Community Policing Officer Garners Prestigious Award

The Fort Myers Police Department is proud to announce that Officer David Conticelli was the recipient of the 2013 “Lee McGehee” Police Officer of the Year Award from the Florida Police Chiefs Association. Officer Conticelli was selected for his relentless pursuit in solving crimes and his problem solving abilities as a West District Community Policing Coordinator.

In July of 2013 Officer Conticelli was instrumental in the identification and apprehension of an individual who committed a robbery kidnapping. Officer Conticelli took it upon himself to follow up on the incident eventually finding the perpetrator through a partial vehicle tag. Officer Conticelli could have easily forwarded the case to a detective but instead continued the investigation until fruition.

A Community Policing Officer is not just a crime fighter. In August of 2013 Officer Conticelli showcased the passionate side of his work when he came across a 10-year old boy who was wandering the streets with no shoes. Officer Conticelli discovered the boy lived with his father who was struggling financially. Realizing neglect was not the issue Officer Conticelli went above and beyond for the child by way of buying him shirts of his favorite football team, shoes and getting additional clothing donated from a local church. Officer Conticelli’s selfless acts assisted a family in need and helped raise the spirits of a boy and his father.

Officer Conticelli received the award in the large agency category on July, 2nd at the Annual Installation and Awards Banquet held during the FPCA’s 62nd Annual Summer Training Conference & Exposition in Boca Raton. “Officer Conticelli exemplifies everything we look for in officers who represent our city and agency,” said Chief Douglas Baker.

*Group picture far left is Director of Prevention Dennis Wamsley of Publix Super Markets. Far right is FPCA President Chief Philip Thorne of the Springfield Police Department.