SKY Valor Honors North Central Florida first responders

Saluting law enforcement, EMS and firefighters for going above and beyond the call of duty

These deputies are both United States Army Veterans, now serving Gilchrist County citizens.

On the evening of February 11th, Deputies Fricke and Nettles were dispatched to conduct a well being check. There were concerns of a domestic related issue on the call.

Arriving on the scene, Fricke and Nettles began speaking to a female outside the residence. She told them her husband was inside, intoxicated and belligerent. As the interview continued, they heard a man yelling at them, but couldn’t see him. Fricke and Nettles identified themselves to the man, when the husband fired a shotgun.

With the patrol vehicles’ emergency lights activated and deputies continuing to identify themselves, the still unseen suspect fired a second shot, while yelling threats at Fricke and Nettles…“Y’all boys want to go home tonight?"

The deputies were able to gain a visible location of the suspect, secured tactical positions, and observed the suspect still holding a shotgun. After more verbal commands, and realizing the gun was out of ammunition, the suspect put the gun down and was apprehended.

For their decisive reaction, restraint and courage while navigating a volatile and personally dangerous confrontation, the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Deputy Jon Fricke and Deputy James Nettles as today’s SKY Valor honorees.

English began her career of public service in Oct 2005 with Ocala Fire as a Dispatcher. Currently, she is a Communication Assistant with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, responsible for the training of new employees, and the continual training of the existing Communications Center staff. English is the Agency DAVID coordinator, an Emergency Telecommunicator Instructor, Florida Department of Health training coordinator, and holds numerous certifications in nearly every aspect of Emergency telecommunications.

Why is English being honored?

In April of this year, English attended the National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Banquet.  During the banquet, she noticed that another employee appeared to be choking and unable to breathe.  English immediately administered the Heimlich maneuver, and was able to free the obstruction.  By quickly recognizing, responding, and utilizing her first-aid training, she was able to save this person from choking.

For her professionalism and fast action, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Communications Supervisor Qunda English as a SKY Valor honoree.

Before she joined law enforcement, Figueredo worked in the restaurant industry, moving from Miami to Gainesville. During the pandemic, she switched careers, enlisting with GPD, was trained through the police academy, and became a Gainesville Patrol officer. She became a SWAT officer in August, making her the first Hispanic woman in the unit, and the fourth woman on the team in any capacity.

Why is Officer Figueredo being honored?

During these times when Law Enforcement as a profession can be challenging, Figueredo has become an example of a determined, knowledgeable, community-oriented Law Enforcement Officer. She is now trained through Bike School, Patrol Rifle School, drug interdiction and vehicle interdiction, and has expanded to work with the Criminal Investigations Division and Drug Task Force on various cases that have resulted in successful prosecutions. Figueredo has been highly involved in a Hispanic Community Outreach program, working with City Council, schools and hispanic media groups to increase connections with this growing population. She has worked with the Heroes & Helpers program, the Disproportionate Minority Contact Police-Youth Dialogue events…and the Gainesville Unity Night of Compassion, bringing more attention to serious gun violence. All of these have been of great benefit to GPD’s Community Oriented Policing goals.

On patrol over the last year, Figueredo has attained high statistical rankings in law enforcement categories, showing extreme diligence.  From drug possession and distribution arrests, burglaries to a high number of dangerous firearms arrests, she has been involved in a significant number of important cases.  Especially for a new officer.

For her perseverance, kind-heartedness, and hard work on and off-duty throughout the city of Gainesville, 97.3 The SKY and the Gainesville Police Department are proud to salute Officer Amanda Figueredo as today’s SKY Valor honoree.

Lt. Lowery is a 17-year veteran of ACFR, assigned to Engine 40 on C-Shift. Lowery and his wife Heather have a daughter, Emma. He is active in several department committees and serves as the 1st Vice President of our I-A-F-F Local.

Why is Lowery being honored?

