SKY Valor saluting North Central Florida's finest

97.3 The SKY annually salutes this area’s fire-rescue, police and first-responding personnel for their dedication to protect our families, neighbors and communities. The SKY Valor Honors program recognizes acts of heroism, kindness and bravery in the past year, highlighting individuals that go above and beyond the call of duty. Listen for each story weekday mornings on the Bob Rose Show at 8:35 a.m.

Saluting Sergeant Calvin Batts, Master Sergeant John Rawls, Deputy Robert Young, and Master Corporal Craig Kinsey with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Why is this team being honored?

In June of last summer, deputies and detectives responded to a suspicious death that was later ruled a homicide.  During the investigation, it was determined that the deceased victim’s vehicle was missing.  Later in the shift, deputies located the vehicle…but the vehicle took off.  The two occupants abandoned the car near a large body of water.  K‐9 Deputy Batts and his partner “Jax” began tracking the suspect, leading to an area near the edge of the water.  Air‐1 responded with Pilot Master Sergeant Rawls and Tactical Flight Officer Master Corporal Kinsey on-board, who began using the FLIR camera to see through the dark night.  A few minor ripples in the water caught the pilot’s attention, and they directed deputies on the ground to that location.  The first suspect was soon captured.  After about an hour, both pilots again noticed some ripples in the water, and a single moving tree branch.  K‐9 Deputy Batts and Deputy Young swam approximately 20 yards out into the black, 6‐foot‐deep water…locating the second suspect as Air‐1 pilots directed them.  Without the keen eyes of the pilots to notice the most infinitesimal detail, these suspects could have easily escaped capture.  Deputies Batts and Young are to be commended on their bravery for treading into these dark waters to apprehend these violent criminals.

For their dedication, professionalism, tenacity and teamwork in a dangerous environment, leading to the capture of violent suspects…the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Sergeant Calvin Batts, Master Sergeant John Rawls, Deputy Robert Young, and Master Corporal Craig Kinsey as SKY Valor honorees.

From the Marion County Sheriff’s Office…saluting Sergeant Justin Tortora, Sergeant Paxton Sapp and Corporal Robert Rath.

Sgt. Tortora has served with the Marion County Sheriff's Office since 2012, serving in Patrol, K9 and SWAT.
Sgt. Rath has been with the Marion County Sheriff's Office for 15 years, serving on Patrol and the Bomb Squad.
And Cpl. Sapp has been with the Marion County Sheriff's Office for 15 years, serving as a Patrol Deputy and Property Crimes Detective.

Why is this team being honored?

In February of this year, Corporal Sapp, Sergeant Rath and K-9 Corporal Tortora along with his K-9 partner Leo responded to a home in the Forest District in reference to a felony battery call. The suspect made statements that he was not going back to prison and had armed himself. As these deputies entered the yard of the residence, the suspect was located with a firearm in hand. K-9 Leo bravely and without hesitation, ran to, and engaged the armed suspect. The suspect opened fire striking Leo as the deputies returned fire. Leo, even though he was injured, was still holding on to the suspect allowing deputies to approach safely. These deputies were awarded the Medal of Commendation and for his actions, Leo was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor. The Medal of Valor is the highest agency award that can be presented at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is presented only in exceptional cases where an employee risks his-her life in the performance of duty. It is based on extraordinary actions that expose the employee to self-peril above and beyond the call of duty. Because of Leo’s actions, these deputies were allowed to survive a deadly encounter.

For their bravery, immediate action, and professionalism in the face of immense danger, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Sergeant Justin Tortora, Sergeant Paxton Sapp and Corporal Robert Rath, and the heroic K-9 Leo, as SKY Valor honorees.

From the Gainesville Police Department, saluting Detective Donna Montague and Detective Mikel Mazlaghani.

Montague has worked with GPD since 2001, serving as a patrol officer, moving to the Special Operations Unit in 2014, then the Investigations Bureau’s Special Victims Unit on sex and child crimes in 2017, and since 2019 she is assigned to the Special Victims Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Mazlaghani has worked with GPD since December of 2010, serving as a patrol officer for over eight years. In January 2019, he was assigned to the Investigations Bureau, Criminal Investigations Division, Special Victims Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  Mazlaghani serves as the Alternate Commander for the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Why are Detectives Montague and Mazlaghani being honored?

The two are experienced detectives in technology and cyber-crimes investigation units, specifically working serious “Internet Crimes Against Children” cases.

