Attorney General Ashley Moody has welcomed new law enforcement officers to Florida from states including Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and New York as part of the Sunshine Salute initiative. The initiative recognizes officers who relocate to serve in Florida and highlights their stories. Several new Sarasota Police Department officers shared their reasons for moving to Florida with Attorney General Moody.
Since July 2022, nearly 5,000 recruits have joined Florida’s law enforcement ranks, with over 1,200 coming from out-of-state. Among these recruits, 400 have moved from California, Illinois, and New York combined.
Attorney General Ashley Moody stated, “Florida is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation because we back our blue. We’ve been spreading the word about all the great incentives to join our ranks, and individuals like the new Sarasota recruits have answered the call—leaving behind places where their service was not as appreciated as it is here. Hearing their stories, why they made the bold decision to move to our state, I am as inspired as ever to continue doing all we can to show our support to those who bravely protect and serve.”
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche commented on the state's supportive environment for law enforcement: “This is a law-and-order state. Officers want to be able to do their job. There is no better feeling than when you know that you can go out there and be supported in enforcing the law. I’ve talked with officers all around the country and when state attorneys are not assisting them, it makes those officers not want to do their jobs. Thanks to the work of Attorney General Moody and Gov. DeSantis, officers know that when you come to the state of Florida, you are going to be able to do, and be supported in doing your job.”
In this latest installment of the Sunshine Salute Series, new SPD recruits explained why they chose Florida over other states.
Sarasota Police Officer Andrew Capozzi shared that protecting and serving in New York had become increasingly difficult due to lack of support for law enforcement and flawed criminal justice policies.
Officer Kassidee Plumley recounted training a rookie officer in New Mexico who was tragically murdered by a career criminal—a situation she believes could have been prevented if proper justice measures were enforced.
Officer Les Kismartoni expressed gratitude for serving in Florida after leaving behind Chicago’s harsh winters and his previous career as a programmer. He noted his appreciation for leadership at both local and state levels in Florida.
Attorney General Moody launched Thin Line Tribute in 2021 to recognize front-line officers' daily efforts in protecting Floridians. The Sunshine Salute Series expands upon this program by featuring stories of out-of-state recruits joining Florida's law enforcement during National Police Week at St. Petersburg College’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute.
In 2021, Attorney General Moody also initiated Be A Florida Hero—a program designed to attract law enforcement officers nationwide by showcasing career opportunities throughout Florida via an interactive map.
For more information on benefits and incentives available for joining Florida’s law enforcement ranks, visit BeAFloridaHero.com.
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