Monroe Co. officer honored by conservation association
News Release
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Media contact: Officer Robert Dube, 305-684-8703
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officer
James Johnson was recently recognized as the "Regional Law
Enforcement Officer of the Year" by the Coastal Conservation
Association, Florida Keys chapter. Based in Monroe County, the
24-year veteran of the FWC has spent his entire law enforcement
career in the lower Florida Keys, where he is known for his
diligence in enforcing the law and for his knowledge of the local
fishery.
"Officer Johnson is truly deserving of this award," said Maj.
Alfredo Escanio, regional commander. "He consistently addresses the
FWC Division of Law Enforcement's core missions: resource
protection; and boating, waterways and public safety."
Johnson has been involved in significant cases involving marine
resource law violations.. Last month, a judge ordered a defendant
to pay more than $13,000 for possessing 39 lobsters harvested last
July during the closed season.
In October 2010, Johnson was performing routine dockside boat
inspections on Stock Island. Three fishermen were found with 5,000
pounds of lobster worth about $30,000. He seized 345 undersize
lobsters as evidence, and the fishermen were charged with
misdemeanors. The case is pending. The seizure was the FWC's
largest of the season.
"Officer Johnson is a shining example of a career officer whose
dedication and perseverance have led to numerous significant cases.
He has enhanced the safety of the boating public and serves as an
example to his fellow officers," said Coastal Conservation
Association Vice President Michael Kennedy. "We are fortunate that
he has chosen to protect Florida's resources."
Persons with Disabilities