GBPD announces officer, volunteer of the year
BY BRADLEY "B.J." DAVIS, JR. Gulf Breeze News bjdavis@gulfbreezenews.com

Franklin Hayes/Gulf Breeze News Sergeant Andrew Johnson was chosen as this year's Gulf Breeze Police Department officer of the year.

Officials from the Gulf Breeze Police Department (GBPD) has announced its peer-nominated officer and volunteer of the year. 14-year GBPD veteran Sergeant Andrew Johnson was selected based on a number of factors including his outstanding performance during the year and for his success competing for the Law Enforcement Challenge for Traffic Safety; conducting DUI checkpoints and being active in the regional DUI Task Force.

"I feel really good about it. It was a lot of work and a lot of effort," said Johnson. He further mentioned that any outside law enforcement training is important to enhancing regular job duties.

"Anything you can do in the police department to better understand how it runs betters your performance. I encourage all the other [officers] to do the same thing," he said.

Johnson was also a former investigator for the department and is a firearms instructor, bicycle patrol officer and marine patrol officer.

"His performance has always been exemplary and he has served the City of Gulf Breeze well for many years. We are proud of his achievements and pleased to make this selection known to the public," said Chief Peter Paulding.

In addition to the officer of the year winner, John Crane was selected as volunteer of the year for his contributions to the force. Crane participates in the department's Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. GBPD was selected as one of six departments to implement the VIPS pilot program and was one of four departments nationwide to complete it.

"I was filling out my January paperwork when the chief came in and told me. I wasn't expecting it because there are other fine volunteers besides myself," said Crane.

"I'm a community man and I enjoy helping the community. I'm glad I'm able to be a part of the police department and their mission in life."

According to Paulding, Crane has volunteered for a number of special events and activities since the VIPS program started. He delivered cruisers to law enforcement agencies in Mississippi a f t e r H u r r i c a n e K a t r i n a ; responded to

help in the

Crane

aftermath of Hurricane Dennis and assisted officers during Blue Angles air shows.

"The bottom line is the volunteer efforts have done exactly what we wanted which was reduce traffic crashes," said Paulding. Paulding explained that despite the increase in area traffic, the City of Gulf Breeze has seen a nearly 13 percent decrease in traffic crashes over

the past three years. Meanwhile, Santa Rosa County, Escambia County and Florida each average an increase in traffic crashes. He reiterates the contribution the volunteers make to this decrease.

"They come in and do anything they're asked. They are a very positive asset to the community and to the department," he said.