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FWC officer named Florida's top cop March 12, 2007 The Florida State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association recently recognized Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Law Enforcement Officer Rick Francis as its 2006 Officer of the Year. The Florida State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association comprises law enforcement administrators from agencies throughout the state. It's been a busy year for Francis. Last March, the FWC's Division of Law Enforcement named him the agency's Officer of the Year. But, as it turned out, that honor was just the beginning. Francis was 35 years old and with the Commission only two and a half years when he earned the top cop honor. But the stellar reputation and work ethic that earned him the title of FWC Officer of the Year caught the attention of several other state, national and even international agencies or organizations. In addition to being named top officer in the state and the FWC, the following organizations have also recognized his accomplishments:
"Officer Francis is the kind of officer every law enforcement agency would like to have," Col. Julie Jones, FWC's director of the Division of Law Enforcement said. "He takes great pride in serving others, and has a selfless devotion to duty. The FWC and the state of Florida is fortunate to have him on board, and I am proud he has chosen to be part of the FWC family." Francis received these numerous recognitions based on a year in which he wrote 241 citations and 1,151 warnings. Two of the citations were for boating-under-the-influence. His cases also include freshwater and saltwater fisheries violations, illegal alligator hunting, driving under the influence, boating accidents, sex crimes and suicide. Jones said that the ratio of citations to warnings clearly shows Francis puts a high priority on educating the public on the many laws, rules and regulations that the FWC upholds, as well as proper use of officer discretion, a critical part of law enforcement. In a case not normally associated with fish and wildlife officers, Francis successfully led a felony investigation that resulted in five suspects charged with grand theft of $100,000 for cutting unused, high-voltage utility cable that runs across the marsh for a New Smyrna Beach utility. Like all law enforcement officers, even when off-duty, Francis is on the alert for lawbreakers. In April 2005, while visiting a fellow FWC officer in the upper Keys, he was instrumental in recovering a stolen $2.5 million Hatteras yacht and the arrests of two subjects who had false paperwork for the vessel -- within hours of it being reported stolen. In January 2005, Rick was one of the first law enforcement officers to respond to the scene of a domestic disturbance call only to find one Lake County deputy dead and two others shot. He, along with a Florida Department of Law Enforcement agent, was able to clear the house, secure the victims and perimeter, and assist in locating and apprehending the suspect. Francis has worked numerous special details such as hurricanes Ivan, Katrina and Wilma, the Summit of the Americas, the Columbus Day Regatta and Dade County mini-lobster season. Rick received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Columbia University and is currently working on a master's degree. In the past year, he has completed radar school, line supervision, field training officer, fish identification, Intoxillizer 8000 and BUI inspector courses. He and his wife of seven years, Stephanie, have two young children. In his short career with the FWC, Francis has earned recognition as a leader with a positive attitude. He is well respected not only by his peers and supervisors, but by leaders from other agencies. |
Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
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