GOOD COPS
The Lee County Sheriff announced the officers and civilians who made outstanding contributions to the public in December. They were:
Deputy of the Month - Sgt. Pat McDonald
On Saturday, December 29, Sgt. Pat McDonald of Lehigh Acres was dispatched to a home burglary alarm. The call for service soon became more urgent when a second and third call came in from neighbors who saw several males enter that same home through a smashed garage window. After parking his patrol vehicle, McDonald heard voices inside the garage. Suddenly the garage door opened and the five suspects were attempting to back the victim's vehicle out. As he ordered the driver to stop, the driver of the car headed directly at him. The driver intentionally steered the car at McDonald in an obvious effort to cause enough injury to make their escape but McDonald was able to jump out of the way and fire his issued weapon three times in an effort to stop them. As the driver sped in reverse down the driveway, the car slammed into two street signs and ended up in a ditch.
McDonald held the five suspects at gun point until responding officers arrived to assist in taking them into custody.
Corrections Deputy of the Month - Deputy Jacob Stutzman
On Saturday, December 22, Deputy
Jacob Stutzman of Lehigh Acres was watching an episode of "America's Most Wanted" at home with his wife. While watching the episode, Stutzman identified one of the profiled fugitives - Agusto Rodriguez (also known as Carlos Rodriguez) - as a member of their church. Rodriguez was wanted by the FBI and the U.S. Marshall's office for kidnapping. Stutzman called Rodriguez, who advised him that he was in Miami, but had no transportation back to Lee County. Stutzman obtained the address and offered to provide transportation back. Stutzman called the U.S. Marshall's Office, the FBI and the Miami Police Department. At 3:30 a.m., Stutzman received a phone call from Miami Police Department that Rodriguez was in custody. The FBI confirmed that this was the man they were looking for. Stutzman is still working with the FBI and the U.S. Marshall's Office with further information.
Volunteer of the Month - Gary T. Novatny
Gary Novatny of Fort Myers started volunteering with the Sheriff's Office V.O.I.C.E. program in 2007 and devotes his time primarily to the Central (Echo) District. At first, Novatny volunteered twice a week, but now volunteers four days a week. He is a dedicated professional who takes great pride in his duties.
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