Gulf Breeze Rotary honors teacher, police officer of year

ABOVE: Gulf Breeze Rotarian Summer King with Gulf Breeze Deputy Chief Robert Randle and Sgt. Andrew Johnson.

Last month, the Gulf Breeze Rotary Club honored a teacher and a law enforcement officer of the year.

Long-time Gulf Breeze Middle School teacher Barbara Whitehead was recognized for her 27 years as a Physical Education teacher, and was praised by GBMS Principal Jenny Granse as a dedicated and caring teacher who serves her students and always has their best interests in mind.

The Law Enforcement Officer of the Year was Sgt. Andrew Johnson whose accomplishments were summarized by Chief Peter Paulding.

"This guy is always finding new ways to protect and serve," Paulding praised. Johnson was responsible for getting a marine patrol organized and a boat donated for use by the Gulf Breeze Police Department. he helped reduce traffic accidents through strict enforcement of the traffic laws, according to Paulding.

Rotarian Summer King was chair of the committee that deliberated over the many nominations. "So many qualified individuals were nominated, and you really made the job easy," she said.

RIGHT: Gulf Breeze Middle Principal Jenny Granse with honoree Barbara Whitehead.

King also recognized Deputy Chief Robert Randle for his excellence, and he received a special recognition award.