The Florida Police Chiefs Association is proud to announce that Mr. Jerry Gardner of Daytona Beach is being recognized by the Association with a 1998 egislative Leadership Award for his assistance to the Association during the 1998 Legislative Session, and in previous years . Mr. Gardner, as interim Staff Director of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee in 1995, helped the lorida Police Chiefs Association advance the Evelyn Gort Career Criminal Act during the 1995 Session. This law, which passed in 1995, was designed to make sure that the worst criminals received long prison terms for their crimes, in order to protect the public to the greatest possible extent. The Act was named after a Miami-Dade Police Officer who was murdered by a career criminal in 1993. In addition to helping the Association with this important law, Mr. Gardner was instrumental to the success of many major criminal law changes supported by the Association, such as the measure that requires criminals to serve no less than 85% of their sentences and the construction of more prison space. He also continuously provided support to the Association on many other issues. In 1998, as a private citizen, Mr. Gardner continued to be active and provide assistance. On a number of occasions he helped move the Association’s primary issue through the Legislature by making calls, providing introductions and giving advice.