The 64th Annual East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner took place May 12th at the Florida Strawberry Festival TECO Exhibition Hall. Four agencies were recognized, including the Plant City Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Florida Highway Patrol.
Darryl Schumacher explained how the event got started. There was a tragic shootout in 1962, leaving a 39-year-old officer dead and another with an amputated arm. Multiple agencies came to their aid to take out the gunman.
That incident led a group of men to decide that officers needed to be better supported.
So, John Pollock, Foy Lee, Carl Schumacher, Wiley Gillespie and Percy Wheeler decided to start the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association Inc. And now, during Law Week, on the second Tuesday in May, they host a huge shindig and awards ceremony where officers and their significant others are invited to enjoy a catered meal and entertainment while celebrating the Officer of the Year for each agency.
Bill McDaniel, the Chairman of the Association, began the evening. He explained that it was, “…About recognition…of the men and women that wear the badge…it demands calm in moments of chaos…in moments most people instinctively move away from…” And asks people to, “…understand the weight officers carry in their communities.” He finished by saying, “Remembrance matters. Gratitude matters.”
Suncoast Credit Union was presented with a plaque as the Platinum Sponsor for two years in a row. Their dedicated support was praised. And then it was time for dinner, which was a buffet-style meal catered by Fred’s Market.
Officer Specialist Joel Conrad, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Officer Conrad was born and raised in Tampa Bay and graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Environmental Science and Policy. After beginning his career in the private sector, he transitioned to conservation law enforcement.
Officer Conrad is a proactive conservation law enforcement officer who has made a measurable impact on protecting Florida’s natural resources. In 2025 alone, he issued criminal citations related to illegal harvesting of freshwater gamefish, gopher tortoise violations, illegal hunting on state lands, and saltwater resource violations — directly enforcing laws critical to the protection of Florida’s wildlife and habitats.
Since being assigned to an unmarked resource patrol unit in late 2024, Officer Conrad has led and supported enforcement actions involving migratory birds, alligators, and coastal resource violations. He works effectively both independently and collaboratively across agency lines and has developed recognized expertise in wildlife forensics, wildlife law, and bird identification.
Officer Conrad exemplifies professionalism, initiative, and dedication to conservation law enforcement. His enforcement activity, leadership, and commitment to public education and interagency cooperation clearly distinguish him as highly deserving of FWC’s 2026 East Hillsborough Officer of the Year.
Master Patrol Officer John Gilmore, Plant City Police Department
Master Patrol Officer John Gilmore’s career reflects over two decades of dedicated service, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Since joining the department in 2004, MPO Gilmore has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and leadership.
In 2008, MPO Gilmore was selected as a K9 Handler, beginning a specialized career that now spans more than 16 years. His long-standing commitment to the K9 Unit reflects not only exceptional technical expertise but also a deep dedication to the training, care, and operational readiness of his partners.
MPO Gilmore regularly conducts K9 training for patrol personnel, ensuring officers are well-versed in deployment protocols and tactical integration. He has also demonstrated excellence in investigative work, producing thorough and detailed reports that contribute to successful prosecution outcomes. His service has been recognized with two Life Saving Awards, and he has further distinguished himself as a K9 operator assigned to the department’s SWAT Team.
MPO Gilmore’s career is defined by sustained excellence, leadership, and dedication to the safety and well-being of the community he serves. His contributions embody the highest ideals of law enforcement, making him exceptionally deserving of the 2026 East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Officer of the Year Award.
Trooper Alexander Rodriguez, Florida Highway Patrol
Trooper Alexander Rodriguez’s distinguished career began with his enlistment in the United States Army Reserve in 2019 as Field Artillery. He joined the Florida Highway Patrol as part of the 148th Basic Recruit Class. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Pinellas Park District. In 2024, he left the Florida Highway Patrol, returning to the Tampa District in May 2025.
Trooper Rodriguez made more than 26 felony arrests, ranging from theft to attempted murder, conducted 736 traffic stops, and investigated 370 crashes from his return in May through the end of 2025. One of his most notable arrests is as follows.
On June 15, 2025, A Best Guy semi-trailer was stolen. After receiving a BOLO, Trooper Rodriguez utilized FLOCK to determine the direction of travel and area. He searched the area and found the trailer. After canvassing the area, he located several security cameras with footage of the suspect unloading the trailer and observed the license plate and registered owner. The suspect was on probation for burglary, and eventually, Trooper Rodriguez located the suspect and arrested him.
For his exceptional service, proactive involvement, and dedication to public safety, Trooper Alexander Rodriguez is recognised as the Florida Highway Partol’s 2026 Award Recipient.
Detective Thomas “T.C.” Adair, Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office
Detective Thomas “T.C.” Adair has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill as an investigator with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, particularly through his expertise in identifying suspect vehicles using license plate reader databases with minimal information.
In a series of armed business robberies from July to August 2025, he prioritized an alert on a vehicle, searched LPR data despite a malfunctioning reader on that day, and located the vehicle from six days prior, evidence that led to the suspect’s identification and arrest.
In another instance, he independently tracked a rental vehicle from an elderly victim’s armed robbery to an Orlando hotel using LPR expertise. And in a residential armed robbery, identified a vehicle, linking it to the suspect for a swift arrest warrant and apprehension.
These are just a few of the cases he has helped solve. Across these cases, Detective Adair’s initiative, whether leading, assisting, or acting independently, has proven that he is an extraordinary asset to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
May the officers who were awarded, and all those who came to support them, be blessed in their pursuit of morality and safety. Peace and protection for all.