We presented this story of Valor earlier this month. Lt. Lowery was teamed with Alachua County Fire Rescue Lt. Kimberly Marsh, in a heroic emergency call this past November.

Here is the story. Rescue and Fire units were dispatched to a water rescue call at Lindsey-Phillips Park in Hawthorne. Upon arrival they found an unconscious patient floating in the middle of the lake, approximately 60 feet from shore. The patient's brother had entered the water in a rescue attempt, but he struggled to stay afloat. A-C-F-R’s Lt. Lowery, and Marsh, both immediately entered the lake, and completed a top water rescue of both the patient as well as the brother. The initial patient was found to be in cardiac arrest. Crews worked the medical arrest on scene, then packaged the patient for transport to a hospital.

This incident was a low frequency, high acuity type of call…that can quickly turn bad. Lt. Lowery and Marsh placed themselves in significant danger, without hesitation, to save 2 lives. Unfortunately, the heart attack victim did not survive his injuries. But the efforts made by these two members and their crews allowed the patient, an organ donor, to subsequently save the lives of eight different people.

For his professionalism and fast action in the face of danger, Alachua County Fire Rescue and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Lieutenant Ryan Lowery as today’s SKY Valor honoree.

Trooper Hannon is a US Navy Reserve Veteran. He began with FHP in October 2017, and is currently assigned locally to the Troop-B Criminal Interdiction Unit as a K9 handler.

Why is Hannon being honored?

Earlier this winter on February 7, Trooper Hannon conducted a traffic stop on a tractor-trailer just off of Interstate 10 in Suwannee County. FHP had information that the driver possessed active warrants for Kidnapping and Rape. The law enforcement agency handling the investigation advised that the suspect was believed to be in North Central Florida.

Hannon positioned his patrol vehicle in front of the suspect’s semi.  As Hannon approached the truck, the driver appeared in the open doorway.  The suspect ignored verbal commands to exit.  The driver quickly re-entered the cab.  Hannon moved to prevent the driver from closing the door, while repeating commands to exit the truck.  But the driver refused to comply.  The suspect then pulled a loaded firearm from inside the cab, and pointed it directly at Hannon.  Hannon jumped from the truck, took cover, and fired shots toward the cab.

Hannon retreated to the cover of his patrol vehicle and waited for backup.  After that initial encounter, the driver was found deceased in the truck . Trooper Hannon displayed immense courage in the face of imminent death, against an armed, dangerous suspect.

For his bravery, professionalism and commitment to the safety of Florida residents and visitors, 97.3 The SKY and the Florida Highway Patrol are proud to salute Trooper Matthew Hannon Jr. as today’s SKY Valor honoree.

Sergeant Taylor has served as an Officer with the High Springs Police Department since 2014. He oversees Investigations, and the School Resource Officer unit. Taylor also is a certified K-9 handler, with his K-9 Justice…who is trained to detect weapons and ammunition.

Why is Sgt. Taylor being honored?

Christmas came early on December 21, 2022, for High Springs citizen George Cain.  Cain and Sergeant Taylor routinely volunteer at a local food drive every Wednesday to help distribute food in the community.  This particular Wednesday was different, when George Cain suffered a massive heart attack, and was found unconscious and not breathing.  Sgt. Taylor immediately initiated CPR, and deployed his department-issued AED defibrillator, working to resuscitate Cain.  High Springs Fire Department personnel and other HSPD officers, including Sgt. Kendrick Hampton, arrived on the scene and assisted with compressions.  Cain was transported to a local hospital, and survived his near-death experience with a few broken ribs.  A true Christmas gift.

For his fast action and life-saving professionalism, the High Springs Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Administrative Sergeant Jason Taylor as today’s SKY Valor honoree.

Trooper Adkins began his FHP career in February of 2018, and is currently assigned to the Cross City Sub-District.

Why is Adkins being honored?

Last June, Trooper Adkins responded to a minor parking lot crash at Ginnie Springs in Gilchrist County. While conducting his crash investigation, Adkins was approached by an unknown citizen, who alerted him about a man possibly drowning.

