November 9, 2012
“FMPD Honors Officers at Award Ceremony”
On Friday, November 9, 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 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 Baker. “We appreciate their heroics and the hard work that these men and women put in each day.”
Officer Giordani Almonte and Officer Brandon Birch were honored for their efforts on the Violent Crimes Task Force. Recently during a traffic stop the officers could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the person in question. While searching the suspect they found a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun tucked in his front left waistband. The officers attempted to place the suspect under arrest when he began to struggle and resist. The officers quickly gained control of the situation and further discovered marijuana in one of the suspect’s pockets. As it turns out the suspect is a three time convicted felon and was ultimately charged with Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Marijuana, and Resisting Arrest without Violence.
Officer Jonathan Garcia was honored for his efforts in removing a violent offender from City streets. Recently while on patrol Officer Garcia recognized a man fleeing from an area as a known violent offender. The offender’s actions were suspicious and Officer Garcia believed that possibly a crime had been committed or was about to be committed. Officer Garcia proceeded to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. The vehicle pulled over however, the suspect fled from the vehicle on foot. During the pursuit Officer Garcia observed the suspect throw a handgun into the river but he continued to pursue the suspect until he was taken into custody. Officer Garcia was also determined to find the handgun. In the dark of night Officer Garcia waded into the river wearing his uniform pants and an undershirt. He searched for the gun for an hour until he found it about 40 feet from shore. The suspect was arrested for Resisting an Officer without Violence, Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, and Evidence Destruction.
Sergeant Ramy Moussa was honored for his leadership and his ability to effectively balance work demands while setting high standards of personal performance. Recently Sgt. Moussa was called upon to take on extra responsibilities when the Lieutenant on his shift went on an extended medical leave. For three months Sgt. Moussa performed all of his duties as a road sergeant as well as the duties of a lieutenant, while leading his team in a professional and positive direction.
Administrative Assistant, Jill Newhouse was honored for efforts involving two drug arrests. Ms. Newhouse was in the parking lot of a police substation when she was approached by two people. They engaged Ms. Newhouse in conversation and then proceeded to ask if she knew where they could purchase heroin. Ms. Newhouse did not let on that she worked for the Police Department or that they were standing in front of the police substation; instead, she redirected them to the neighborhood south of their location. She also concentrated on their clothing and the personal description of both individuals. Ms. Newhouse then relayed the information to the detectives. Two FMPD detectives then posed as street level drug dealers, and with the assistance of Ms. Newhouse, located both subjects and sold them imitation Oxycodone. The two subjects were then placed under arrest and charged with Attempted Purchase of a Controlled Substance.
Shelly Flynn
Public Information Officer