Sarasota Police Officers Honored For 'Hard Work' And Dedication

SARASOTA, FL -- Members of the Sarasota Police Department's patrol night shift 2B received commendations Monday night for their "hard work" and dedication during several incidents in November of 2018, according to a spokesperson for the agency.

"Officers received word of a large block party that was scheduled to take place," the spokesperson explained. "Within hours of receiving this information, approximately 500 people filled a two-block area. Officers assisted with crowd control and increased security presence."

Officers who received commendations include: Officer Ridge Collins, Officer Timothy Dederick, Officer Michael Dreznin, Officer Ridge Collins, Officer Paul Gagnon, Officer Jenna Harper, Officer Ryan Howell, Officer Drusso Martinez, Officer Jacob Nelson, Officer Erick Raulerson, Officer Maiah Taylor, Officer Justin Toler, Officer Alfonso Varlaro and Officer Brandon Vermillion. Also pictured are Capt. Demetri Konstantopoulos, Sgt. Andrew Combs and Sgt. Greg Miller.

The spokesperson said officers located and arrested one person who was wanted for armed robbery. In addition, they seized a "large amount" of marijuana inside a stolen assault rifle and identified other people with stolen firearms.

"Following the block party, Officers received word of a drive-by shooting," the Sarasota police spokesperson added. "They arrived quickly and were able to locate another assault rifle and handgun lying in the road."

Photos courtesy Sarasota Police Department