Lieutenant Joel Bennett retired from our department
effective April 30, 2009 after serving our city for over thirty-six (36)
years. On November 10, 1972, Lt. Bennett was hired as a Winter
Haven Police Officer. During his tenure with the department, he served
in the following areas:
Uniform Patrol Division
Uniform Patrol Corporal
Emergency Response Team
Uniform Patrol Sergeant
Commander of the Peak Period
Shift
Uniform Patrol Lieutenant
Motorcycle Lieutenant
Special Events Coordinator
Training Coordinator
During his career with the
department, Lieutenant Bennett received numerous citizen compliments and
departmental commendations for his job performance during the time he
has proudly served this city which included:
Several commendations for his
involvement in the arrest of burglary suspects
Several commendations from
citizens for his care, compassion and professionalism while
assisting them
Instrumental in removing
citizens from a burning building
VFW Officer of the Year February
18, 1997
Frierson-Nichols, American
Legion Police Officer of the Year March 6, 1984
Officer of the Month from
January 15-February 15,1998
Credited with the renovations at
Stotz-Patterson “Clubhouse” into a Training Center
During Lieutenant Joel Bennett’s tenure with the City of Winter
Haven, he touched the lives of many employees and citizens in a positive manner.
Though his retirement is much deserved, we will all miss his daily presence at
the department.
