In an awards ceremony Friday, Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg commended eight members for their outstanding service. The ceremony was hosted by the Double Tree Grand Key Resort.

In the early morning hours of August 10, 2025, officers responded to the report of a break-in to an apartment in a complex on Elizabeth Street. They found blood outside of a broken window and, upon making entry, found more blood inside the apartment. 

The resident of one of the units reported that the suspect had climbed up a drainpipe and broken into the main corridor of the building. As the resident called 911, the suspect escaped.

After a thorough investigation the suspect was located in Key Haven and arrested.

The reporting resident, in a letter to Chief Sean Brandenburg, noted that she was terrified by the 3 a.m. invasion but that the responding officers were comforting, calming, and professional.

“I have found none finer,” she wrote, “than the amazing team of officers that responded to my 911 call. Every member of your team operated in a professional manner and provided exceptional service.”

“These officers’ dedication and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and brought distinguished professional recognition to the Department,” said Chief Brandenburg.