September 17, 2013
On Friday, September 13, 2013 the Fort Myers Police Department honored several employees at a monthly award ceremony. FMPD strives every day to not only protect and serve the residents of the City of Fort Myers, but to make it a better place to live. “It is our policy to recognize employees of exemplary performance of their duties” said Chief Doug Baker. “We appreciate their heroics and the hard work that these men and women put in each day.”
Officer David Conticelli was nominated for his investigative skills that resulted in the arrest of a robbery suspect. Back in July officers responded to a robbery in which the victim was ordered by the suspect to drive to a bank and withdraw money. The victim was able to provide a general description of the suspect’s vehicle and a partial tag. When Officer Conticelli reported for duty later that day, he took it upon himself to follow up on the incident. Officer Conticelli searched through the D.A.V.I.D. program using the partial tag and vehicle description that was provided by the victim. After a meticulous search for the tag that lasted hours, Officer Conticelli located a possible match. Officer Conticelli worked with the Detective Division and eventually developed a suspect. Officer Conticelli later assisted the task force with taking the suspect into custody for robbery and kidnapping. This incident is just one of the many investigations that Officer Conticelli either initiates or assists with on a daily basis. Officer Conticelli was commended for his strong ability to identify, analyze and solve problems, while exhibiting the core values of the agency.
Officer Ivan Moorer was honored for his proactive policing that led to the arrest of a burglary suspect and gun off our City streets. Officer Moorer conducted a nighttime traffic stop on an individual wearing all black clothing and riding a bicycle without lights near the intersection of Marsh and Armeda Avenues. As Officer Moorer began his investigation of the individual, the suspect dropped the bicycle and fled on foot. Officer Moorer chased the suspect several city blocks. The foot pursuit took a path behind several houses on Armeda Avenue before Officer Moorer apprehended the suspect in the area of Prospect Avenue. Officer Moorer believed the suspect had been armed during the initial encounter, but at the arrest location the suspect did not have a weapon. Officer Moorer retraced their steps and located a Smith & Wesson .38 caliber handgun on top of a trashcan. Further investigation and evidence led to the arrest of the suspect for numerous prior burglaries. Officer Moorer was honored for his hard work ethic and dedication to keep our City safe.
Sergeant Peter Tarman was honored for assisting with media coverage following the tragic death of Sergeant Michael Wilson of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. Shortly after the tragedy, WINK News asked FMPD if we could provide someone that could talk about Honor Guard protocol during their live coverage of the fallen officer’s funeral. Sergeant Tarman volunteered without hesitation. Sergeant Tarman drove to Punta Gorda and joined WINK News Anchor Stacy Adams for the special newscast. Dressed in Class A Uniform Sergeant Tarman represented the profession in the most positive light. Sergeant Tarman discussed Honor Guard protocol in a paramilitary setting in at least a half dozen different live shots. He did so, with the utmost respect for Sergeant Wilson, with much of his knowledge stemming from our own experience and loss of Officer Andrew Widman. Sergeant Tarman is commended for his expertise, professionalism, and comfortable demeanor that hopefully assisted in educating the public about law enforcement and the effects of a line of duty death on an agency, part of our profession that we pray to never endure.
FMPD Volunteer Al Kendrick was honored for his fast actions after witnessing a car crash. Mr. Kendrick was on his way to work when he saw the crash. The vehicle glided across Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard, hit the medium and a fire hydrant before flipping on its side in a ditch. Mr. Kendrick immediately responded to the accident to check on the well-being of the victim. He saw that water was rapidly filling up the ditch from the hydrant. The victim was slumped over the steering wheel, and had visible lacerations and bruising. Mr. Kendrick was able to safely get the victim out of the vehicle and out of harm’s way. He remained with the victim until law enforcement arrived. Mr. Kendrick has been a volunteer with FMPD for more than nine years and he is an active member of the City View Neighborhood Watch group. Mr. Kendrick has also assisted the police department with special events, the Citizen’s Police Academy and is the current coordinator for the Volunteer Program with our agency. Mr. Kendrick is commended for his professionalism and the support he always offers to the police department and the community. We are grateful for his willingness to always lend a helping hand.
Shelly Flynn
Public Information Officer
Fort Myers Police Department
239-321-7721