Heroes honored for rescuing senior boater in Gulf during Oct. 11 storm
Citrus County, Florida - Members of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Marine Unit, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) were recognized recently for rescuing a elderly boater in distress. The officers were honored in two separate awards, one from Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis on Monday, October 31, 2023, and the other from Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody on November 1, 2023, at the CCSO's fifth annual Law Enforcement Summit held in Lecanto, Florida. The law enforcement officers were honored for their bravery and commitment to protecting a Florida senior during harsh weather conditions.
On October 11, 2023, the CCSO received a call from the USCG that a boater on a 16-foot aluminum vessel was in distress, with his vessel sinking, 15 miles off the coast of Citrus County in the Gulf of Mexico. This call came in as dangerous, life-threatening storms were approaching the area, just hours before a tornado touched down in Crystal River.
The CCSO quickly initiated rescue efforts and contacted the FWC for its assistance in utilizing its 29-foot SAFE Boat. The USCG arrived at the boater's location, 18 miles offshore, a short time before the CCSO and FWC arrived on scene. Officers transferred the boater onto the FWC's SAFE Boat and brought him safely to shore.
The awards included the First Lady's Medal for Courage, Commitment, and Service, and Attorney General Moody's Back the Blue Award she launched in 2019 to recognize individuals and organizations that foster positive relationships between law enforcement and communities.
Award recipients include: (CCSO) Sgt. Evan Marshall and Dep. James Sudlow II; (FWC) Lt. Morgan Willis and Officer Ryan Gilbert; and (USCG) Chief Boatswain Mate Matthew J. Rollins, First Class Boatswain Mates Timothy J. Wilson and Brigitta M. Bockhorn, and First Class Machinery Technician Justin A. Shue.
"I am beyond proud of Sergeant Marshall and Deputy Sudlow for their superb example of service above self, and for their collaboration with FWC and the USCG in making this dangerous rescue," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "These individuals truly exemplify our mission of Excellence in Public Safety and put service above self every single day. We are very thankful for their dedication to keeping our community safe."