As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I have seen firsthand what it means to take that oath, wear a badge and know that each day may not go as planned. I’m proud to say that with the governor’s full support, no state backs the blue better than Florida.
When others called to defund this noble profession, Florida stood strong and doubled down in appreciating those who bravely choose to serve and protect. Here in Florida, we don’t defund our police, we fund them—and then some.
I am proud to stand with Governor DeSantis in support of his pro-police legislative priorities, including: the proposed $5,000 signing bonus to new law enforcement hires; offering the law enforcement exam free of charge to officers moving to the state; reimbursing training materials and courses up to $1,000 to officers looking to relocate to Florida; and creating a law enforcement academy scholarship.
We welcome law enforcement in our state—not only welcome, but celebrate it as an honorable profession. We will make sure these courageous officers have the tools and resources they need to do their job and protect Floridians.
By backing the blue and giving our support to those who work every day to protect us, we can build a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
Gov. DeSantis, Atty. Gen. Moody reinforce support for Florida law enforcement, WINK News
Florida may give $5,000 signing bonus to new law enforcement officers, WPTV West Palm Beach
Gov. DeSantis announces proposal that would offer $5,000 sign-on bonuses to law enforcement officers, WESH 2 Orlando
Senior citizen denied proper burial after caretaker steals $12,000, NBC 2 Ft. Myers
St. Johns County woman’s $12K fraud denied elderly victim proper burial, Florida AG says, News 4 Jax
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Enlists Retired Law Enforcement Officers to Join Bigs in Blue Program
Attorney General Ashley Moody visited Miami to promote the Bigs in Blue mentorship program to retired Florida law enforcement officers. Bigs in Blue is a mentoring program, through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, that connects youth with LEOs in communities throughout the nation. Attorney General Moody has partnered with BBBS over the past few years to promote the Bigs in Blue program in Florida. There are now 400 active matches with LEOs and children in the community through 46 agencies in the state. The program also paired more than 3,000 children with LEO mentors nationwide. The addition of retired LEOs will bolster both of these numbers.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “As a juvenile judge, I witnessed firsthand the transformative difference a prime role model can make in a child’s life, and I can think of no better role models for our youth than law enforcement officers who devote their careers to protecting and serving others.
“The amount of success the Bigs in Blue program has already had here in Florida is overwhelmingly positive. Now, thanks to our great retired LEOs, we are going to be able to pave the way for further success. With hundreds of opportunities for new mentor placements of retired officers and at-risk youth, we can continue to spread positive influence and build a Stronger, Safer Florida.” Read More
Florida Woman Arrested for Exploiting More Than $12,000 from Disabled Senior
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with the assistance of the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, arrested a Florida woman for exploiting a senior. The MFCU’s investigation found that Monique Mejia, entrusted as the senior’s power of attorney, allegedly stole more than $12,000 from the elderly victim for personal benefit.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Acting as a trusted advocate, this defendant abused her authority and relationship with the victim in order to gain access to personal and financial information. Not only was money stolen, but the victim’s health care bills were neglected. I will continue to do everything within the power of my office to stop Medicaid fraud and criminals preying on Florida seniors.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody joined Governor Ron DeSantis at a news conference in Lakeland touting legislative priorities for Florida law enforcement recruitment, including signing bonuses and scholarships for law enforcement academies. The news conference can be viewed here.
Attorney General Moody promoting the Bigs in Blue mentoring program in Miami, highlighting the opportunity that retired law enforcement officers can participate.
Attorney General Moody receiving the Superhero for Superkids Award from the American Children’s Campaign, Open Doors Outreach Network and Voices for Florida. The award recognizes recipients who envision and/or lead transformational change that can fundamentally improve children’s lives for the better. Attorney General Moody is receiving the award for advocacy work against commercial sexual exploitation of child victims in the state of Florida.
From left to right: Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandy Murman, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Attorney General Moody’s husband Justin Duralia, Open Doors Statewide Director with Voices for Florida Robyn Metcalf
From left to right: Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandy Murman, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Attorney General Moody’s husband Justin Duralia, Open Doors Statewide Director with Voices for Florida Robyn Metcalf
Attorney General Moody delivering the keynote address at the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking gala, “A Night for Hope and Healing.”
The virtual 2021 Human Trafficking Summit is coming up on Oct. 5. It is free to register, and attendees will have access to hours of breakout sessions and targeted discussions on how to end human trafficking. To register, visit humantraffickingsummit.com.
