In an awards ceremony Friday hosted by the Grand Key Resort, Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg bestowed a Chief's Commendation Award on the members of the Alpha Nights Shift.
On February 11, Officer Matt Hansell was on routine patrol and observed an individual acting suspiciously. The man seemed to be doing everything he could to avoid detection from anyone in the neighborhood.
Officer Hansell immediately called for other officers to be en route and form a perimeter. The suspect – a known burglar- hid in a porta-potty. Sgt. Karl Malsheimer informed the neighbors of the potential burglar and that he was now in custody.
“The officers displayed distinguished bravery in the arrest of a person who posed a major threat to the welfare of the community and to the officers involved,” said Chief Brandenburg. “They are commended for their dedication to the community and the core values of the Key West Police Department."
In the photo: Officers Scott Ham, Veronica Roman, James Young, Jr., Jorge Mayorga Lopez, Jesse Torrecillas, Chief Sean Brandenburg, Officer Matt Hansell, and Sgt. Karl Malsheimer. Not pictured: Officers Raymond Roscoe and Elam Thornbrugh.