Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
- Public Relations Bureau

PINELLAS COUNTY – Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri presents the Annual Agency Awards Ceremony. The Annual Awards recognize extraordinary heroism, courageous service, personal initiative in solving crime, and outstanding public service throughout 2023.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Indian Rocks Baptist Church, located at 12685 Ulmerton Road in Largo.

During the ceremony, the heroic and courageous actions of Sergeant Jake Viano and K-9 Taco will be honored for saving the life of Corporal Matt Aitken, who was shot three times and sustained life-threatening injuries in the line of duty on March 12, 2023.

We will also recognize 148 individuals for their exemplary efforts throughout the year, as well as the:

Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year

Detention Deputy of the Year

Forensic Science Specialist of the Year

Support Person of the Year

Reserve Deputy of the Year

Citizen Recognition Awards

Agency members will also receive awards in the following categories:

Certificate of Professionalism – Awarded for dedication and professionalism exhibited in the performance of duty.

Gold Star Award – Awarded for an exemplary act or outstanding performance materially contributing to the good reputation of the Sheriff’s Office, or when a member is attempting to save a life in a non-threatening situation.

Unit Achievement Award – Awarded for excellence for a group effort in an investigation, arrest, or other group achievement which brings recognition to the Sheriff’s Office.

Excellent Service – Awarded for an intelligent, self-initiated act materially contributing to a valuable law enforcement accomplishment.

Meritorious Service Award- Awarded for an intelligent act while attempting to save a life.

Exceptional Service – Awarded for an intelligent and heroic act involving grave personal danger.

Combat Cross - Awarded for an act of exceptional heroism while engaged in combat with an adversary armed with a deadly weapon.

Purple Heart – Awarded to members who, in the line of duty, sustain personal injury inflicted by criminal means.

Medal of Honor – Awarded for an act of extraordinary heroism by members who give their life in the performance of duty or distinguished themselves by the performance of a courageous act involving imminent danger to their own life, while knowing of the risk involved.

Media is invited to cover this event. For additional information, please contact the Public Information Office at 727-582-6221 or Pinellas_SO_PIO@pcsonet.com