Congressman to Honor 2 from Bradenton Police Department

BRADENTON – Two members of the Bradenton Police Department are being recognized by Congressman Vern Buchanan. Officer John Morningstar and Detective 1st Grade Michael Skoumal will receive Congressman Buchanan’s 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement awards during a ceremony on May 13 in Sarasota.

Detective Skoumal (center)

Officer Morningstar will receive the district’s Dedication and Professionalism Award for his investigation of an assault that occurred in November. Officer Morningstar’s investigation resulted in the arrest of all three suspects within 18 hours of the incident.

Officer Morningstar has been recognized on multiple occasions for this case, including earlier this spring when he was named 2013-14 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511.

Detective 1st Grade Skoumal will receive the Career Service Award for his five years serving on the Drug Enforcement Administration. Congressman Buchanan recognized Detective Skoumal’s “continued leadership and guidance” with the DEA that has resulted in “high profile investigations (and) has brought honor to the DEA and to the Bradenton Police Department.”

“These men are truly examples of the professional police work conducted by the Bradenton Police Department every day,” Police Chief Michael Radzilowski said.

The award winners were selected by an independent panel of current and retired law enforcement personnel throughout Florida’s 16th Congressional District, which includes part of Manatee County and all of Sarasota County.

Congressman Buchanan created the panel two years ago to annually identify and give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments or units for exceptional achievement. He formed a similar panel to recognize fire-rescue personnel and EMTs.