Detective Montague has a 22 year career in law enforcement, and for the last five years these internet crimes against children have been her passion.  Montague started from the beginning, literally never working a Cyber-Tip or seeing one, prior to her assignment.  Now she has become a resource for Internet Crimes Against Children investigators across the state.

Over the last year, Montague received and reviewed hundreds of Cyber-Tips, opened 92 active investigations, submitted 350 requests for legal process, received three federal grand jury indictments, one on a hands-on offender, and arrested 11 subjects for crimes against children.

Detective Mazlaghani has become an expert in the field of all things related to technology and online child exploitation investigations.  In the last year alone, he participated in a Technology & Victim Identification Roundtable discussing dangerous emerging technologies, international solutions and practices to improve solving child exploitation cases.  Mazlaghani was selected as the co-chair of the Internet Crimes Against Children organization’s Commanders Emerging Technology group.  Mazlaghani also has attended several INTERPOL events where he is one of a handful of law enforcement officers, from around the globe, working with data scientists, computer scientists, engineers and other stakeholders to develop technology to combat online child exploitation.  Last month Mazlaghani was part of a federal cyber-crimes forum on emerging trends in Artificial Intelligence and Child Sexual Abuse Material Investigations.  And he has been creating and perfecting a technological solution to help law enforcement officers around the globe accelerate their image analysis process in the world of Internet Crimes Against Children.

For their professionalism, passion, and tenacity in the fast-evolving world of technology and internet crimes against children, the Gainesville Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Detective Donna Montague and Detective Mikel Mazlaghani as SKY Valor honorees.

From the Gainesville Police Department, saluting Sergeant Charles Owens, Officer Maurquice Miller, Corporal Casey Walsh, and Officer Dalton Ripley. 

Sergeant Owens is a decorated and accomplished Law Enforcement Professional, with 20 years of GPD service, including as an instructor, canine team instructor and evaluator. Owens is currently assigned as Evening Shift Bravo Team One Sergeant for the past year and a half.
Officer Miller has been with GPD since 2020, selected to the Emergency Services Team in January of 2023. Not long after, Miller was selected to the department’s K9 unit, with his partner and best friend K9 Hulk.
Corporal Walsh began her career in 2009 with Ocala Police. She came to Gainesville in 2017, on the SWAT team and Canine Unit, and now is working with her partner, K9 Stern.
Officer Ripley started with GPD in 2018. He was selected for the K9 unit in March 2023, achieving solo status and has been on the road with his partner K9 Rusty since November.

Why are these law officers being honored?

Last November, Corporal Walsh conducted a traffic stop. The subject ran from Walsh, who called for assistance. Sergeant Owens located the subject drowning after leaping into a nearby pond. Without hesitation, Owens removed his gear and entered the pond, in an attempt to save the subject's life. Once Owens entered the water, it was clear that the bottom was swampy, and would cause people to get stuck and sink. Owens then requested the assistance of other officers, looking to get a rope for the rescue attempt. Officer Ripley produced a long K9 leash. Owens went into the water again with the leash, and ultimately went under the water to grab the subject, nearly drowning himself. Ripley and Officer Miller went into the water to pull Owens and the subject out. Ripley and Walsh provided CPR in an attempt to revive the subject on scene, but ultimately he died.

For their bravery, fast action, and the professional teamwork of this team in the face of grave personal danger, the Gainesville Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Sergeant Charles Owens, Officer Maurquice Miller, Corporal Casey Walsh, and Officer Dalton Ripley as SKY Valor honorees.

From the Ocala Police Department, saluting Corporal Luis Camacho.

Camacho has been a dedicated officer at OPD since 2012, primarily with the Community Policing Bureau in the southwest quadrant of Ocala. Additionally, he serves as a Temporary Federal Officer on a task force for the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, in human trafficking and sexual exploitation investigations. Camacho is a former Drug Agent in the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team, and now mentors younger officers in narcotic investigations in OPD’s Field Training and Evaluation Program.

Why is Corporal Camacho being honored?

This past January, Camacho responded to a distress call in southwest Ocala, involving a young woman who appeared to be in danger.  A witness reported seeing a man trying to force her into a car.  The woman, who was homeless and living in her car with her boyfriend, explained that the man had taken her vehicle, phone, and belongings, preventing her from leaving him.  She feared for her safety, as the man had previously assaulted her.

