On May 24, the Plant City Police Department (PCPD) held an awards and swearing in ceremony at its facility at 1 Police Center Drive. Friends and family, PCPD command staff, City Manager Bill McDaniel, Assistant City Manager Jack Holland, and several police officers filled the room.
Alfred Van Duyne, Captain of the Information Services Division, began the event from a podium. “We are so pleased to welcome the families and friends of our newest members being sworn in today, as well as our award and recognition recipients,” he commented. “Your presence here today represents the support structure that is in place for each of the new officers that will give them the encouragement to meet the demands of our profession. Thank you and we are grateful that you are here and able to celebrate this moment with them today.”
Chief James Bradford presented Officer Michael Leon with a PCPD Life Saving Citation that read:
“Attention to Order:
You are hereby commended for your role in the investigation of a possible drug overdose call on March 30, 2024, which involved a citizen who was non-responsive and not breathing at a residence on North Palm Drive.
Your quick assessment of the situation, and your decision to administer Narcan, ultimately saved the life of this individual. Because of your dedication and commitment, she was able to be taken to the appropriate facility for additional care and attention. Your actions make us proud to have you as a member of the Plant City Police Department.
Chief Bradford made it a point to tell others Officer Leon joined PCPD in December 2023, and had been working solo only since March 27, and he had already saved a life—a career highlight for any officer.
The next recognition went to Lieutenant Justin Lee, who retired from the PCPD on May 31, 2024, after serving more than 21 years.
Lee first worked in the Uniform Patrol Division. While serving in this division, he developed a penchant for locating illegal narcotics. As he continued to hone his investigative skills and effectiveness, he was selected for, and later assigned to, Street Crimes, a plain clothes unit within the Criminal Investigations Division. His work removed large quantities of dangerous narcotics from the streets of Plant City.
Lee’s vigilance and dedication led to his appointment to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and later, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) task force units. The task forces contained detectives from area law enforcement agencies whose efforts rose to the level of being selected for these prestigious units. Lee served on these federal task force units for several years, where he completed federal arrests and seizures.
Most recently, Lee functioned as Shift Commander, where he oversaw the operations for one of the two patrol squad rotations.
“Many adjectives and descriptors can be used to describe Lieutenant Lee,” Captain Van Duyne added. “Examples of some would be loyal, dedicated, motivated, trustworthy, and fair to name a few. Perhaps one of the most simple, yet poignant words we can use to describe Lieutenant Lee would be ‘Friend.’ He was a friend to all his fellow officers here at PCPD. He is well respected and was a friend to the citizens of Plant City.”
PCPD also swore in three new officers.
Officer Alejandro Montas, who completed the Basic Recruit Academy at the Ybor City campus of Hillsborough Community College.
Officer Cleyton Morris, who came to PCPD after having served two years with the Key West Police Department.
Officer Luis Cuevas, who completed the Basic Recruit Academy at Polk State College.
To join the PCPD, these three officers had to, among other things, pass a strict background investigation and a polygraph (aka lie detector test).
As a part of orientation training the officers also demonstrated proficiency in pursuit driving, use of force, defensive tactics, active shooter training, report writing, crash investigation, policy review, TASER training, and firearms training.
After being sworn in, they will begin the 16-week field training program, which is on-the-job with senior officers. The goal of the PCPD’s meticulous training is to place the finest officers in the field for the citizens of Plant City.
With right hands raised, the three took the oath sworn by all PCPD officers.
“I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and government of the United States and the State of Florida. That I am duly qualified to hold the office under the Constitution of the State, and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of police officer on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”