Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council, Inc.

We were proud to honor Officer Michael Berger of the Pembroke Pines Police Department at the 2026 Tribute to Bravery Medal of Valor Awards.

He was first on scene to a severe crash where a driver had been ejected and was suffering from a catastrophic arm injury with significant blood loss.

Within moments, he took control of the scene and applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.

In a situation where time was everything, his actions kept the victim alive long enough for emergency medical personnel to take over.

Because of Officer Michael Berger, that victim had a chance to survive.

We were proud to honor Detective Jose Sanchez of the Pembroke Park Police Department at the 2026 Tribute to Bravery Medal of Valor Awards.

He led the investigation into the theft of two mobile teaching kitchens belonging to Feeding South Florida, equipment that plays a key role in providing meals and nutrition education to families in need.

Through detailed investigative work, he analyzed surveillance and coordinated with outside agencies to track the stolen equipment to another jurisdiction.

His efforts led to the full recovery of the mobile kitchens, allowing this program to continue serving the community.

Because of Detective Jose Sanchez, a vital resource was returned and families who depend on it continue to receive support.

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We were proud to honor Detective Raul Gomez, Jr. of the Miramar Police Department at the 2026 Tribute to Bravery Medal of Valor Awards.

He has played a critical role in protecting the community through his work targeting auto theft and the networks behind it.

Over the past year, he has helped recover numerous high value stolen vehicles while uncovering connections to burglary rings, fraud operations, and violent crimes.

His investigations led to the disruption of a multi county theft ring responsible for dozens of vehicle thefts, along with the identification of suspects tied to more serious offenses.

His ability to connect cases and follow the trail has made a real difference.

Because of Detective Raul Gomez, Jr., organized criminal activity in this community has been disrupted and those responsible have been taken off the streets.

We were proud to honor Corporal Carlos Estrada of the Miccosukee Tribe Police Department at the 2026 Tribute to Bravery Medal of Valor Awards.

He responded to a rapidly spreading residential fire on the Miccosukee Reservation and arrived to find multiple homes already engulfed in flames.

Without hesitation, he entered a burning residence and brought three children out to safety.

As the fire spread to nearby homes, he continued moving through the area, helping evacuate residents and making sure people made it out.

When additional units arrived, he took command of the scene, coordinating efforts and helping bring control to a situation that was quickly escalating.

Because of Corporal Carlos Estrada, those young lives were saved and many more families were protected from harm.

We were proud to honor Officer Constantine Bouzakis of the Margate Police Department at the 2026 Tribute to Bravery Medal of Valor Awards.

He responded to two separate life threatening emergencies where every second mattered.

In one incident, he arrived to find a seven month old infant choking and not breathing. He immediately administered back blows, clearing the airway and allowing the baby to breathe again.

In another, he responded to a gunshot victim and quickly applied a tourniquet, controlling the bleeding until Fire Rescue arrived.

Medical personnel later confirmed that without his actions, the victim would not have survived.

Because of Officer Constantine Bouzakis, two people are alive today.

We were proud to honor Detective Michael Tomasi of the Lighthouse Point Police Department at the 2026 Tribute to Bravery Medal of Valor Awards.

He led multiple investigations involving repeat and violent offenders, including residential burglaries, a robbery targeting elderly victims, and a complex fraud scheme.

Through persistent investigative work, surveillance analysis, and coordination with regional partners, he identified and tracked suspects operating across multiple jurisdictions.

In one case, his work led to the arrest of an individual targeting elderly victims. In another, he identified a repeat burglary offender who had recently been released from prison.

His efforts did not just solve cases. They stopped ongoing harm.

Because of Detective Michael Tomasi, individuals responsible for targeting this community were found and taken into custody.

We were proud to honor Officer Dana Doklean and K-9 Casey of the Hollywood Police Department at the 2026 Tribute to Bravery Medal of Valor Awards.

Together, they have built something that continues to grow across the community.

Through the Reading with Casey program, Officer Doklean expanded access to all 27 elementary schools in Hollywood, creating a space where students feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged to grow.

She has connected with more than 10,000 students, helping them build confidence while also strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the community.

Her work does not stop in the classroom. She continues to support both the public and her fellow first responders through peer support and crisis response.

Because of Officer Dana Doklean and K-9 Casey, thousands of children have had a positive experience with law enforcement that they will carry with them for years to come.

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We were proud to honor Captain Robert Gianino, Sergeant Andrew Kirchoff, Officer Dan McGrath, and Officer Brandon Zeeb of the Hillsboro Beach Police Department at the 2026 Tribute to Bravery Medal of Valor Awards.

They responded to a call involving a man in a mental health crisis who believed someone was trying to break into his home and was armed with a crowbar.

When they arrived, they found him at the front door, ready to confront a threat that was not there.

The officers took a controlled approach, holding their position and communicating clearly while working together to slow the situation down.

Step by step, they were able to de escalate the moment and convince him to put down the weapon.

Because of Captain Robert Gianino, Sergeant Andrew Kirchoff, Officer Dan McGrath, and Officer Brandon Zeeb, a situation that could have turned violent was brought under control and ended safely.

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We were proud to honor Sergeant Josue Hernandez and Detective Omar Madonna of the Hallandale Beach Police Department at the 2026 Tribute to Bravery Medal of Valor Awards.

Sergeant Hernandez responded to a call involving a man in distress in the Intracoastal Waterway, roughly 100 feet from shore and struggling to stay above water.

He entered the water without hesitation, placing himself at risk in a high traffic channel with strong currents and limited visibility.

As he worked to keep the man afloat, Detective Madonna went in to help.

Together, they kept him stable until additional resources arrived.

Because of Sergeant Josue Hernandez and Detective Omar Madonna, a man who was moments from drowning is still here today.