Corporal Camacho determined the case was domestic violence and, after interviewing the woman, began taking her to a shelter.  On the way to the shelter, Camacho spotted the boyfriend driving the woman’s vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop.  During the stop, the boyfriend pulled out a handgun, pointing it at his own head, and started making suicidal statements.  During the tense standoff, Camacho was able to talk the man down from harming himself.  The boyfriend eventually threw the gun out of the vehicle, and was arrested for domestic battery.

Camacho's quick thinking and bravery ensured the woman's safety, resolving a dangerous encounter without further harm.

For his professionalism, ability to quickly recognize serious threats, and vigilance that led to successful de-escalation in the face of extreme danger…the Ocala Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Corporal Luis Camacho as a SKY Valor honoree.

From the Florida Highway Patrol…saluting Trooper David Kitchen.

Kitchen has served FHP since 2013. After working with Troop A and Troop E, he was transferred to Gainesville Troop B in July 2023. David and his wife Randi have 3 sons, Lane, Landon and Levi. Kitchen enjoys hunting, fishing and golf.

Why is Trooper Kitchen being honored?

On May 17th at approximately 5:00 a.m. Kitchen was traveling home after working an off-duty job in Ocala, when a BOLO (Be on The Look Out For) was broadcast by the Jacksonville Regional Communications Center about a reckless driver.  The vehicle was traveling north on Interstate 75 running off the roadway, colliding with several guardrails and then plowing into a ditch  near the 365-mile marker.  As Trooper Kitchen reached the area, he observed a vehicle matching the description of the BOLO.  Kitchen stopped behind the vehicle, approached the driver's side window and observed a white male in the driver's seat with his head tilted back.  The driver was unresponsive.   Kitchen put the vehicle in 'park,' removed the keys, then administered several sternum rubs…but the driver remained unresponsive.   He had a visible pulse and was sweating profusely.

Kitchen administered two doses  of Narcan to the driver. After the second dose, the driver regained consciousness.  Marion County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and transported the driver to West Marion Hospital.  After the driver was treated and released from the hospital, he was subsequently arrested for DUI.

For his immediate action, saving the life of a drug impaired driver and taking innocent motorists out of harm's way, and for his professionalism supporting the state-vision to create a “safer Florida,” the Florida Highway Patrol and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Trooper David Kitchen as a SKY Valor honoree.

From the Gainesville Police Department, saluting Officer Havis Velasquez.

Officer Velasquez is also known as “Officer Friendly.” She has been with GPD for a little over 5 years. During her tenure her passion has been helping victims of domestic violence, as she is a survivor of domestic violence. Being a first responder and the first person making contact with someone who has experienced a traumatic event, Velasquez finds great reward in helping change one's life.

Why is Officer Velasquez being honored?

Last summer, July 30th, a horrific scene rolled through Gainesville.  A violent suspect started randomly shooting citizens, execution-style, along West University Avenue.  A first victim died instantly.  The killer continued walking westbound to the Checkers in the 900-block of West University, where a very large crowd was assembled.  The man shot and killed a second victim.  A third person was shot, and survived.

The large crowd ran in all directions.  Further pandemonium…as others in the crowd  brandished their firearms, and started shooting as well.

Several GPD officers were nearby for crowd control after a bar closed.  Hearing gunshots, officers started trying to locate the shooter amid the ensuing chaos.  Other officers administered CPR to victims among a sea of fleeing, panicked patrons.

Officer Velasquez was nearby on a traffic stop when the call of “shots fired” echoed over the radio.  She immediately drove to the scene, assisting in locating the suspect.

As she traveled south along NW 9th Street on foot, she came upon a panicked eyewitness who had just encountered the shooter.  The suspect tried to carjack patrons and escape the scene.  The eyewitness told Velasquez that the suspect was hiding between some parked vehicles nearby.

Without the benefit of waiting for backup, Velasquez knew she had to act quickly to capture the suspect. She had to confront apprehend the killer, alone, with no cover.

At grave risk to own personal safety, Velasquez drew her firearm and confronted the suspect.  She gave loud, verbal commands to drop his weapon.  The suspect gave up, tossed his firearm under a parked vehicle, and came from behind a vehicle.  Velasquez held him at gunpoint until backup officers arrived and finished the arrest.

Three victims were shot that night, two of which died.

For her courage, tenacity and fast heroic action that saved lives, leading to the capture of a violent killer…the Gainesville Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Officer Havis Velasquez as a SKY Valor honoree.

From the Santa Fe College Police Department…saluting Officer William Debley.

Debley was named the inaugural School Resource Officer for the Santa Fe College Academy of Science and Technology, a brand-new Charter School for the 2023-2024 school year.

