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:
Joe Durkin
Senior Director
Corporate Communications

Law Enforcement Award Recipient:
Corporal Robert Somers
Age: 50
Hire Date: 07/12/1990

Detention and Corrections Award Recipient:
Deputy Jeremiah Ragauckas
Age: 30
Hire Date: 05/07/2012

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 8:00 a.m. on January 21, 2016, 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 January 21, 2016, during a Sheriff’s Advisory Board meeting at the Sheriff’s Administration Building.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri presented Corporal Robert Somers and Deputy Jeremiah Ragauckas with the distinction, which included a plaque presentation. Additionally, Joe Durkin 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.

Corporal Somers was honored for his investigative skills and diligent work while investigating multiple thefts that occurred at local Lowes and Home Depot stores. His investigation led to identification of 23 victims and the arrest of 6 suspects on charges of racketeering, 42 counts of grand theft, 42 counts of dealing in stolen property and identify theft. Due to his hard work and dedication to the case, the criminal enterprise was dismantled.

Deputy Ragauckas was honored for his quick actions that possibly saved an inmate’s life in the Pinellas County Jail. Deputy Ragauckas was on duty, conducting routine checks, when he encountered an inmate who was attempting to commit suicide and was in respiratory distress. Deputy Ragauckas began to render first aid and monitored him until medical staff arrived on scene. The actions of Deputy Ragauckas possibly saved the life of the inmate.
 

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 March 31, 2016, for a May presentation.

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri with Corporal Robert Somers

Sheriff Bob Gualtieri with Deputy Jeremiah Ragauckas

Joe Durkin with Deputy Jeremiah Ragauckas and Corporal Robert Somers