This week, I had the pleasure of speaking to our law enforcement leaders at the Florida FBI National Academy Association Annual Retraining Conference in Sarasota. These leaders traveled from across the state to attend the conference, and I am so inspired by their commitment to public service.

Florida is the best state in the nation and our law enforcement play an important role in protecting our position at the top, as well as Floridians and the millions of visitors who flock here every year.

As a former judge and prosecutor, Attorney General and the wife of a law enforcement officer, supporting the men and women who stand on that thin blue line between chaos and order is a mission close to my heart.

One way we support these heroes is by ensuring the criminals they risk their lives to arrest face justice. Sadly, we are seeing so-called prosecutors in states outside of Florida turn their backs on the rule of law by refusing to hold criminals accountable.

The prosperity and security Florida enjoys today can be attributed, in large part, to the brave men and women throughout our history who have chosen a career of service over self. Some of them laid down their lives for our safety. I am moved by the courage of these fallen heroes, and each and every officer who chooses a life of service.

As I told the trainees during the conference, it’s because of people like them, that we are able to build a Stronger, Safer Florida.