Why is Officer Debley being honored?

Being a new public charter school, there were numerous growing pains at the start of the school year.  Debley took it upon himself to fill various positions at the school, including acting as a front desk person, para-professional, and guidance counselor.

Officer Debley is one of the core members of the charter school’s administration.  He serves on the school's threat assessment team.  Debley is constantly coming up with new and innovative ideas to engage the high school students - he developed a kindness reward program by awarding one student a month with lunch from Subway.  Debley has also brought awareness to mental health at the school, by engaging with the student population and providing them resources regarding crises.

For constantly going above and beyond the typical role of School Resource Officer, demonstrating he could be a protector, friend, and confidant to 75 high school freshmen, the Santa Fe College Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Officer William Debley as a SKY Valor honoree.

From the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, saluting Detective Jeremy York.

Detective York began his career at ASO in 2004 as a Detention Officer; in 2010 became a Deputy Sheriff; in 2013 moved full-time to the Uniform Patrol Division; then in 2017 he was promoted to the rank of Detective in the Criminal Investigations Division. York has worked as a special victims detective and a property crimes detective. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University.

Why is Detective York being honored?

Last September 17, an unidentified subject was shot at Cynthia Chestnut Park in Gainesville, and later died at a hospital. York was assigned as the lead Detective in the investigation. The victim was identified as Johnny Walker. His car was seen in camera images being stolen after the shooting, by a likely suspect in Walker’s murder. York tracked the car, which first led to the victim’s twin brother in another town. York delivered the news of the death.  The grieving brother provided information helpful in solving the case.

The victim’s stolen car soon was identified by license plate reader cameras in Marion County.  Marion deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, and the driver fled.  Alachua County deputies were able to capture the driver after a chase and successful pit maneuver near Micanopy.  The driver was arrested, identified as Javon Barclay.  In the car was found the murder weapon, blood evidence, and the murdered victim’s personal belongings.  The gun discovered was stolen in a Gainesville Police case just 4 days earlier, and was confirmed by FDLE as the gun used to kill Walker.  York’s work resulted in the capture of this dangerous murder suspect in less than 24 hours.

On January 17th of this year, Barclay was indicted on 6 felony charges, including the homicide of Walker.  York coordinated the investigation, gathering the facts leading to the indictment and incarceration of Barclay.

For his dedication, hard work, and tenacity leading to the capture of a violent killer…the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Detective Jeremy York as a SKY Valor honoree.

From Gainesville Fire Rescue…saluting Driver Operator and Paramedic Reginald “Reggie” Kinsey.

Kinsey joined Gainesville Fire Rescue in 2009.  He was promoted to the rank of Driver Operator in 2020.  Kinsey is a certified firefighter and paramedic, who has served on numerous department specialty teams including postings as a Hazardous Materials technician, Aircraft Rescue FireFighter, and SWAT medic.

Why is Kinsey being honored?

He was driving home after serving a shift at the Florida vs Florida State game football in 2023.  After narrowly avoiding being hit by another vehicle, Kinsey witnessed a significant crash involving 3 vehicles.  With little regard for his own personal safety, and without safety equipment, Kinsey removed two occupants from burning vehicles.  District Chief Sean Campbell reported…“Without Driver Operator Kinsey’s actions, these citizens would have surely perished because when Gainesville Fire Rescue companies arrived on scene, the passenger compartments of both vehicles were on fire and untenable."

For his heroic, fast action in the face of imminent danger, Gainesville Fire Rescue and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Driver Operator Reginald Kinsey as a SKY Valor honoree.

From the Levy County Sheriff's Office…saluting Deputy A.J. Trent and Deputy Hunter Dean.

Dean has been with Levy County since October 2019, assigned to the Patrol Division. He also serves on the Tactical Response Unit and the Honor Guard. Trent has been with LCSO since October 2022, and is assigned to the Patrol Division. He previously served with the US Army.

Why are these Deputies being honored?

In March of last year, Deputies Dean and Trent answered a call in the Williston area…a subject was threatening suicide by drug overdose.  When the deputies arrived, instead of an overdose, the situation turned dangerous for Dean and Trent.  They found the subject threatening them both with a handgun.  Dean and Trent attempted to de-escalate the situation.  But ultimately they had to use deadly force.  Despite being wounded, the subject continued to threaten the deputies with the firearm for an extended period of time.  Dean and Trent demonstrated courageous calm under fire, and expert marksmanship skills throughout this terrible situation.

