FLORIDA MARLINS “STEP UP TO THE PLATE” AND “PITCH IN”
December 29, 2007
From left to right: Santa, Nancy Olson with the Marlins Foundation, Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti and Billy the Marlin.
At this year’s BSO “Toys for Tots and Teens” toy drive, Santa may have worn his big red suit, but Santa’s helpers came dressed in blue pin stripes!
Over a dozen volunteers from the Florida Marlins Community Foundation helped to make this year’s toy drive a huge success. Over 3,000 children received toys this past Saturday as the Broward Sheriff’s Office held its 15th annual “Toys for Tots and Teens” toy drive. Families began arriving outside the BSO headquarters building at 2:00am Saturday to be among the first in line.
Billy the Marlin was also on hand to greet the children as they entered BSO’s “Toy Land!”
In addition to donating their time, the Florida Marlins also donated $7,500 towards the toy drive.
Project PSA Announced
December 17, 2007
During a press conference held on Monday, December 17th, Sheriff Al Lamberti announced the agency’s new imitative — Project PSA. In an effort to get topical information to the public, the Sheriff will release a new video PSA each month.
This month the video focuses on holiday safety. The video offers information about staying safe while shopping during the holidays and can be downloaded from our home page on www.sheriff.org.
KIDS READ 10,000 BOOKS FOR HOLIDAY READING CONTEST
December 7, 2007
Collins Elementary School students read a total of 10,068 books for the Holiday Reading Challenge that began September 12th and ended December 3rd. The idea was created by BSO School Resource Deputy Victor Thompson and ESE Specialist Renee Coore-Barrett about seven years ago, with each year setting a new record. The top reader, Joshua Buchanan, 9, read more than 119 books and successfully passed 119 tests on the material. The second place reader was 9-year-old Juwan Marshall. On Friday, December 7th, the school hosted an awards presentation to the top readers. Both Buchanan and Marshall received computers and toys. Dozens of other prizes were delivered by Santa Claus to the top readers, courtesy of WalMart Supercenter in Pompano Beach.
Pictured, left to right: Maureen Keenan, 3rd Grade Teacher, Marta Moise, Reading Specialist, Dep. Victor Thompson, Santa Claus, 2nd place winner Juwan Marshall, 1st place winner Joshua Buchanan, Principal Lincoln Pasteur, Broward School Board District One Member Eleanor Sobel, Renee Coore-Barrett, ESE Specialist.
BSO FIREFIGHTERS SHOP FOR SANTA
December 5, 2007
Firefighters Jim Dobson (front), Marc Ouellette (center) and Driver/Engineer Mike Jankowski (back) empty shopping carts loaded with toys for the annual International Association of Firefighters Local #4321 holiday toy drive at the WalMart Supercenter on Tuesday. WalMart donated $1,500 towards the shopping trip that totaled $5,000. The toys will be given to more than 400 children by Santa Claus through the Children’s Cancer Caring Center at the Grand Holiday Party in Miami Beach on December 15th. New, unwrapped toys or monetary donations can be dropped off at any Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Station or at the IAFF Local #4321 headquarters at 2650 West State Rd. 84, Ft. Lauderdale.
Don’t Be a Turkey when Using a Deep Fryer
November 23, 2007
Firefighter/Paramedic Al Mecias lowers a frozen turkey into an overheated pot of oil in a turkey fryer at the Broward Fire Academy on Monday. The safety demonstration showed the potential dangers of using turkey fryers incorrectly. Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Marshal Charles Raiken said , “We urge those people who enjoy deep fried turkey to purchase one prepared by a professional, like a grocery store or restaurant. The risks of consumer grade turkey fryers are evident and can cause serious burn injuries or fires.” “What you have is a large quantity of hot oil in a pot that can splash, tip or get knocked over,” added Chief Raiken.
On Sunday, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue responded to a turkey fryer that caught fire in Cooper City. According to Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Spokesman Mike Jachles, an unattended turkey fryer outside the home caught fire after it was left on to preheat and the resident went back into the house. When he returned later, he discovered the fire and called 9-1-1. Firefighters put the fire out with a dry chemical extinguisher. “An unattended cooking device, too close to the house could have caused much more damage. The oil was so hot that the fire re-ignited even after it was extinguished. Fortunately, our firefighters responded quickly and mitigated the situation,” said Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles. “This is a classic example of the potential danger of these fryers.” According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking fires are more likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day than any other time of the year.
