What's Happening
Job Well Done
On Nov. 30, 2011, Chief Gary Hester honored
members of the Department for outstanding service to our
community.
Detective Dan Gaskin
Detective Dan Gaskin was honored for going above and beyond
when a 72 year-old man with dementia left his Carlton Arms
apartment in a confused state worrying his daughter who was in
NC. The man was ultimately found in Poincianna after Detective
Gaskin and Sgt. Castle enlisted assistance through On-Star. He
had suffered a stroke during the ordeal.
Officer Keith Hargrove
Officer Hargrove was in the area of a local business in the
early morning hours and spotted a van pull up with suspicious
men exit. The men ultimately broke into the establishment and
attempted to steal televisions. Officer Hargrove
interrupted the burglary ultimately leading to the arrests of
the suspects. Due to his diligence, there has been a significant
decrease in business burglaries within the city.
Sgt. Kevin Dibbern
Sgt. Kevin Dibbern saved a victim of domestic
violence from a potentially tragic outcome when he led a search
to locate her, ultimately tracking her down in Orlando. Sgt.
Dibbern's diligence in communicating with this victim led her to
travel back to Winter Haven to safety.
Officer Derek Blanton
Officer Derek Blanton responded to a
suspicious persons call at the Winter Haven Library, which
resulted in him contacting a 13 year-old who had luggage and
camping gear. During the interview, it was determined that she
was there to meet with a 25 year-old man who had traveled from
Ohio to take her back with him. Officer Blanton's quick thinking
and thorough investigation led to an arrest of the adult male
and potential abuse of this girl.
Good Causes
The WHPD had two representatives on the City
of WH team participating in the Nov. 18 Red Balloon Team Paddle
for Kids - benefiting Our Children's Academy & Rehab. The event
was held on Lake Silver. The City entry won first place! Among
the 14 participants were Erica Humphrey, Chief Hester's
Assistant and Jamie Brown, PIO/Crime Prevention.
Prescription Pill Drop-Off Event
For a second time in 2011, we participated in
Stand Up Polk's Prescription Pill Dropoff at the entrance of the
Police Department. Detective Kari Gaskin and CSO John Maroncelli
worked along side Stand Up Polk volunteers. Although we have a
permanent drop box, we collected more than 137 pounds of
medication in the 1/2 day event. Our "Medicine Cabinet"
continues to benefit our community and the citizens as they seek
ways to dispose of their medicines properly.
Awards For Outstanding Work and Commitment
The men and women of the Winter Haven Police
Department work hard in their respective jobs each and every
day. sometimes, there are deeds that are considered exceptional
and our goal is to make sure these members are commended for
their service.
Detective Eric Outlaw
Outlaw solved a cold case from 1977. The
brutal killing of the victim at the Haven Hotel had gone
unsolved until Outlaw utilized investigative techniques that
were not available back when the crime was committed. Through
DNA analysis, Outlaw was able to identify the killer and close
the case.
Detective Rod Esteve
Through investigation of a local runway,
Esteve took information learned through the interviews and was
able to help uncover a horrific situation that involved a home
in Haines City that was preying on these young runaways.
Ultimately, a Haines City police Officer and Polk county School
Bus attendant were arrested for running a criminal enterprise
that concentrated on vulnerable teenage girls.
Captain David Brannan and Christina Barlow
The accreditation designation earned by the
Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) was a
daunting task that was spearheaded by Brannan and Barlow. The
task took many hours, details and coordination, but the hard
work paid off when the Department received the designation for a
fourth time.
Open House Committee
The WHPD Open House was a coordinated effort
conducted by a team of members headed by Captain Charlie Bird.
The community came out to enjoy a host of activities, food and
tours - all donated by local vendors - and walked away with a
greater understanding of our Department. Many members
volunteered their time staffing the event. The committee members
were Captain Charlie Bird, Erica Humphrey, Detective Scott
Evans, Detective Steve Rusich, Officer James Lovelace and Jamie
Brown.
PAL Wins "Ideas for Good" Campaign
On August 15, 2011, the Winter Haven Police Athletic League
(PAL) was presented a $5,000 check from Toyota of Winter Haven’s
for the Ideas for Good campaign.
“Ideas for Good” is a way that local not-for-profit
organizations can garner nominations for the quarterly donation.
These campaigns generate votes through a special Facebook page
and PAL received the most votes for this quarter’s campaign.
“We are so grateful for the generosity that Toyota of Winter
Haven has shown to PAL,” said PAL Director Officer Derek Doles.
