FMPD Honors Officers at Award Ceremony

“FMPD Honors Officers at Award Ceremony”

 On Friday, October 12, 2012 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 ofFort 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 Baker. “We appreciate their heroics and the hard work that these men and women put in each day.”

 LieutenantRebecca Princeand Officer Dawn Olson were honored for their efforts to take a burglary suspect into custody. Recently, police responded to a residential burglary in which two semi-automatic weapons were stolen. A few weeks later a second burglary was reported in the same area but nothing was taken. Through great police work and interviews a suspect was developed in the case. Lt. Prince and Officer Olson contacted the suspect’s father and arranged for the suspect to return the stolen firearms to the rightful owner. The suspect also apologized to the homeowner. The suspect was arrested for two counts of grand theft of a firearm.

 DetectiveJohn Pricewas honored for his professionalism in solving a landlord tenant dispute. Recently a complaint was filed in reference to some missing furniture from a rental property. One of the missing items was described as a family heirloom and the owner was devastated by its loss. Detective Price’s investigation led to the realization that the case was civil in nature. But Detective Price continued to assist in the situation by serving as a mediator. In the end, the heirloom was returned to the rightful owner. Detective Price was commended for his dedication and strong personal commitment to the citizens ofFort Myers.

 Community Service Aide Amanda Janetzke was honored for her efforts in catching a burglary suspect. CSA Janetzke recently responded to a vehicle burglary. It was the second burglary in the subdivision and both appeared to be committed by the same person. CSA Janetzke meticulously processed the crime scene and was able to lift finger prints of value that were submitted to the Crime Scene Unit.  One of the prints collected identified the suspect who resides in the vicinity of the crimes.  The suspect and was subsequently arrested for the burglary. Forensic evidence is an integral part of a successful prosecution and the individuals who collect and process evidence are often the unsung heroes of criminal investigations. CSA Janetzke was commended for her professionalism and dedication to the citizens ofFort Myers. 

 In addition, an undercover detective was honored for his resolve to solve crimes and remove criminals from the streets ofFort Myers. During the month of September the detective initiated several investigations that resulted in a “round up” of area drug dealers. These cases generated 30 felony charges, and he was able to obtain confessions on a majority of the investigations.