Born and raised in Key West, Sgt. O’Connell came to the Key West Police Department in 1996. He served in the Army and was a Monroe County Sheriff’s reserve deputy before he joined the police department. Sgt. O’Connell has worked as a patrol officer, a traffic homicide investigator, and a detective. But he is best known, throughout his career, as “the DUI cop” in the traffic unit.
Officer O’Connell dedicated many years of his service to Key West to an intense effort that ensures public safety by keeping drunk drivers off the roads. His efforts are recognized and commended by the state.
He will remain with the department as a reserve officer.
Denise O’Connell did the honors of pinning the new sergeant’s badge on her husband’s uniform.
Chief Brandenburg presented Sgt. O’Connell with two plaques – one from the City and one from the Department – in honor of his 25 years of dedicated professionalism and service.