Tampa Police, Civilians Recognized For Going Above Call Of Duty

TAMPA, FL — Men and women both on the job and off were honored April 4 when the Tampa Police Department hosted its annual awards ceremony to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of law enforcement and civilian personnel, community members and business partners.

Among those honored was Joe Voskerichian, executive director of the Gold Shield Foundation, who was named the 2022 Citizen of the Year Award.

For more than 41 years, Voskerichian has helped provide financial assistance and fully funded college educations for the children and spouses of fallen officers in Tampa and across Tampa Bay. In addition to working tirelessly to communicate with colleges, at times with more than a dozen surviving family members receiving benefits simultaneously, Voskerichian has built close personal relationships with the families of these fallen heroes.

He regularly checks children's grades and offers help to surviving spouses to ensure their children graduate and achieve the successful future their late father or mother would have wanted.

In addition, the 2022 Jesse Madsen Lifesaving Award, named in honor of fallen Master Police Officer Madsen who gave his life to protect others in a 2021 vehicle crash on Interstate 275, was presented to Officer Bradly Hill.

On Dec. 7, Hill responded to a veteran attempting suicide at a local Veterans Administration office. Using his military background, Hill developed a rapport with the man and was able to de-escalate the situation, ultimately convincing him to receive medical assistance.

"There are so many deserving people throughout our department and city who go above and beyond every day without a goal of recognition or praise, but they do it because they care," said Interim Police Chief Lee Bercaw. "Each of our 2022 award recipients is an example of the incredible people we have working in this city. I am thankful for the chance to celebrate their accomplishments and contributions."