Some safety tips for those who insist on using the fryers are: Use them outdoors, on a flat surface a safe distance from buildings. Never use in, on or under a garage, breezeway porch or wooden deck. Do not leave the fryer unattended while in use. Keep children and pets away from the fryer. Wear long-sleeved clothing, eye protection and oven mitts. Lower (and raise) the turkey slowly into the oil. Use a thermometer and monitor it. Make sure the turkey is fresh or fully-thawed and dry. The water from a frozen or wet bird can cause a fire or splash-over of the oil. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not overfill with oil. Even after it’s off, oil can remain dangerously hot. Have an approved type fire extinguisher nearby. Never put water on a grease fire. For more safety tips, visit the BSO website at: www.sheriff.org
Appreciation for Apprehension of Dangerous Murder Suspect
November 16, 2007
During a recent press conference, Sheriff Al Lamberti presented Mark Spradley with a check for $2,500 from Broward Crime Stoppers for his assistance with the apprehension Michael Mazza. Mazza, who murdered Deputy Paul Rein while being transported to a court appearance, was on the run and considered armed and dangerous when Mr. Spradley met him. After learning that Mazza was a wanted man, Mr. Spradley called 9-1-1. The family of Dep. Rein, Sheriff Lamberti and the men and women of the Broward Sheriff’s Office appreciate the efforts of Mr. Spradley.
BSO and Crime Stoppers remind the public that the suspect(s) wanted for the murder of Sergeant Christopher Reyka are still on the loose. The reward for information leading the arrest of Sgt. Reyka’s killer(s) is more than $260,000. If you have any information about this case, you are urged to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954.493.TIPS (8477).
UM Honors Deputy Hernandez
November 6, 2007
Dep. Maury Hernandez, who was critically injured during a foot-pursuit in August, was honored the the University of Miami Hurricanes final game at the Orange Bowl on Saturday, November 3rd. Dep. Hernandez received a warm welcome from the Miami Dade Police Department, the team and head coach Randy Shannon (seen here with Dep. Hernandez before the game).
Moment of Silence
November 1, 2007
Sheriff Al Lamberti (center) stands with (from l. to r.): Stefanie Tephford, Tony Yanniello (seated), Coral Springs Police Sgt. Bob Behan, Megan Behan (not seen), and Yanniello family friend Sam Rumble Thursday morning at a memorial service for five public servants who died in the line of duty. Stefanie Tephford’s husband, Brian, died on November 12th, 2006 after being shot on a traffic stop while working a special detail in a Tamarac apartment complex. Tony Yanniello’s son, who shared his name, was shot and killed on October 18th, 1984 approaching a domestic disturbance near West Hollywood. The Behan’s brother, Patrick died on November 13th, 1990 after he was shot outside a Pembroke Park convenience store. All three were Broward Sheriff’s deputies.
Then-Broward County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Richard Korte died on October 3rd, 1999 following a prolonged line of duty illness. In 2003, Broward County Fire Rescue became Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue. Korte’s family was present at the memorial service.
Also remembered was Lauderdale Lakes Police Officer Jerry Genova, who died in November 1972 while involved in a pursuit on his police motorcycle. The Lauderdale Lakes Police Department merged with BSO in March, 1977.
A wreath was placed on the memorial at the Ron Cochran Public Safety Complex during the ceremony and the Broward Sheriff’s Office combined Honor Guard was joined by Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Davie, Sunrise and Coconut Creek Police Department Honor Guards.
A Hero’s Welcome
October 30, 2007
Everyone was all smiles as Maj. Kim Tierney greeted Dep. Maury Hernandez with his parents, Chief Chris McKinstry, Sgt. Rob Furman and Lt. Col. Danny Wright looking on.
Deputy Maury Hernandez received a hero’s welcome from BSO colleagues and command staff at the Pembroke Park/West Park District after being released from the hospital on Friday, October 26th. BSO patrol cars and motorcycle units lined the street leading to the district office and two fire trucks hoisted an American flag near the entrance. Deputy Hernandez made a miraculous recovery after being shot in the head last August. There are enough horror stories and there have been too many deaths,” said Lt. Col. Danny Wright. “Those who don’t believe in miracles can look at Maury, he personifies what a hero is.” Although Dep. Hernandez has a long recovery before returning to BSO, dispatchers announced in law enforcement terms that he’s 10-8 (back in service). The men and women of the Broward Sheriff’s Office are so grateful to witness Dep. Hernandez’s strength, courage and faith — he is truly a hero. Welcome home Maury!
Sheriff Al Lamberti – 30 years of service
October 25, 2007
Sheriff Al Lamberti reached quite a milestone on Thursday, October 25th – it marked his 30th year of Honorable Service to the Broward Sheriff’s Office. In recognition of Sheriff Lamberti’s many achievements and dedication to the people of Broward County, Colonel Danny Wright presented him with a plaque and a 30-year ribbon bar. BSO employees from Fire Rescue, Detention, Administration and Law Enforcement were on hand to honor the Sheriff at a surprise ceremony held in the Lynn Futch Auditorium. Photographed (l. to r.): Col. Danny Wright, Sheriff Al Lamberti, Col. James Wimberly and Executive Director John Curry.
Broward Sheriff's Office 