Adkins grabbed his A-E-D defibrillator device, and rushed to the scene. A male was lying on his back, his skin was blue, and blood was coming from his mouth. Upon arrival there was an unknown person administering CPR.  Trooper Adkins attached the AED to the unresponsive male, and took over CPR efforts. A woman approached, identifying herself as a nurse, and assisted Adkins.

After approximately 20 minutes, the male began to breathe on his own. Adkins and the unidentified nurse assisted in maintaining an open airway.  A short time later, Gilchrist County Fire Rescue arrived and took over care. The 21-year-old victim was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, and was expected to make a full recovery.

For his immediate action, demonstrating a core value of the Florida Highway Patrol, Adkins received the “Lifesaving Award” by FHP’s Gainesville District Captain Andrew Litzell.  97.3 The SKY and the Florida Highway Patrol are proud to continue recognizing his efforts…saluting Trooper Jake Adkins as today’s SKY Valor honoree.

Detective Russano earned her Law Degree from Nova Southeastern University. After several years as an attorney, Russano pursued a career in law enforcement. She began as an Officer with Gainesville Police in 2017. Russano is currently assigned to GPD’s Criminal Investigation Division as a major crimes detective in the special victims squad.

Why is Detective Russano being honored?

In September of 2021, Russano and former Detective Amanda Rodonis responded to a serious report. A 3 year-old-girl disclosed to her parents that a staff member at a daycare facility had molested the young girl. Reviewing surveillance recordings, criminal behavior was revealed, not only on the first victim, but possibly another victim.

When interviewed, the suspect told detectives he was previously accused of inappropriately touching another boy, but charges were never brought against him. The suspect ultimately admitted to the sexual abuse of the two young girls at the day care.

Detective Russano, and assisting detectives, didn’t stop at the two identified victims. Extensive follow-up and interviews with a partnering agency revealed two additional victims.

During the initial 2021 investigation, the suspect’s cell-phone was seized. But the device could not be technically analyzed at the time. Finally in March of 2022, the cell-phone was opened, and Detective Russano continued moving forward with her investigation. The cell-phone contained dozens of exploitative images involving youth from the same facility.

Russano was able to identify two of the young girls, one who already disclosed being abused. Unfortunately, a number of the young girls on the phone are unidentified.

Detective Russano’s investigation showed capital felonies were committed, and the suspect would likely be incarcerated for a significant portion of his life. Russano could have easily moved on to the dozens of other cases that have come and gone since. However, she remained committed, tirelessly investigating more illicit content…and located and identified additional victims of the suspect’s abuse. Russano’s continued public outreach revealed two MORE victims, just last month.

The suspect currently awaits Florida Capital Felony prosecution. Russano’s case was recently adopted for federal prosecution, where the suspect will be charged with Production of Child Pornography. She has worked for over two years to identify and seek justice for all the victims of the daycare worker’s abuse. Russano’s case has been recognized by GPD as the case of the year.

For her diligence and tenacity, investigating the scope of this habitual sexual predator and bringing him to justice…the Gainesville Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Detective Desiree Russano as today’s SKY Valor honoree.

Sgt. Todd is a Patrol Supervisor with 20 years of service to OPD.
Officer Burgos has been with Ocala Police for 12 years.
Officer Compton has 27 years of service to OPD.
Officer Gonzalez now with 5 years at OPD,
And Officer Riley has been with Ocala Police for 5 years.

Why are these officers being honored?

They identified a need among youth and families in a specific area of Ocala, and have worked diligently to bring meaningful change. The officers were given information by children in a local apartment complex that they were not getting fed on weekends, and were hungry. Statements revealed these children couldn't wait for Monday to go to school, where they would be fed. These statements emotionally struck the officers, and they wanted to help.

