Who:  
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Department of Detention and Corrections Bureau

Sheriff’s Advisory Board Executive Board

Bright House Networks Representative:
John Dosher
Vice President and General Manager
Western Operations

Law Enforcement Award Recipient:
Detective John Suess IV
Age: 33
Hire Date: 11/12/13

Detention and Corrections Award Recipient:
Deputy Kriston “Kris” Speelman
Age: 44
Hire Date: 08/12/02

What:
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office presented one law enforcement deputy and one detention deputy with the “Deputy of the Quarter Bright Star Award” for going above and beyond in the performance of their duties. The award was established with the support of the Sheriff’s Advisory Board Executive Board and in partnership with Bright House Networks.

When:
Deputies were honored at 10:00 a.m. on August 6, 2015, during a special presentation to coincide with the Sheriff’s Advisory Board Executive Board Meeting.

Where:
The event was at the Sheriff’s Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo.

Why:
Earlier this year, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Bright House and with the support of the Sheriff’s Advisory Board established the Bright Star Award to regularly honor deputies who have gone above and beyond in the performance of their duties.

The award honors one law enforcement deputy and one detention deputy each quarter.

Recipients of the  Deputy of the Quarter Bright Star Award were honored on August 6, 2015, during a Sheriff’s Advisory Board meeting at the Sheriff’s Administration Building.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri presented Detective John Suess and Deputy Kris Speelman with the distinction, which included a plaque presentation. Additionally, John Dosher of Bright House Networks presented each with a certificate for three months of free cable, phone, and high-speed internet services. The two winners were selected by the Sheriff’s Advisory Board Executive Board from several nominees throughout the agency.

Detective Suess was honored for his investigative skill and diligent work while investigating sex trafficking cases that involved numerous juveniles. His investigations led to the arrest of suspects who preyed upon high school and middle school girls. During the investigations, Detective Suess conducted numerous interviews with troubled teens, and he authored several search warrants that led to the arrest of the suspects and put an end to the suspects’ pursuit of trafficking more teens.  

Deputy Speelman was honored for his efficient supervision of inmates while working in the South Clinic at the Pinellas County Jail. He was often tasked with coordinating medical care for several inmates in the clinic while simultaneously keeping a calm demeanor and addressing poor inmate behavior when appropriate. He was described as a contributor to the overall positive environment of the clinic.  

Nominations for the Bright Star Award can be submitted by employees of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to recognize members for a single act or an ongoing pattern of performance. The nominator details why the nominee should be considered and the Sheriff’s Advisory Board Executive Board reviews and selects the winner.

The next Bright Star Award nomination submissions are due by September 30, 2015, for an October presentation.

From L to R Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Detective Suess, and John Dosher

From L to R Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Deputy Speelman and John Dosher