The event, organized by the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association, honors those who protect and serve the community.
The TECO Expo Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival was the safest place in town the evening of Tuesday, May 13 as hundreds of law enforcement officers from the Plant City Police Department (PCPD), Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) gathered for the 63rd Annual East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner.
Hosted by the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association (EHLEAA), the event pays homage to the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day and to recognize the Officer of the Year in each department. It was emceed by EHLEAA Chairman Bill McDaniel, who welcomed the record crowd of more than 500 people and thanked the generous sponsors who made the evening possible.
He pointed to the rows of emergency response vehicles that flanked the stage that provided lifesaving services during Hurricane Milton and recognized the brave men and women in uniform who used them to assist the community through one of the most challenging natural disasters seen by Floridians in decades. “Hurricane Milton was very serious business to communities throughout the State of Florida, Hillsborough County and Plant City,” said McDaniel. “Our law enforcement agencies and officers were prepared and were unshrinking in their duties to serve and protect our communities, our homes, our businesses and our lives.”
Honorees received a commemorative plaque, a financial award of $500, Sig Sauer P365 XMACRO handgun and a bouquet of flowers for their significant others…