“Our outreach to the youth of Winter Haven will be greatly
enhanced by this contribution.”
PAL would also like to thank the many Facebook fans for voting
for the organization. Without those fans and the dedication to
the community, PAL wouldn’t be enjoying this success.
Calzone Challenge
Sgt. Aden Krug and Officer Brian Nash competed in a Calzone
Challenge with the
Winter Haven Fire Department on Saturday, July 30 at Bistro
Pizza, located on West Central Ave. in Downtown Winter Haven fEach member will had
30 minutes to eat a five-pound meat lovers calzone. Our
very own Sgt. Krug rose to the top by devouring 3.5 pounds in
thirty minutes, taking home the Calzone Crown!
Officer Brian Nash
Sgt. Aden Krug
Honor Flight Sendoff
On June 27, 2011, we participated in the ceremony that was held
at Spring Haven to send off 17 WWII Veterans to Washington D.C.
The trip, Honor Flight, is a way to send WWII Vets, free of
charge, to our nation's capital to see the memorial that was
built in their honor. Our Color Guard and Motor's Unit along
with a few other Department vehicles participated in a parade
and an escort to the Polk County Line. The Hillsborough County
Sheriff's Office picked up the group from there where the
eventually flew out of TIA. God Bless Our Troops, both past and
present.
The WHPD Motors Unit assisted with the
The Honor Guard led the parade
parade and escort to the Polk County line.
down Havendale from Spring Haven.
(l-r, front) Sgt. Don Nunnery, Sgt. Ken Nichols
(l-r) Sgt. Aden Krug, Officers Keith
(back) Officer Keith Miller, Officer Justin
Minser Hargrove, Michael Rose and Aida
Roias
WHPD Earns CFA Accreditation for Fourth Time
The Winter Haven Police Department is pleased to announce their
reaccreditation through the Commission for Florida Law
Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). This is the fourth
reaccreditation through CFA the WHPD has earned. The designation
through CFA ensures that the Winter Haven Police Department
adheres to the stringent practices in law enforcement and holds
a competency that is highly valued in the State of Florida “This
accreditation is one more way that the citizens of Winter Haven
can be confident in knowing that we are dedicated to working
together with the community to control and prevent crime,” said
Police Chief Gary Hester.
Community Helps Celebrate100 Years During Open House
An estimated 400 people came through the WHPD doors on June 25,
2011 to help celebrate 100 years of service. The Open House
features lots of kids activities, including bounce houses, face
painting and a dunk tank. There were displays of equipment and
tours of the Department along with donuts in the morning and
grilled hotdogs for lunch. Many Department staff came together
volunteering their time to give the community a chance to come
see our wonderful facility. We even had the City Mayor, City
Commissioners and former Chiefs on hand to help celebrate.
Captain Lisa Albury talks
Former Chiefs Ron Martin and The
community enjoys
to visitors as they tour
Darrell Kirkland speak with City a great day at the
WHPD.
the
facility.
Commissioner Jamie Beckett.
Officer Patterson ("Mr. P") Retires
Officer Johnnie Patterson Sr. said "so long" (but not goodbye)
to his fellow officers at a retirement luncheon held in his
honor on June 23, 2011. After almost 12 years of dedicated
service, Mr. P will adjust the the life of leisure enjoying his
family and our beautiful community. Please take a look at
the article in the
News Chief featuring Mr. P at the luncheon.
Mr. P's granddaughter
Chief Hester presented a
Lt. Leiberman presents a
presented him a new car shadow
box with all patches
plaque from the squad.
at the luncheon.
and badges during Mr. P's service.
Gang Awareness & Prevention
The Winter Haven Police Department, in a partnership with the
NAACP, Winter Haven Branch; Polk County Sheriff's Office; and
the State Attorney's Office for the Tenth Judicial Circuit held
a Gang Awareness & Prevention Summit on June 14 at the Winter
Haven Recreational and Cultural Center. Approximately 200
citizens came out to hear valuable information on how the
community can come together to combat this every-growing issue.
Click to read more
AED Units Installed in Police Cars
The Winter Haven Police Department, in a
partnership with Polk County Emergency Services has installed
AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) in marked patrol cars
to enhance the service our citizens receive. Police are
oftentimes the first on scene and those precious few moments can
make a huge difference in possibly saving someone's life. The
partnership between Polk County EMS, the Winter Haven Fire
Department and WHPD is vital in continuing to protect our
citizens with the highest quality service.
