This year, the Clermont Police Department (CPD) was involved in many programs, projects and public events, including the planning/preparation of two peaceful protests; implementing COVID protocols; executing a BODY Cam program and a new ONLINE reporting system, and maintaining safe vaccination sites.
During the unforeseen challenges and pressures faced by the CPD in 2020, the department still successfully achieved the prestigious re-accreditation signifying performance excellence.
Every 3 years, representatives of the Commission visits the Clermont Police Department and go through the CPD policies, training documentation, conduct interviews. They observe practices to ensure that the CPD meets the criteria of the standards set forth by the Commission. This year the assessment team documented the CPD compliance with 239 standards.
Only 5 agencies in Lake county are accredited and this year, the CPD received its 6th accreditation, with past years being 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014, and 2017!
This certification is the gold seal of a professional law enforcement agency and would not be possible to achieve without the men and women of the CPD committed to the process.
Below are a few of the men and women of the CPD recognized for their stellar performances.
Meritorious Service – Eudovia “Debbie” Arroyo
Debbie Arroyo has performed her assigned position as Police Quartermaster with exemplary service and dedication. She is responsible for the ordering, stocking and distribution of the majority of equipment that officers use on a daily basis and has made significant improvements to the organization of equipment, inventory and documents within Quartermaster.
She also assists the Records Division when needed to include setting up new officers’ records management accounts as well as fingerprinting members of the community and making appointments for police ride-alongs. She was very instrumental in securing and distributing Narcan kits to all of the Clermont Police officers. Narcan has been deployed on numerous occasions and has revived the lives of several whom have overdosed on opioids.
In 2020 she was very instrumental in securing PPE for all personnel to keep them safe during the pandemic.
Meritorious Service – Sgt. Christopher Martin
Sgt. Christopher Martin served in the United States Marine Corps. In 2019 he filled in as an acting supervisor role with exemplary leadership. Martin supervised the day-to-day operations of a patrol unit before being promoted to Sgt in July 2020.
He has trained newly promoted sergeants on new procedures, policies and supervisory practices making the transition of police officer to sergeant very successful and seamless.
Sgt. Martin received several letters of commendation to include his investigative efforts during a commercial burglary that resulted in the identification of the suspects and criminal charges being issued.
Meritorious Service – Cpl. Philip Pollen
Cpl. Phillip Pollen has had a tremendous impact on the community through the Community Policing Unit and the Mobile Crisis Response Unit. He spearheaded several initiatives involving mental health consumers and getting them services and into programs to improve their quality of life. He has attended mental health court on behalf of the Clermont Police Department which resulted in violent offenders receiving mandatory mental health treatment and placement. His efforts have drastically reduced calls for service involving these our mental health consumers. He was the Recipient of Officer of the 4th Quarter of 2019, and received several letters of commendation.
He spoke before the county commission regarding the CPD efforts addressing homelessness and helping those in crisis. He also trained other agencies regarding the department’s mobile crisis unit and crisis intervention.
Meritorious Service – Sgt. Melissa France
Sgt. Melissa France conducted exemplary investigations of multiple vehicle burglaries resulting in the arrest of several suspects and multiple charges. She has volunteered to provide instruction on child abuse and sex crimes investigations on several occasions to many different sworn and non-sworn students.
Her investigative efforts have placed several pedophiles and those seeking to victimize minors over the internet in prison.
Her investigative efforts have led to the following recognitions in 2019: Recipient of the ASIS International Peers Award; Recipient of the LEO Community Service Award; Recipient of the Florida Police Chief’s Association Officer of the Year; Recipient of the Leesburg Rotary Club- Service Above Self Award; Several letters of commendation; Member of Team Blue Line and helps raise money for the families of fallen or injured officers; Participated in the Ironman Florida Full distance 140.6 November 2019 (a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile run).
Life-Saving Award – Sgt. Mark Marshall
Sgt Mark Marshall was having lunch at a local restaurant when he noticed someone in distress, turning blue and could not breathe. He quickly assessed that the 72-year-old female visiting from New York, was choking. He performed the Heimlich maneuver and dislodged the obstruction.
The victim, Mrs. Patricia Konczynski expressed her gratitude saying “He jumped into action without hesitation and saved my life and for that I am eternally grateful”.
Supervisor of the Year – Lt. Nicholas Bloom
Lt. Nicholas Bloom planned, coordinated and supervised the 2019 multiagency DUI checkpoint (7 agencies participated). During this operation they contacted 673 motorist which led to 3 DUI arrests, 2 drug arrests, 1 warrant arrest, 16 citations and numerous warnings.
He is the recipient of the Outstanding Unit Award as the supervisor over the traffic division. He is a graduate of the Command Officer Development Course and served as the committee chair for the 3rd Annual Clermont Walk Like MADD event which raised over $17k.
Lt. Bloom is an Honor Guard/Ceremonial Unit Commander and has received several letters of commendation.
He is being recognized for providing exemplary leadership and for his quick decision making during a large fight that occurred at an event hall where several gunshots were heard. His swift actions and planning under stress were recognized as saving many lives and preventing any serious injuries.
Officer of the Year – Cpl. Justin Latimer
Cpl. Justin Latimer has taken on the acting supervisor role and has demonstrated exceptional leadership. He showed exemplary leadership during a homicide, an armed robbery and vehicle pursuit. He has supervised the day-to-day operations of a patrol unit as acting supervisor and frequently volunteers to assist other squads as a supervisor. Cpl. Latimer has received several letters of commendation and is a Field Training Officer and mentor.
When off-duty, he is a volunteer, serving on several boards. He is a board member on the CPD 501c Clermont Community Champions Foundation and is the recipient of Officer of the 3rd Quarter.
Leadership – Captain Brent Joyner and Captain John Graczyk
- Highest ranking personnel
- Oversee all the day-to-day operations
- Ensure that the department always provide exceptional services
- Goals and objectives are met every year
- Instrumental in the department’s crime reduction strategies
Congratulations to the men and women of the Clermont Police Department and their leader Police Chief Broadway. Thank you for your service.
