The Key West Police Department on Friday had a visit from a very special young woman who decided -- at the age of ten -- to start a personal campaign Spreading Smiles, in support of law enforcement. Over the past two years, she has traveled the entire state of Florida, meeting with officers and officials everywhere to share hand-made thin blue line wooden flags and personally thank officers for their service.
Now 12 and entering the 7th grade, Emma has met the governor, members of Congress, sheriffs, and police chiefs. And she has personally thanked the nearly 1400 officers she has met for their invaluable role in their community.
The family works together to create the flags, and the mission is documented on Emma's Spreading Smiles Facebook page as well as a (very thick) notebook compiled by Emma's mom Sherri and dad, Todd.
Chief Sean Brandenburg presented Emma and her parents with a challenge coin and a patch. And all of the officers here at the Key West Police Department sincerely thank this amazing young lady for her dedicated effort to remind us of why we do the work we do.
In the photo from L to R: Officer Michael Andruzzi, Chief Sean Brandenburg, Capt. Randy Smith, Officer Brian Leahy, Emma, Officer Monica Calvert, Lt. Hollis Wood, Officer Alex Gaufillet, and Executive Administrative Assistant Floyd Jenkins.