Sergeant Todd, and Officers Burgos, Compton, Gonzalez, and Riley decided on a plan of action for the weekends that they worked. They sought, and even bought food to distribute. They then went door-to-door throughout the complex where the kids live, giving that food to any families that they found in need. They did this beginning in March of 2023, and continue now.
This outreach to people in need developed a stronger relationship between Ocala Police and the citizens in that apartment complex. These adults and children now feel they can go to the officers in their times of need, and trust they will do their best to assist them.

Although these officers have sought no praise or acknowledgement, they chose to lift up these children because it was the right thing to do.  For their selfless dedication to the people they serve, the Ocala Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Sergeant Dustin Todd, Officer Amado Burgos, Officer Harold Compton, Officer Kelsey Gonzalez, and Officer Daniel Riley, as today’s SKY Valor honorees.

Armstrong is a lifelong Gainesville resident…a single mother of 2, who in her 30s gave up everything in her life to go back to school. She entered the police academy, and has been a GPD officer for 3 years now.

Why is Officer Armstrong being honored?

Early morning, before 5 a.m. on January 17, multiple units responded to an apartment complex.  The call reported a subject shooting at two victims, then fleeing.  Officers located the subject, who then fled in the darkness.  In the search, Officer Armstrong found the shooter, exited her car, and gave chase.  She ran him down, tackling him.  The suspect was still armed.  During what became a bloody struggle, the tenacious Armstrong fought and got the weapon away from the suspect, who fled again.  She gave vital information over the radio to other officers, who brought in a GPD K9 unit.  Armstrong helped direct the K9 officer in a final pursuit.  A short time later, the now unarmed suspect was taken into custody, without further incident.

For her exceptional bravery confronting a violent suspect, for her persistence to disarm and run him down, and aid in his final capture, and for her tenacity in a dangerous situation to keep citizens safe, the Gainesville Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Officer Erin Armstrong as today’s SKY Valor honoree.

This past December, the Sheriff’s Office Warrants Bureau was notified that a priority warrant was issued.  A suspect was wanted on serious criminal charges of conspiracy to sell synthetic narcotics, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.  Investigators were also advised that this dangerous suspect was a person of interest in a recent murder, and he was wanted for questioning.

A few days later, after having difficulty following dead-end leads, Investigator Mata drove to the area of Grace Marketplace.  Mata noticed the suspect at a nearby bus stop.  He called for further deputies, but the suspect boarded a bus before help arrived.  Mata was able to covertly trail the bus. When the suspect exited, a foot chase ensued, before Mata was able to make the arrest.

During a search of his person, a loaded 9mm handgun as well as trafficking amounts of drugs were found.  This suspect was a 13-times convicted felon, a person of interest in a murder, who was armed and actively trafficking in drugs.  The criminal was located quickly, and removed from area streets.

For his determination, acute awareness and professionalism, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Investigator Leo Mata as today’s SKY Valor honoree.

Detective Allen has been with GPD for nearly 13 years, now splitting time on Patrol and Investigations, where she specializes in the Special Victims Unit.

In March 2022, over a year ago, Allen was assigned a sexual battery case on a child under the age of 12.  Her investigation led to criminal charges and the arrest of a suspect, Justin Krumweide.

But that arrest was just the beginning.

Detective Allen coordinated with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office to further investigate the suspect’s cellphones and computers, where child sexual abuse material was discovered on several devices.  Allen then worked closely with the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and a Digital Forensic Examiner for the next year.  Five more child victims were identified and located, spread throughout the United States.

During this stretch of follow-up and digital forensic examination, Krumwiede had bonded out of jail on the initial charge.  He was then re-arrested on child pornography and lascivious exhibition charges, and Allen further broadened her investigation.  She coordinated with Federal Law Enforcement, Homeland Security Agents, then numerous agencies in New Mexico, Texas and Pennsylvania.

Because of Detective Allen’s tenacity, Krumwiede has plead guilty several federal production of child pornography charges in New Mexico and Texas.  He is facing between 15-60 years in federal prison.  And locally, as of last month, Krumwiede faces a 30 year plea deal.

