VIDEO: Manatee County Sheriff's Office Receives Back the Blue Award

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today recognized the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office for taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships with their community by making a young boy’s dream come true. MCSO made Jeremiah Valera, a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, an honorary deputy. Jeremiah loves police officers and dreams of becoming an officer or deputy in the future. Attorney General Moody visited MCSO today to present the agency with a Back the Blue Award for this heartwarming tribute.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office went above and beyond their call of duty to help Jeremiah's dream come true—touching the hearts of not only his family, but everyone in the community. I’m proud of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s efforts in building positive relationships with their community, and for lifting Jeremiah’s spirits during a very challenging time. When law enforcement officers demonstrate their love for their community members, it strengthens bonds and helps us build a Stronger, Safer Florida.”

Sheriff Rick Wells designated Jeremiah an honorary deputy during a recent visit to MCSO. After the welcome greeting and designation, Jeremiah helped MCSO deputies train K-9s and even learned some K-9 commands. Jeremiah also learned about the MCSO SWAT BearCat vehicle. During the visit, MCSO presented Jeremiah with an authentic badge and a bicycle to use on patrol.

It is a top priority for Attorney General Moody to promote and highlight positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve. Soon after taking office, Attorney General Moody launched the statewide Back the Blue campaign. The campaign highlights law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and local communities. Attorney General Moody has issued more than 30 Back the Blue Awards since taking office in 2019.
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To nominate a law enforcement officer, citizen or organization for a Back the Blue Award, or for more information about Attorney General Moody’s Back the Blue campaign, click here.


Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Back the Blue campaign highlights law enforcement officers, citizens and organizations taking extraordinary steps to forge positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Supporting law enforcement is a top priority for Attorney General Moody and the mission of Back the Blue is to commend Florida’s brave law enforcement officers and Floridians who back them.