The Plant City Champions for Youth organization held its annual Law Appreciation Dinner at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center on Monday, May 4. The event was to honor the club’s 2026 Telecommunicator of the Year and Officer of the Year for the Plant City Police Department: Telecommunicator Mikayla Lilly and Officer Patrick Theodore. In attendance, along with the honorees, their family members, and supervisors, were representatives of the Marshall Middle Magnet School Gentleman’s Quest program, and Champions for Youth members and families.
Prior to the recognition of the honorees, the attendees heard an inspiring message from Plant City Police Chief Richard Mills, who gave the students support and praise for representing our community in a positive manner and pointers on staying successful in life.
Captain Dan College introduced each honoree and gave an overview of their career. Bios available on the Plant City Observer website.
Following the introductions, Plant City Champions for Youth President Jeff Arnold and Law Appreciation Chairman Paul Woods presented honoree Officer Theodore with a plaque recognizing his outstanding professionalism and commitment to public service for the department and the community. Unfortunately, Telecommunicator Mikayla Lilly was unable to attend. Her supervisor, Telecommunications Center Manager Jessica Alexander, accepted on her behalf.
Before the presentation, the attendees were treated to a barbecue meal provided by Johnson’s BBQ. Following the awards, members of the Marshall Middle Magnet School Gentleman’s Quest club were introduced by teachers and club sponsors Stanley Glover and Omicron Long and the students addressed the gathering.
May is traditionally a month to honor law enforcement nationwide. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962 and signed into law by President John F. Kennedy, National Police Week honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement, paying special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. The Florida Legislature has designated May 1 as “Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.” Likewise, in Florida, the month of May of each year is hereby designated as “Law Enforcement Appreciation Month.”
Plant City Champions for Youth is a Plant City based 501-c-3 non-profit whose sole mission is hyper-focused on the youth of the Plant City area. The club is carrying on the rich tradition of the Optimist Club of Plant City, which ceased operations in 2024. Programs and service projects the club participates in include the Law Appreciation Dinner, Youth Excellence Awards, and Plant City’s Citizen of the Year selection, as well as providing at least $6,000 in college and/or vocational scholarships for Plant City area high school graduates annually. The club is also very active in its support of youth by working closely with the Plant City Parks & Recreation
Department in their youth flag football, basketball, and soccer programs as well as the annual Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat, and various sport skills competitions. The club’s two fundraisers supporting their community programs are a golf tournament each fall and the sale of Christmas trees each year.
For more information about Plant City Champions for Youth, please contact the club at pcchampionsforyouth@outlook.com or visit their web site at www.pcchampionsforyouth.org
Officer Patrick Theodore
2026 Officer of the Year
Plant City Champions for Youth
Officer Patrick Theodore has been selected as the 2026 Plant City Champions for Youth Officer of the Year. His innovation, leadership, and commitment to both his department and the community exemplify the spirit of this prestigious recognition.
A Miami native, Officer Theodore has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and community connection. After relocating to Tampa, Florida, he began his law enforcement career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a detention deputy and later as a deputy in the Uniform Patrol Division.
Driven by a passion for meaningful community impact, Officer Theodore found what he proudly calls his “forever home” with the Plant City Police Department. During his tenure, he has taken on several specialized roles, including Crisis Negotiator and Community Redevelopment Area Officer.
Officer Theodore currently serves as a member of the Uniform Patrol Division. On his own
initiative, he developed and launched the department’s YouTube channel, where he directed and edited high-quality videos highlighting the professionalism and dedication of agency personnel. His efforts have strengthened the connection between the department and the community by providing a behind-the-scenes look at the people and work that define the organization.
Additionally, Officer Theodore created standardized templates now used across multiple official social media platforms, including the widely viewed monthly “Calls for Service” reports. These reports provide clear and transparent insight into police activity, helping to foster trust, accountability, and public understanding.
He has also worked closely with the department’s Information Technology Unit to successfully live stream department swear-in, promotional, and retirement ceremonies, ensuring accessibility for those unable to attend in person and further enhancing community engagement.
Beyond his technological contributions, Officer Theodore is widely recognized for his teamwork and dependability. He consistently volunteers to assist squads experiencing staffing shortages and demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting his fellow officers.
While off duty, Officer Theodore enjoys saltwater fishing, video editing, and producing short films, often centered around law enforcement. He aspires to become a Field Training Officer, mentoring the next generation of officers, and hopes to one day create his own modern take on the classic law enforcement series “COPS.”
Officer Theodore is deeply supported by his mother, Michele Jacob, his siblings, and his girlfriend, all of whom play an important role in encouraging his continued growth and success.
Officer Patrick Theodore’s dedication to service, innovation, and community partnership makes him an invaluable asset to the Plant City Police Department and a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Mikayla Lilly
2026 Telecommunicator of the Year Plant City Champions for Youth
Mikayla Lilly has been selected as the 2026 Telecommunicator of the Year, an honor that reflects her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to public safety.
Since joining the Plant City Police Department Communications Center in 2017, Mikayla has dedicated herself to serving as the calm, steady voice on the other end of a 911 call—guiding people through some of the most critical and emotional moments of their lives. From high-risk incidents to urgent medical emergencies, she understands that telecommunicating is far more than answering calls; it requires decisive action, clear communication, and the ability to bring order to chaos while maintaining professionalism and compassion.
Currently serving as a T3 Dispatch Floor Supervisor, Mikayla leads by example, setting a high standard for performance while supporting her team and maintaining operational excellence. She is known for her ability to quickly gather and relay critical information to responding officers, particularly during incidents involving potentially violent offenders. Her attention to detail and proactive communication play a vital role in enhancing officer safety and ensuring effective outcomes in the field.
During a significant incident, Mikayla played a key role by quickly locating and relaying vital information to responding patrol officers regarding a suspect. Her efforts directly supported officers en route and the subsequent on-scene investigation, leading to the successful apprehension of the suspect. Her ability to remain calm, focused, and resourceful under pressure exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional dispatcher and leader.
Beyond her operational responsibilities, Mikayla is a dedicated mentor and team player who takes pride in developing others within the Communications Center. Her willingness to share her knowledge and experience strengthens the entire team and reflects her commitment to excellence.
Mikayla’s dedication to service extends beyond the workplace. As a devoted wife and mother to her daughters, Ellie and Emrie, she exemplifies balance, compassion, and responsibility in all aspects of her life.
Her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to both her team and her community make Mikayla Lilly a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.
