 Pictured from left to right: Deputy Ron Kelley and Sheriff Bob Hansell. |
The alarming trend of law enforcement deaths and injuries due to roadway incidents has brought a lot of attention to the area of emergency vehicle operations. Many agencies do not train their officers in driving and many are struggling to begin training programs with a lack of resources.
In the midst of all that, there are numerous trainers across the country spending every ounce of energy they have to ensure the officers in their community are given the training they need to do their jobs safely. It is absolutely necessary that we honor these trainers because their sacrifice and hard work will inspire other officers, trainers and administrators to do everything they can to provide a safe environment to their law enforcement officers.
As I speak to other trainers and get the privilege to travel across the country and meet other officers and instructors, I am constantly inspired to work harder, yell louder and advocate more for our law enforcement community.
I have known Osceola County Deputy Ron Kelley for a number of years and his hard work and determination has no doubt been an inspiration to me. I am proud to announce that he has been named Officer of the Year. I encourage each of you to congratulate Ron on his achievement.
Note: Deputy Kelley has been an active participant nationally on advocating more driver training for law enforcement. He is a southeast regional representative for the Police Driving Site, www.policedriving.com, and has taught across the country on police related issues. Additional information on Ron can be found here: http://www.policedriving.com/kelley.htm
Press Release
Deputy Kelley Recognized by Knights of Columbus as Officer of the Year
Osceola County The Knights of Columbus Council 6624 have named Deputy Ron Kelley as Officer of the Year. Joined by Sheriff Hansell, sheriff’s deputies and his family, Kelley was recognized at a dinner awards reception last night. A 20-year veteran of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Kelley was instrumental in creating and implementing the Teen Driver Challenge, a statewide public education program sponsored by the Florida Sheriff’s Association. Deputy Kelley led the committee that formulated the curriculum for the program which works to improve teen driving in order to reduce traffic crashes. Deputy Kelley has been with the Training Unit for three years as a lead instructor. He helped to start a pursuit training program, a partnership with insurance carriers that teaches advanced driving and pursuit techniques.
Deputy Kelley wrote the lesson plans and trained 15 deputies to serve as instructors. “Deputy Kelley’s dedication and commitment to not only the Sheriff’s Office but to improving safety is evident in his work. He is an asset to our agency and an exemplary employee,” stated Sheriff Bob Hansell.
