Government and Politics
April 29, 2024
From: Florida Governor Ron DeSantisTALLAHASSEE, FL - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis welcomed heroes from across the state of Florida to the Florida Governor’s Residence to recognize them for their contributions to others and for exhibiting exceptional courage, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Seventy five Florida heroes were honored at the ceremony, including first responders, doctors, veterans, law enforcement, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, parents, and innovators who have all exhibited bravery and self-sacrifice. Also honored were members of the community who have dedicated themselves to helping others overcome adversity through nonprofit efforts, adoption and foster care, careers in education, and advocacy.
“This evening it was a privilege to recognize and personally thank each Florida hero in attendance for their selfless dedication to their communities and our state,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “In Florida, we want to recognize and extoll the virtues of selflessness and service, and these 75 individuals embodied those virtues through their actions and achievements.”
“We are proud tonight to share the goodness of Floridians,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “We were glad to highlight the inspiring stories of first responders, community leaders, foster parents, veterans, doctors, and others.”
Each hero had their story highlighted during a recognition ceremony and displayed throughout the Governor’s Residence. To read each of the 2024 Florida heroes’ stories click here.
See below for the list of the names of the 2024 Florida Heroes.
Tallahassee
Debra Harris
Nicolas Boutwell
Zayn Ahmed
Angela Holloman
Sloan Holloman
Charlie Lott
Detective Paul Osborn and K9 Jon Jon
Marvin Mattair
Pensacola
Kasie Windfelder
Special Agent Jeremy Horn
Aleta Jefferson
Stuart Dame
Panama City
Detective Janine Knight
William Clay Sorrell and Brice Williamson
Officer Jonathan Thomas
Joe Taylor
Jacksonville
Rusty Burke
Jefferey Scott Ryan
Kennedy Armstrong
David Stevens
Wilma David
Tammy Romanczuk
Inspector Carlton Milton and Inspector Christopher Register
Orlando
Lieutenant Ben Wootson III
Adrienne Bunn
Zuly Bovbjerg
TJ McCoy, Jr.
Wynne McFarlin
Crystal Horrocks and Kathleen Horrocks
Christina Martin and Chris Martin
Ginger Faulk
Tampa
Julie Gebhards
Nichole Venegas
Marlynne Stutzman
Delanie Dennis
Scott Neil
Synthia Fairman
Officer Kelsey Dalton
Graci McGillicuddy(Sarasota)
Fort Myers
Captain Chris Wittman and Captain Daniel Andrews
Sergeant Dave Musgrove
Lieutenant Michael Bellflower
Sergeant Lionel Conyers
West Palm Beach
Bailey Hughes
Scott VanDuzer
Lauree Simmons
Miami
Dr. Sylvia Iriondo
Fernando Safdie, MD
Dr. Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat
Jeanne Albaugh
Amy Derick, MD
Dawn Witherspoon
Miami-Dade Police Officers recognized for a lifesaving rescue
Officer Junior Clervil
Officer Julian Reyes
Officer Michael Montesino
Officer Emanuel Walton III
Sergeant Edward Webster
Gainesville
Kay Roussos-Ross, MD
Trooper Josh Allen
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officers Deployed for Operation Lone Star
Investigator John Booth
Officer Alexander Bruder
Officer Brandon Catalano
Officer Robert Dziewiatkowski
Captain Jose Escabi
Officer Benjamin Norbrothen
Lieutenant Anthony Padilla
Officer Shelby Sellers
Investigator Rebecca Teems
Officer Emily Whitty
Investigator Jon Arnold