Dinner honors law public safety personnel
Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007 |
ST. PETERSBURG – The 13th annual Appreciation Dinner for Law Enforcement Firefighters and EMS Personnel will be on Friday, Jan. 26, at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort, Palm Court Pavilion.
The evening begins at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7.
Public safety personnel and elected officials have been invited. Contributions by Commissioner John Morroni and private donations continue to cover the cost of the event. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida.
On June 13, 1993, Belleair police Officer Jeffery Tackett responded to a call about suspicious noises outside a citizen’s condominium window. It was 11:15 p.m. when he arrived alone and encountered a suspect. A struggle ensued, and Officer Tackett was shot with his duty weapon. He died at the age of 28.
The death of this young officer weighed heavily on the hearts of those who served with him, those who knew him and a community that felt the loss of one of their finest. Morroni, who was then a state representative, attended the funeral in Largo and was touched. He vowed to make a difference.
He and Sen. Dennis Jones, R-Treasure Island, co-sponsored the Tackett Bill in the state Legislature in 1995. The bill requires either two officers be on duty at all times or mutual aid agreements with other law enforcement agencies be enacted so that no officer has to respond to a call alone. As a way to personally thank the men and women who put their own lives on the line every day, Morroni organized the first Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner in 1995.
For reservations, call 791-3356. The cost is $50. The Renaissance Vinoy Resort is at 501 Fifth Ave. N.E.
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Article published on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007
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