For her exceptional judgment and ingenuity, resulting in present and future convictions of a prolific sexual predator, the Gainesville Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Detective Lindsay Allen as today’s SKY Valor honoree.

Brent Stegall is a 10-year veteran of Ocala Fire Rescue, a 3rd-generation firefighter. He has worked through the ranks from Firefighter/Paramedic to now serving as Captain/Paramedic at Station No. 7.

Miranda Kilsby is a Dixie County EMT, at the beginning of her career.

Why are these persons being honored?

Last August 17th, a vehicle with four occupants traveling on US Highway 27 was involved in a rollover accident, resulting in the vehicle on fire. As fate would have it, two off-duty first responders would be traveling along the same route.  Captain Stegall was returning home from work, and without hesitation, stopped to assist.  Stegall found one person outside, and three others trapped inside the vehicle with an engine compartment fire.

A second passerby – EMT Kilsby – also stopped to help the accident victims.  Stegall and Kilsby removed the three from the burning vehicle, and proceeded to triage and conduct rapid trauma assessments, as the first responding units arrived at the scene.

For their immediate action in the face of a critical emergency, which prevented severe burns and saved the lives of the vehicle’s occupants, Ocala Fire Rescue and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Captain/Paramedic Brent Stegall and EMT Miranda Kilsby as today’s SKY Valor honorees.

Victor began working at UFPD in 2016, serving in multiple facets of the Police Department, including the K-9 unit, Investigations, and Community Services. Victor has received many awards and commendations for his service, including Employee of Distinction, Life Saving Efforts Award and Safe Driver Award, and he is an avid outdoorsman and sports & fitness enthusiast.

Why is Victor being honored?

This past December, Officer Beguiristain was patrolling a wooded area when he came upon an occupied tent behind a parking garage.  After making sure the area was secure and backup arrived, Victor made contact with the subject.  A law enforcement database search identified the man as a violent sexual offender, with an active warrant out of Montana. This wanted subject was apprehended, and subsequently brought to justice.

For his professionalism and diligence in identifying and capturing this wanted subject, the University of Florida Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Officer Victor Beguiristain as today’s SKY Valor honoree.

On March 31st, crews were dispatched to the Yankeetown Boat Ramp, where a vehicle was reported to be in the water.  Upon arrival, first responders found that the vehicle was still occupied.  Firefighter-Paramedic Lesher, along with 2 members of Levy County Sheriff’s Office immediately entered the dark, cold water in an attempt to extract the victim.  After attempts to break windows were unsuccessful, responders were able to force the top of the vehicle open, remove the patient, get him to shore, and transported to a hospital. Earlier this week we saluted Levy County deputies Tucker Gaffey and Cody Weaver in this event.  Today we honor the bravery of Firefighter-Paramedic Quinn Lesher, placing himself in harm’s way responding to this late-night water emergency.  In the words of his department, Lesher’s efforts “are not unnoticed.”

For his professionalism and fast action in a dangerous response, the Levy County Department of Public Safety and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Firefighter-Paramedic Quinn Lesher as a SKY Valor honoree.

Wilson is a 7-year veteran of the Santa Fe College Police Department.

Officer Christopher Wilson has shown tremendous leadership at the college in the last year. The Santa Fe College Police Department, like so many agencies nationwide, has faced personnel difficulties over the last 12 months.  As a Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Rape Aggression Defense instructor, & Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design practitioner, Wilson is often the most consistent presence at Santa Fe College Police for new officers.  He provides command and role model leadership, and keeps the agency on the cutting edge of professional development.  Wilson is vastly instrumental in keeping the department at the forefront of professionalism, and keeping the Santa Fe College community safe.

For his dedication, the Santa Fe College Police Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Officer Christopher Wilson as a SKY Valor honoree.

