The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) announced their 2016 Legislator of the Year and Legislative Champions for supporting public safety policies and FSA initiatives during the legislative session. Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla was named Legislator of the Year for his role in conceal carry legislation and commitment to solutions proposed by Florida's sheriffs. FSA also recognized 15 additional House and Senate members as Legislative Champions for supporting FSA legislative priorities and smart public safety policies, including reforming death benefits for families of fallen officers.

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Florida Sheriffs Association Announces
2016 Legislator of the Year and Legislative
Champions
Tallahassee, Fla. (April 11, 2016) – Each year the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) recognizes
several exemplary state legislators for their significant contributions to and support of good public
safety policies during legislative session. These legislators have demonstrated a commitment to
protecting the best interests of Florida citizens through their diligent legislative efforts and support of
FSA initiatives.
This year, the Florida Sheriffs Association names Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla as the 2016
Legislator of the Year for his commitment to the safety of our citizens. His role in ensuring a common
sense approach to conceal carry legislation exemplified what we expect of our elected officials and his
unwavering support for reasonable solutions proposed by Florida’s sheriffs demonstrated his
commitment to Florida’s citizens and visitors.
“The Florida Sheriffs Association is honored to recognize Senator Diaz de la Portilla for his continued
support and commitment to the public safety,” said FSA President and Alachua County Sheriff Sadie
Darnell. “We were grateful for the opportunity to work with a senator so dedicated to the citizens this
legislative session.”
The FSA also recognizes 15 additional House and Senate members as Legislative Champions during
this legislative session for their support of FSA legislative priorities as well as their passionate support
of smart public safety policy, including those that sponsored legislation that reforming death benefits for
families of fallen officers. “This session, the Florida Legislature has made taking care of law
enforcement officers a priority through the passage of the Deputy Pine bill (SB 7012), which reforms
the death benefits for families of fallen officers,” said FSA’s Legislative Chair and Pinellas County
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. “These legislators helped make this bill a reality, along with numerous other
important public safety bills, which will make a difference in the lives of many.”
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2. 2016 Florida Sheriffs Association’s Legislative Champions:
Sen. Rob Bradley
Sen. Alan Hays
Sen. Arthenia Joyner
Sen. Jack Latvala
Sen. Garrett Richter
Sen. Jeremy Ring
Sen. David Simmons
Sen. Chris Smith
Rep. Shawn Harrison
Rep. Shevrin Jones
Rep. Dave Kerner
Rep. Chris Latvala
Rep. Kathleen Passidomo
Rep. Rene Plasencia
Rep. Cyndi Stevenson
“Without the aid of these important state legislators, the Florida Sheriffs Association would not be able
to serve the citizens of Florida to the best of our ability,” said FSA Executive Director Steve Casey. “On
behalf of the entire Florida Sheriffs Association, I would like to honor these men and women for doing
their part to help keep Floridians safe.”
# # #
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of Florida’s Sheriffs,
approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA
has quietly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law-enforcement
community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers
to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-
needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal
services.Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive
citizens, FSA both established and continues to fund the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities
throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. The
Florida Sheriffs Association has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law
enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit
http://www.flsheriffs.org.
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