CCA Florida has initiated an Officer of the Year Award to recognize the fine conservation work of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement officers. CCA Florida Chairman George Geiger formally presented the awards to the officers at the September FWC Commission meeting.

“Law enforcement is essential for effective fisheries management,” said Geiger. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Commission to recognize the dedicated work of their officers.”

For 2007, Lt. Don McMillen, Lt. Camille Soverel, Investigator Tony Howell and Investigator Al Corfield were given the first officers of the year award “In Recognition of Outstanding Work In Conservation Law Enforcement.” These officers are being recognized for their excellent work in “Operation No More Back Door” which targeted restaurants which purchased fish from unlicensed sources and also purchased prohibited species such as snook. The operation resulted in 50 arrests for state violations and two arrests for federal fisheries violations. Since conclusion of the original operation an additional 123 investigations have resulted in 158 citations and 44 warnings have occurred.

Additionally, working with agents from the National Marine Fisheries Service, the team was able to locate, identify and seize 324 pounds of illegal snook fillets imported by a market in Orlando, Florida from Guyana in Central America. These fillets were being sold in violation of state law.

The work of the team was also recognized by the Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission with their Annual Awards of Excellence.

“These officers have a history of dedicated law enforcement work,” said Ted Forsgren, CCA Florida Executive Director.

FWC officers selected by the Commission staff will continue to be recognized at our local chapter banquets. Annually, CCA Florida will select one or more of those officers for the Officer of the Year.