Manatee County Sheriff's Office Honored By FL Attorney General

BRADENTON, FLA. — Three months after the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office made the dreams of a 5-year-old cancer patient’s dreams come true by naming him an honorary deputy, the department was honored Thursday by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody for taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships within the community.

Moody recognized the department with her office’s Back The Blue Award, which recognizes exemplary community service. The honor comes after Sheriff Rick Wells designated Jeremiah Valera an honorary deputy after the boy was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma just before his fourth birthday.

On the day Jeremiah was celebrated by the department, he helped deputies train K-9 officers and learned some K-9 commands. He spent the day with officers in the department and was presented with a badge and bicycle as part of his designation as an honorary deputy, according to a news release.

“The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office went above and beyond their call of duty to help Jeremiah's dream come true—touching the hearts of not only his family, but everyone in the community,” Moody said in a news release issued after she visited the department Thursday. “I’m proud of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s efforts in building positive relationships with their community, and for lifting Jeremiah’s spirits during a very challenging time. When law enforcement officers demonstrate their love for their community members, it strengthens bonds and helps us build a stronger, safer Florida.”

Moody launched the Back The Blue initiative shortly after taking office as a way of highlighting positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. Since taking office in 2019, Moody has handed out the award to 30 departments.