Pearson, Arnold, Tatum and Hudson deployed to Southwest Florida for one week as part of an Engine Strike Team following Hurricane Ian last fall.  The team was under the command of High Springs Chief Bruce Gillingham. The unprecedented Ian damage required an unprecedented response, and this team from the High Springs Fire Department used their expertise to help save lives and ease the suffering after September’s Cat 5 storm.  It was a massive job. Pearson, Arnold, Tatum and Hudson first worked helping citizens in Hardee County, then in North Ft. Myers.  During their 4-days in North Ft. Myers, the strike team responded to 250 calls for service.

For their compassion, hard work and professionalism in a massive disaster zone, the High Springs Fire Department and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Captain Kevin Pearson, Firefighter-Paramedic Kim Arnold, Firefighter-EMT Chris Tatum, and Firefighter-Paramedic Adam Hudson as SKY Valor honorees.

Corporal Gaffey has been with LCSO since June 2018 and is currently assigned to the Patrol Division.  He is a part of the Honor Guard and Dive Team. Deputy Weaver has been with LCSO since July 2020 and is also assigned to the Patrol Division.  Weaver is a part of the Tactical Response Unit and Honor Guard.

On March 31st at approximately 2 in the morning, Levy County received an emergency call reporting a vehicle had driven into the water off the Yankeetown Boat Ramp at a high rate of speed.  Corporal Gaffey, Deputy Weaver and Paramedic Quinn Lesher arrived a short time later.  Without hesitation they entered the water and found the submerged vehicle.  After several attempts, they were able to open the vehicle and extract the driver.  They brought him to the surface, and he was transported to a local hospital. Unfortunately the driver did not survive, but these three men did everything in their power to save the driver.

For their professionalism and fast action in a critical emergency response, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Corporal Tucker Gaffey and Deputy Cody Weaver as SKY Valor honorees.

Kimberly Marsh is a 10-year veteran of Alachua County Fire Rescue, a mom with 2 boys. She is very active in the department and is an avid Crossfitter.

In November, Rescue and Fire units were dispatched to a water rescue call at Lindsey-Phillips Park in Hawthorne.  Upon arrival they found an unconscious patient floating in the middle of the lake, approximately 60 feet from shore.  The patient's brother had entered the water in a rescue attempt, but he struggled to stay afloat.  Rescue Lieutenant Marsh and ACFR’s Lt. Lowery both immediately entered the lake, and completed a top water rescue of both the patient as well as the brother.  The initial patient was found to be in cardiac arrest.  Crews worked the medical arrest on scene, then packaged the patient for transport.  Lt. Marsh, still soaked from the rescue, continued to provide Advanced Life Support care to the patient enroute, eventually regaining pulses by the time they arrived at the hospital.

This incident was a low frequency, high acuity type of call that can quickly turn bad.  These two fire-rescue members placed themselves in danger, without hesitation, to save two lives.  Unfortunately, the patient did not survive his injuries.  But the efforts made by these two members and their crews allowed the patient, an organ donor, to subsequently save the lives of eight different people.  Lt. Lowery and Rescue Lt. Marsh are recognized by Alachua County Fire-Rescue for their acts of heroism.

For her professionalism and fast action in the face of danger, Alachua County Fire Rescue and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Rescue Lieutenant Kimberly Marsh as a SKY Valor honoree.

Corporal Luiken started with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2014.  He has served as a patrol deputy, a field training officer, and a school resource officer.

Last year, deputies responded to a call where two parents had been stabbed by their daughter. Corporal Luiken was first on scene and found both victims suffering from life-threatening wounds. The mother was already unconscious. Luiken immediately began life-saving measures on both victims, while coordinating the response of additional units along with medics. His swift life-saving actions, and rapid gathering of crucial information, contributed to the quick apprehension of the suspect. Ultimately, the father was unable to recover from his wounds and lost his life.  The family of the victims conveyed their appreciation for these life-saving measures. Their mother was able to recover and was afforded the opportunity to say goodbye to her husband of more than 50 years before his passing.

For his composure and professionalism, in one of the most stress-filled situations a law officer could face, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and 97.3 The SKY are proud to salute Corporal Daniel Luiken as a SKY Valor honoree.