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October 1, 2001 Prayers for our Country On September 11, 2001, our lives were changed forever. Let's all remember our brothers in blue, the firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice, all the victims and their families, and America, which lost so much on this day. Let us remember them all in our prayers. And let's pray that our government responds with a message that will discourage any future cowardly acts against our great nation. On September 10, 2001, I and over 1,000 other folks attended the "Florida Missing Children's Day" at the State Capitol in Tallahassee. I was happy to see a number of uniformed Police Chiefs there. This was a very touching, emotional program where a number of law enforcement personnel,citizens, and business people received awards for outstanding efforts on behalf of children. Detective Charlie Gates and Sergeant Gary Klinger of the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Postal Inspector April Huedin were honored as the 2001 Local Law Enforcement Task Force Officers of the Year 2001. Local Law Enforcement Officer of the Year was Detective Reginald Johnson of the Gainesville Police Department. State Law Enforcement of the Year was Special Agent Jeff Fortier of F.D.L.E. Gainesville. Trailing Team of the Year (Tracking) were Corporals Michael Nidy and Scott Blizard and K-9 Copper of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Sharpes, Florida. Reverend Walter Horn of Naranja, Florida, was honored as Citizen of the Year. A Public Service Award went to Wal-Mart Stores for their " Lock Down Program," and the Governor's Points of Light Award went to the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association. Commissioner Tim Moore did a great job in hosting this event. The keynote speaker was Mr. John Walsh of the program, "America's Most Wanted." Our Governor, Jeb Bush, and Lieutenant Governor Frank Brogan were participants. The Florida Missing Children's Day and Police Memorial Day are two programs we should make every effort to attend. They illustrate our efforts on behalf of the public and instill pride in serving as police officers.
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