TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today visited the Orlando Police Department and presented a Back the Blue Award to the department for providing relief to Puerto Rico law enforcement agencies post Hurricane Maria. Over the past two years, the department gathered gear to help law enforcement maintain order on the storm-ravaged island. The materials consist of radio equipment, ballistic shields, tactical vests, tasers, flashlights, helmets and more. The department delivered the materials, valued at more than $500,000, to Puerto Rico last week.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The Orlando Police Department and Chief Orlando Rolón went above and beyond to support law enforcement in Puerto Rico. Not only do they dedicate their lives to serving Floridians, they are committed to helping those in need outside of Florida as well. The brotherhood within law enforcement is strong, no matter where you are located, and the care and consideration of this mission is outstanding. Thank you, Orlando Police Department for your tenacity, for representing our State so well and helping our fellow Americans.”
Shortly after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, several Orlando Police Officers went to Puerto Rico to help with recovery. When the officers returned, they began gathering gear from across the state to send to eight of Puerto Rico’s law enforcement agencies in the western region of the island. The department’s goal is to improve the work conditions for these law enforcement officers to encourage them to stay in Puerto Rico and continue to serve the community. The following police departments donated materials: Edgewood, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Maitland, Mexico Beach and St. Augustine Beach.
Attorney General Moody presented the award to Police Chief Orlando Rolón, who accepted the award for the department. Chief Rolón was born in Puerto Rico and personally delivered, along with other dignitaries, the shipment to Aguadilla on the northwest part of the island. Chief Rolón spearheaded this program after seeing the immense need of police and communication equipment after the wreckage of Hurricane Maria.