For their professionalism and bravery throughout this life-threatening incident…the Levy County Sheriff’s Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Deputy Hunter Dean and Deputy A.J. Trent as SKY Valor honorees.

From the Florida Highway Patrol Troop-B, saluting Trooper Specialist Matthew Mays.

Trooper Mays has been with Florida Highway Patrol since July 2018 and is currently assigned to the Ocala District. Prior to starting a career with FHP, he served the US Army and is now in the US Army Reserves. In addition, Trooper Mays is a volunteer firefighter with Marion County Fire Rescue and a nationally registered EMT. While off duty he enjoys spending time with his wife Caitlin and working out at the gym.

Why is Mays being honored?

In the early morning hours of April 3, Trooper Mays was off-duty at his home, when a neighbor contacted him regarding a possible overdosed person at a nearby residence.  Mays immediately retrieved his Personal Protection Equipment and Narcan from his patrol car, and responded to the nearby residence.  Upon arrival, he observed an unresponsive female on the bathroom floor, and a male subject attempting to perform CPR.

Noticing signs of a possible overdose, Mays administered a dose of Narcan to the unresponsive female.  He checked for a pulse but did not find one, so he took over CPR efforts from the male subject.  During CPR, the female began to gasp and then sat up.  Mays continued to provide care until Marion County Fire Rescue arrived to take over.  The subject was transported to the hospital, where it was determined that in fact the 32-year-old female had overdosed.

Because of his action, Mays has been nominated for the prestigious F-H-P “Life Saving Award”.

And, for his rapid response, evaluation, and administration of Narcan and CPR…the Florida Highway Patrol and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Trooper Specialist Matthew Mays as a SKY Valor honoree.

From Ocala Fire Rescue, saluting Firefighter Cole Chabot, Firefighter Delano Christie, FEO Tyler Graham, Battalion Chief Mike Magee, Captain Adam McCormick, FEO Edward Munchel, Captain Josh Phillips, Firefighter Greg Marrall, Firefighter Anthony Smith, and Captain Shawn Sams. These honorees are part of OFR’s Station #1's C-shift crew, serving Southwest Ocala.

Why is this team being honored?

On April 16th, Ocala and Marion County firefighters responded to an entrapment call at a local food manufacturer.  Upon arrival, first responders were directed to the warehouse, where a worker had a limb entangled within the motor shaft of a conveyor belt.  Given the obvious trauma, and the complex mechanism keeping the limb in place, crews dismantled the machine.  Removing the motor and shaft from the machine allowed crews to transport the entrapped limb and the system to the hospital.
A decision was made to use the pressure exerted by the motor and shaft to preserve blood flow to the limb.  This proved to be the best course of action, as it ensured the integrity of the affected limb.
After surgical intervention, the patient was released from the hospital with full limb function.

For taking swift and composed actions during an atypical, serious incident, which resulted in the preservation of a limb, Ocala Fire Rescue and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute these members of Station #1 C-shift:

Firefighter Cole Chabot, Firefighter Delano Christie, FEO Tyler Graham, Battalion Chief Mike Magee, Captain Adam McCormick, FEO Edward Munchel, Captain Josh Phillips, Firefighter Greg Marrall, Firefighter Anthony Smith, and Captain Shawn Sams.

Sergeant Motes has served UF-PD for 16 years and is currently assigned to the K9 Unit. Sergeant Faroni is a 14 year department veteran assigned to the Training Unit. Officer Lewis has served for 3 years, and Officer Jablonski for 2 years. Both officers are assigned to Patrol.

On May 10th while on assignment at UF’s baseball stadium, Sergeant Faroni was informed that there was an unresponsive man near the UF Lacrosse stadium.  The individual was described as having a blue-purple color on his face, and appeared not to be breathing.  Faroni quickly arrived, and began CPR.  Officers Jablanski and Lewis raced to the scene with Sergeant Motes, who had an AED.  The defibrillator was used to deliver one shock before the Gator Emergency Medical Response Unit and Alachua County Fire Rescue arrived.  The patient was breathing, had a pulse, and was transported to the hospital.

The Director of Security and Guest Services of the University Athletic Association sent a letter stating, “just this morning, his wife texted me to say the police saved his life.”

For their composure, professionalism and life saving response, the University of Florida Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Sergeant Justin Faroni, Sergeant Kenneth Motes, Officer Joshua Jablanski, and Officer Colton Lewis as SKY Valor honorees.