arrest, but to critical intelligence that helped uncover multiple planned gang-related homicides, seize six illegal firearms, and assist detectives in multiple jurisdictions. Thanks to Officer Osorio’s vigilance, interviewing skills, and calm under pressure, a dangerous criminal network was disrupted, and lives were saved.
Plantation Police Department: On June 16, 2024, Officer Courtney Fish responded to a life-or-death emergency involving an unresponsive 11-month-old baby. Arriving within one minute, she immediately began CPR, not knowing the child had been exposed to fentanyl. With relentless focus and composure under extreme pressure, Officer Fish revived the child multiple times until Fire Rescue arrived. Thanks to her immediate action and refusal to give up, the baby was ultimately stabilized at the hospital and survived.​
Lighthouse Point Police Department: In 2024, Officer Matthew Masi of the Department raised more than $27,000 for Special Olympics Florida, the most in the history of the Tip-a-Cop program. He also organized programs that brought joy to underprivileged children and elderly residents in his community. Recognized internationally for his dedication, Officer Masi has become a passionate advocate for inclusion, compassion, and service beyond the badge. His commitment to uplifting others reflects the heart of public service and the spirit of this award.
Miccosukee Police Department: In 2024, Officer Anthony Moser of the Miccosukee Police Department demonstrated extraordinary bravery through a series of lifesaving acts. From rescuing two crash victims trapped in submerged vehicles to stabilizing a gunshot victim whose survival depended on his immediate care, he repeatedly rose to the call with courage and skill. Officer Moser’s dedication to protecting others reflects the very best of law enforcement.
Pembroke Pines Police Department: On February 8, 2024, Officers William Sproat, Zarick Jackson, and Victor Lescano responded to a harrowing 911 call from a brave 15-year-old reporting that his father was violently attacking his mother. With extraordinary courage and urgency, the officers entered the scene, rescued the five children were inside the home, stabilized the victim, and secured the armed suspect. Though sadly the mother later passed away, their swift actions saved the lives of five innocent children and prevented even greater tragedy.
Seminole Police Department: On September 1, 2024, Officers Patricia Johnson and Mariano Restaino responded to an attempted child abduction at the Seminole Tribal Clinic involving a mother who had lost custody of her daughter. The suspect had barricaded herself in a bathroom with her 3-year-old child after assaulting a ChildNet supervisor. Thanks to the officers’ quick thinking, the child was safely rescued, and the suspect was taken into custody, preventing a potentially devastating outcome.
Sunrise Police Department: On January 2, 2024, Detective Robert Padron confronted a dangerous armed suspect attempting to flee South Florida by bus. As the suspect opened fire in a crowded public area, Detective Padron stepped directly into harm’s way, returned fire, and neutralized the threat — preventing a tragedy and protecting innocent lives. Despite being seriously wounded in the exchange, Detective Padron’s courage and selfless actions that day reflect the highest level of valor and devotion to duty.
Broward Sheriff's Office Weston District: What began as a routine call on November 8th about a disabled vehicle quickly turned into a lifesaving mission for CSA Jorge Esquivel and Deputies Carlos Martinez, Ariel Gonzalez, and Mike Belizaire. After a woman quietly confided she was being held against her will, the team acted swiftly and with compassion. Protecting the victim, they helped her secure documents so that she could safely return home to Chile. Their actions didn’t just stop a human trafficking situation in progress, but they also gave a woman her freedom back.