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Broward County's Celebration of Bravery: The 2025 Valor Awards

On April 10, 2025, the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council (BSAC) held its much-anticipated annual Tribute to Bravery event at the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach. This annual ceremony draws attention to the remarkable courage and dedication displayed by the first responders in Broward County, and this year was no exception.

During the event, a selection of local heroes were honored with the prestigious Medal of Valor for their exceptional service and bravery demonstrated in the line of duty. The afternoon began with a warm reception, leading into the ceremony where accolades were bestowed upon various individuals and teams who made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of their communities.

Andy Mitchell, Chairman of the Board for BSAC, expressed the importance of this event, stating, "Each year, this event reminds us why the work of the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council matters so deeply. Behind every medal is a story of a first responder who answered the call without hesitation. We are proud to support them and are committed to ensuring their service never goes unseen."

Among the award recipients were individuals and teams who have displayed selflessness and dedication in their duties:

• - Deputy Marcus Hall and Behavioral Health Therapist Daniel Gelpi: As members of the Broward Sheriff's Office Co-Responder Team, they responded to over 400 crisis calls in 2024 without a single use-of-force incident, successfully diverting more than 100 individuals from jail to treatment.
• - Captain Kevin Meyers: Known for overhauling training programs within the BSO Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team, he is committed to mentoring young rescuers.
• - BSO TITAN Unit: A band of 15 detectives and K9 deputies who bravely addressed over 300 high-risk calls, effectively apprehending armed suspects and preventing potential violence.
• - Detective Clint Corey: Recognized for his mentorship of junior detectives while concurrently supporting vulnerable residents and overseeing financial crime investigations.
• - Coral Springs Police Department Officers Dakota Dussault, Giovana Giraldo, and Karla Torres: They bravely handled a violent ambush during a mental health crisis, effectively ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
• - Detective Jonathan Brown from BSO Deerfield Beach: His decisive actions, including the use of a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, prevented an armed kidnapping and safeguarded officers on the highway.
• - Trooper Frank Hernandez: Another recipient credited with executing a high-speed PIT maneuver that brought a homicide suspect to justice.
• - Detective Joseph Hoffman and Officer Erick Flores: Together, they saved the life of a two-year-old shooting victim through immediate medical response, transporting him to safety.
• - Additional noteworthy recipients included Detective Sandra Harris, EMS Captain Jennifer Arreola, Detective Maria Stengel, Officer David Diaz, and many others who exhibited extraordinary dedication and exemplary service.

The highlight of the day was Valerie Silverman’s unexpected promotion to Executive Director during the luncheon. "We celebrated compassion, courage, and a deep commitment to our community, the very values that guide what we do at BSAC," she expressed. "This role is an incredible honor, and I am passionate about leading with purpose and empathy to continue supporting our first responders."

Their stories and acts of kindness remind us of the remarkable spirit of service baked into the fabric of the Broward community. These everyday heroes represent the selflessness and courage that inspire others to make a difference and foster a safer environment for all.

About the Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council

The Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting first responders in Broward County, providing financial assistance to families of those killed or injured in the line of duty. Over the years, the Council's mission has evolved to include various initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and well-being of first responders everywhere. Partnering with local law enforcement, they contribute to essential resources such as state-of-the-art equipment and educational programs that bolster community safety.

In a statement, the Advisory Council reiterated their ongoing commitment, asserting: "We are Protecting Those Who Protect Us," echoing the sentiments of gratitude for the service and bravery showcased during the Tribute to Bravery ceremony.

For more information, visit www.browardsheriffsadvisorycouncil.com.