AG Moody Recognizes Martin County Deputies for Helping Homeless Veteran

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today presented a Back the Blue Award to three Martin County deputies for helping a homeless Navy veteran. While serving in the Community Policing Unit, the deputies get the opportunity to build close and strong relations with the local community, including the homeless population. The deputies recently had to warn a homeless camp to move off a private lot. The deputies offered assistance to all homeless individuals, but only one accepted—a homeless veteran, who was honorably discharged after serving our country.

Deputy Andrew Adams, Deputy Joe Angelico and Sergeant George Yacobellis promised veteran Greg Willis they would help him after learning that Willis had been living in the woods for four months. The deputies contacted the Martin County Veterans Services to see if Willis qualified for housing assistance. They also made calls to churches and other local agencies for resources. Due to their dedicated work, Willis is now on a path to a more productive life.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “These three dedicated law enforcement heroes exemplify the true meaning of the Back the Blue mission. They care about their community and work hard every day to build trust with the people they serve. This story is so heart-warming. These deputies made a promise that they not only kept but went above and beyond to help a veteran get his life back on track. Thank you, deputies, for taking care of our veterans, and for serving your community so honorably.”

Sergeant Yacobellis began serving the Martin County Sheriff’s Office in 2004 and has held many positions throughout the agency. Prior to his law enforcement career, Sergeant Yacobellis served in the U.S. Army for eight years. Deputy Adams grew up in northern Germany and moved to Martin County 10 years ago. Deputy Adams has served the Martin County Sheriff’s Office for the past two years and recently joined the Community Policing Unit. Deputy Angelico has been with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office for 29 years. Prior to serving Martin County, Deputy Angelico spent nine years in law enforcement in Nassau County, New York and served in the U.S. Air Force.

To nominate a law enforcement officer, citizen or organization for a Back the Blue Award, please email Georgia.Pevy@MyFloridaLegal.com.

For more information about the Attorney General’s Back the Blue Award, click here.
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Back the Blue campaign highlights law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Supporting law enforcement is a top priority for Attorney General Moody and the mission of Back the Blue is to commend Florida’s brave law enforcement officers and Floridians who back them.