Law Enforcement from across East Hillsborough County gathered at the Florida Strawberry Festival Exhibition Hall for the 56th annual appreciation dinner.
The Plant City Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission were all represented at the event.
The East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Association Inc. was formed more than 50 years ago after a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Sergeant was shot and killed while he and two other deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a home in Plant City. One of the others deputies lost his arm due to the altercation.
Community leaders rallied together in their outrage at the loss of life and decided to create the association, which would honor the “dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers.”
Each year law enforcement and their guests are invited and treated to a catered dinner and entertainment. Leaders from the four different law enforcement agencies present their “East Hillsborough County Officer of the Year” award. The event has grown over the years and now approximately 475 people regularly attend.