On Thursday, May 14th, the Manatee Hundred Club hosted its annual meeting and Officer of the Year ceremony, bringing together local law enforcement officers, community members, and supporters for a night of appreciation and camaraderie. Held at the same location as last year, this annual event continues to grow in significance, highlighting the hard work and dedication of our local law enforcement community.
The Officer of the Year Award ceremony was attended by a diverse group of individuals from throughout the community. Friends, family, fellow officers, and local residents gathered to show their appreciation for the dedicated men and women who selflessly protect and serve us. The atmosphere was filled with admiration and respect as we united to honor this year’s deserving recipient.
We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Deputy Adrian Harrison from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, this year’s deserving recipient of the Officer of the Year Award.
Deputy Adrian Harrison responded to a critical incident during his patrol. Upon arriving at the scene, he quickly assessed the situation and noticed the driver was in distress. Understanding the danger posed by the vehicle’s rapidly spreading fire, fueled by highly combustible liquids, Deputy Harrison immediately sprang into action. Without hesitation, Deputy Harrison acted swiftly to ensure the safety of the individual, removing him from the vehicle and moving him to safety. His quick thinking and selfless actions under pressure played a crucial role in preventing further harm.
For his exemplary dedication and swift response, Deputy Harrison was named the 2024 Manatee County Hundred Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
Though the evening’s centerpiece was the presentation of the Officer of the Year Award, the ceremony also highlighted the importance of recognizing all those in our local law enforcement. Their commitment, bravery, and unwavering hard work are vital to maintaining the safety and well-being of our community, often at great personal sacrifice. As we celebrated our award recipient, we also took a moment to reflect on the collective accomplishments of our officers and express our heartfelt thanks for their dedication to service.
Sheriff Wells also addressed the crowd with heartfelt remarks about Trooper Jeffery D. Young, a fallen hero who was tragically shot in the line of duty many years ago. Sheriff Wells highlighted the efforts to raise funds for a statue in memorial of Trooper Young, ensuring his legacy lives on. His words were a poignant reminder of the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make every day to protect and serve our communities.
The evening’s guest speaker, Dennis Cooley, shared exciting news about the launch of the Manatee Hundred Club Scholarship Program, a new initiative designed to support the educational goals of law enforcement officers, their families, and spouses. The scholarship program was established to give back to the community that our officers so tirelessly protect, ensuring they have access to opportunities for growth and advancement. The announcement sparked much excitement and anticipation among those in attendance.
The outgoing president, Harry Traylor, delivered thoughtful remarks and gracefully hosted the event. Harry acknowledged the contributions of many individuals, including the hotel staff for their exceptional service and Marie Lamarre and Robin Mosher for their dedication to organizing the event. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Harry handed over his presidency to Marie Lamarre, who will make history as the first female president of the Manatee Hundred Club. Marie’s appointment is a milestone for the organization, and we are excited to have her leadership as we continue to support our law enforcement community. To express appreciation for his service, Sheriff Wells presented Harry with a plaque as a token of gratitude for his leadership and support during his term.
The event was a resounding success, filled with moments of reflection, gratitude, and a renewed sense of commitment to supporting our local law enforcement officers. It is through the collective efforts of our community that we can continue to honor, recognize, and support those who protect us every day.
A sincere thank you to our generous hosts for the evening. The venue offered an ideal backdrop for such an esteemed event. With its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service, the evening was made even more memorable. From flawless attention to detail to impeccable hospitality, every aspect was thoughtfully executed, ensuring a remarkable experience for all who attended. We look forward to the continued success of the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa in hosting future events that unite our community.
As we move forward into the new year, we are excited to continue fostering collaboration and providing meaningful support to our law enforcement community. We look forward to seeing how the scholarship program will help future generations of officers and their families, and we remain committed to standing with our officers as they carry out their vital mission.
Thank you again to everyone who made this event possible, and we look forward to another year of success and community partnership.
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