stories from officers who left California and New York
ABOVE VIDEO: Attorney General Presents Sunshine Salute Sit-Down Series Highlighting New Florida Law Enforcement
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Attorney General Ashley Moody is ramping up law enforcement recruitment efforts with a new interview series highlighting out-of-state officers who answered the call to come Be A Florida Hero.
The Sunshine Salute Sit-Down Series features officers, deputies and troopers who heard the call, left their homes and now serve in the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation.
The series includes stories from officers who left California and New York—states that have demonstrated a lack of support for law enforcement and adopted soft-on-crime policies at the expense of public safety.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “These officers took a tremendous leap of faith—many leaving their lifelong homes to answer our call to be a Florida hero. Some of their stories highlight a growing problem in parts of the country where leaders have chosen soft-on-crime policies over the safety of officers and the communities they serve. Some officers have moved here simply to start a family in a safer, freer environment. While others just like how Florida honors their service.
“I enjoyed meeting these courageous public servants, and it is an honor to help tell their stories. By sharing their experiences, we hope even more law enforcement officers from out-of-state will follow suit and move to the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation. The journey begins at BeAFloridaHero.com.”
To kick off the Sunshine Salute Sit-Down Series, Attorney General Moody interviewed Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy Geoff Moore. Deputy Moore moved to Florida from New Hampshire. While talking to Attorney General Moody, Deputy Moore explains how a new bail-reform law made it difficult to keep criminals behind bars. After some research and discussion with family, Deputy Moore decided to move to Florida. He tells Attorney General Moody that public safety policies in Florida, and the collective support from the community and colleagues at PCSO, are reaffirming his decision to move.
To watch Attorney General Moody’s interview with Deputy Moore, click here.
Also featured in the series, are two officers from California who grew frustrated with the decriminalization of serious felonies. The officers talk about how early-release programs in California gave criminals free reign to continue crime sprees and instilled fear in victims. St. Petersburg Officer Dean Buttar says California leaders prioritizing criminals over officers and law-abiding citizens lead to fewer victims pressing charges.
To hear from Officer Buttar and several other new Florida heroes, click here.
In the final installment of the series, Attorney General Moody sits down with a law enforcement couple who met while working for the New York City Police Department. Eventually, the two fell in love, married and came to the conclusion that a change of scenery was needed in order to start a family. Now, officers Mike and Angeliesse Nesterwitz are new Floridians working at Tampa International Airport, where they feel they have the support needed to protect and serve.
To meet the law enforcement lovebirds, click here.
Attorney General Moody launched the Be A Florida Hero initiative in 2021 to help recruit law enforcement officers to Florida. The interactive recruitment tool showcases career opportunities available at law enforcement agencies across the state. It also highlights new law enforcement benefits Attorney General Moody, Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida legislative leaders worked hard to pass into law—including a law enforcement bonus program and relocation grants. Since July 2022, more than 900 new law enforcement officers have moved to Florida from other states.
The Sunshine Salute Sit-Down Series expands upon Attorney General Moody’s Thin Line Tribute program, that recognizes the daily efforts of front-line officers who work to protect Floridians. Attorney General Moody created Thin Line Tribute to give law enforcement officers the recognition they greatly deserve but may not always receive. TLT Sunshine Salute honors out-of-state officers who answer the call to become a Florida Hero. The launch features recruits from Illinois, New York and Philadelphia.
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