Community SAR Awards Law Enforcement Commendation Medals to Local Officers

LIDO KEY -- At noon Friday, 13 April 2012 the Saramana Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution during its annual Law Enforcement Recognition luncheon at the Lido Key Holiday Inn honored seven local officers. Master of Ceremonies, Past President Harold Crapo, Jr., read each officer's citation prior to the presentation of the Law Enforcement Commendation Certificate and Medal.

Presentations were made by Saramana President Charles Riegle and the incoming President of the Florida Society, SAR, Philip H. Tarpley, a Saramana member and resident of Venice. Space restrictions preclude the citations inclusion in this article, however, let it be known that some were recognized because as first responders, they were instrumental in saving lives, one of which was a child. 

Another victim saved by an officer not present for his award, had called a Road Ranger to repair a tire for a stranded motorist. The officer, Trooper McGready of the FHP, was on site when the Road Ranger collapsed, having suffered a major heart attack as he changed the tire. It was reported that the victim is living today due to Trooper McGready's efforts at CPR while awaiting the EMT ambulance.  
 
A surprise award of the same medal was made by President Riegle as M/C Crapo read the citation for Saramana member Philip H. Tarpley, a retired Motorcycle Police Officer assigned to the Presidential Detail in Washington, D.C. "some years ago". 

L to R: Sgt. Shane B. Shehorn, BPD, Officer John Thomas, LBK Police,(unidentified Captain), Det. Brian Chippendale, North Port PD, Det. Michael Dumer, SCSO, Officer Andrew Combs, SPD, Officer Paul Joyce, Venice PD, Det. Sam Levita, MCSO and unidentified supervisor. Photo by Billie Lowe Saranama Publicity Chair