TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s top law enforcement officers were honored Wednesday morning for their bravery and courage.
Nine officers from eight agencies were recognized for the 2018 Florida Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.
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“It's important for us as a community, as a state to remember how dangerous this job is," said Attorney General Ashley Moody.
The top award went to Miami Deputy Manuel Gonzalez, who was shot six times during an encounter with a suspected criminal. He still managed to apprehend the suspect.
“Overall with my recovery process, I feel great. It's been a little over a year already since my incident, and I'm happy to be here," said Gonzalez.
Among seven other nominees was Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas Dolan, who in February of 2017, stopped a potential mass shooter in Citrus County.
Deputy Jesus Madrigal, who arrested the Fort Lauderdale airport shooter, was also recognized.
“It was a total of only 86 seconds," said Moody.
Lieutenant Debra Clayton, a nominee, was killed in the line of duty. Her son and husband accepted the award on her behalf.
“You know when they walk out the door, you never know if they're going to come back or not. So you know you just gotta stay prayed up and keep your faith," said Debra's husband, Seth Clayton.
Lt. Clayton is one of nearly 1,600 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty nationwide in the past decade.
A moment of silence was held at the ceremony in honor of 11 Florida law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2018.