Phil Ammann
Florida’s leading law enforcement association recognized 10 legislators this week for providing significant advancements in 2015 to the state’s overall public safety.
Florida Sheriffs Association is a for-profit corporation representing Florida Sheriffs, as well as nearly 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 Floridians. The association released its annual list of Legislative Champions on Monday night during the group’s Summer Conference in Broward County.
State senators named as FSA Legislative Champions for 2015 include Rene Garcia of Hialeah, Denise Grimsley of Sebring, Tampa’s Arthenia Joyner, Jack Latvala of Clearwater, and Chris Smith of Fort Lauderdale.
Representing the House on the list are state Reps. Shawn Harrison of Tampa, Dave Kerner of Lake Worth, Charles McBurney from Jacksonville, Kathleen Peters of South Pasadena, and Miami’s Carlos Trujillo.
The FSA chose state legislators who advocate for increased efficiency for deputies through electronic notarization of work documents (HB 523) and $800,000 in funding for mental health training for deputies.
In 2015, lawmakers also promoted initiatives allowing Floridians to quickly remove unwanted house guests (HB 305), strengthened civil citation programs for juveniles (SB 378), and supported Florida’s civil asset forfeiture laws.
Founded in 1893, FSA is now one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. Its mission is to support the needs of the state’s law-enforcement community. The group gives its members a forum to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety, including programs such as affordable deputy training, special task forces and legislative and legal services.
Information on the Florida Sheriffs Association is available at www.flsheriffs.org.
