February 6, 2013 Media Contact: Jenn Meale Phone: (850) 245-0150

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Attorney General Pam Bondi today named St. Petersburg Police Department Sergeant Karl Lounge and St. Petersburg Police Department Officer Douglas Weaver the Attorney General's 2012 Law Enforcement Officers of the Year. Sergeant Lounge and Officer Weaver were joined by seven fellow officers from around the state at a ceremony recognizing them for their dedication to law enforcement and public safety.

“Each nominee is a hero who selflessly serves their communities,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I am proud to name Sergeant Lounge and Officer Weaver as the 2012 Law Enforcement Officers of the Year. Their courage in the face of danger and dedication to saving the lives of their fellow officers is truly admirable.”

In January 2011, Sergeant Lounge and Officer Weaver were involved in a shoot-out with a fugitive where two law enforcement officers lost their lives, and others, including Officer Weaver, were injured. Because of their bravery in a life-threatening circumstance, Sergeant Lounge and Office Weaver are the well-deserved recipients of the Attorney General’s award.

Each nominee for the Attorney General's award had previously been recognized as an “Officer of the Year” by a Florida law enforcement agency or organization that sponsors such a statewide award. Sergeant Lounge was nominated by the Fraternal Order of Police, and Officer Weaver was nominated by the Florida Police Chiefs Association. A selection committee appointed by the Attorney General considered the distinguished group of nominees from state agencies and organizations including the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida Police Chiefs Association, the State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association, the Florida Gang Investigators Association and the Florida Retail Federation.

Additional 2012 Award Nominees:

Investigator Richard Baldwin, Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement
Special Agent Jason Cook, Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Officer Bryan Fugate, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Sergeant Mary Godino, Florida Highway Patrol
Detective Sebastian Monros, Florida Retail Federation
Detective Dwight Murphy, Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud
Detective Oscar Plasencia, Florida Sheriffs Association

Follow this link for a list of the nominees’ accomplishments: http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/MMFD-94NLZP/$file/2.6.13+Attachment+LE+Ceremony.pdf