2024 Dispatcher of the Quarter

January through March | State Law Enforcement Dispatcher Mark-Anthony Gibson

Congratulations to State Law Enforcement Dispatcher (SLED) Mark-Anthony Gibson for being selected as the recipient of the Florida Highway Patrol State Law Enforcement Dispatcher of the Quarter from January through March 2024.

On February 25, 2024, LWRCC received a transfer call from the Sanford Regional Communications Center originating with the Riviera Beach Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The emergency call was regarding the ongoing tracking of a child kidnapping suspect wanted in connection to an active Amber Alert. The suspect vehicle was believed to be traveling northbound on Florida’s Turnpike in Orange County. Troop K troopers were initially dispatched while Troop C troopers quickly utilized probable time/distance calculations to possibly intercept the suspect vehicle if entering their geographical region.

SLED Gibson received the transfer call from Riviera Beach PD and remained landline for over 20 minutes, gathering vehicle information and updated locations as the suspect vehicle traveled north into Sumter County along Florida’s Turnpike. He updated LWRCC’s CAD notes for Troop K units and simultaneously updated Tampa Bay Regional Communication Center’s (TBRCC) CAD notes for Troop C units. He communicated with the TBRCC dispatcher via CAD and facilitated real-time updates which would otherwise have been delayed by making phone calls to the TBRCC. SLED Gibson did all of this while simultaneously working an unrelated radio channel without any disruption to normal services. The vehicle eventually exited the Turnpike onto Interstate 75. Normally, this change in region would facilitate a hand-off of communications, which would have effectively ended the LWRCC’s involvement in the incident. However, SLED Gibson remained landline with Riviera Beach PD and continued to update CAD and relay information to be shared with TBRCC. When Troop C, Trooper David Ramos, gained a visual on the suspect vehicle, Gibson insured Troop K troopers were immediately advised.

Trooper Ramos overtook the suspect (black BMW with Georgia tags) and confirmed the registration before conducting a felony stop while backed up by Sumpter County Sheriff’s deputies. Trooper Ramos apprehended the suspect, who had, in fact, kidnapped the child, and located the victim in the car, securing their safety. He notified FDLE of the recovery, who coordinated with Riveria Beach Police in continuing the ongoing criminal investigation. The suspect was arrested and charged with Kidnapping and transported to the Sumter County Jail, courtesy of your Florida Highway Patrol. The suspect was being sought by law enforcement statewide and had crossed multiple local jurisdictions undetected until he crossed paths with your Florida Highway Patrol.

SLED Gibson went above and beyond allowing for a seamless recovery of an abducted child. This is one of the many examples of how our RCC members go above and beyond every day for the citizens of Florida. Due to his dedication and tenacity, there is a happy seven-year-old boy attending school and enjoying life, as opposed to being in harm’s way with an abductor on the run.

April through June | State Law Enforcement Dispatcher A’Lashanae Pride

Congratulations to State Law Enforcement Dispatcher (SLED) A’Lashanae Pride for being selected as the recipient of the Florida Highway Patrol State Law Enforcement Dispatcher of the Quarter from April through June 2024.

On April 8, 2024, SLED A’Lashanae Pride’s skills were tested when the TRCC received a call from the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office reporting an active shooter along Interstate 10. The suspect was a female who had been reportedly shooting a gun at passing cars. While in possession of a rifle and handgun, the shooter allegedly proclaimed that God told her to go on a killing spree that day. Multiple passing motorists’ vehicles were shot by the suspect, with drivers sustaining injuries from the gunfire and debris. Trooper Joe Hardy responded to the area and quickly located the suspect. After quickly intercepting the suspect, Trooper Hardy took the deranged shooter into custody and ending the danger to others. Throughout the incident, SLED Pride dispatched multiple zone units, managed the coordinated response, and held the radio channel for emergency traffic. She kept troopers and other state law enforcement informed of all pertinent information in real-time. Her professional coordination and multi-tasking skills surely facilitated the best possible outcome for this very dangerous scenario before a greater tragedy was realized. On the back end, SLED Pride was able to thoroughly document all pertinent information throughout this high-priority, high-stress incident, remaining calm under pressure.

July through September | State Law Enforcement Dispatcher Jessica Frost

Congratulations to State Law Enforcement Dispatcher (SLED) Jessica Frost for being selected as the recipient of the Florida Highway Patrol State Law Enforcement Dispatcher of the Quarter from July through September 2024.

On July 4, 2024, SLED Frost received a call from a mother who was in the vehicle with her suicidal daughter, who had a gun. SLED Frost methodically gathered vital details including the location, vehicle description, weapon’s location, and the number of occupants with their descriptions. She probed further to ascertain what may have triggered the caller’s daughter’s current emotional condition and state of mind. SLED Frost continued to engage the mother in conversation to gather additional information and to share updates on their location, travel plans, and fuel levels. The estranged daughter would not speak with law enforcement, stating she would kill herself if they tried to talk to her. SLED Frost eventually spoke with the daughter and convinced her to meet with officers for assistance. The daughter admitted she was not okay and threatened to harm herself after dropping off her mother. While speaking to her, SLED Frost heard an unknown male voice in the background, and the mother confirmed it was that of law enforcement. The emergency call and interaction lasted approximately 21 minutes. Following a medical evaluation, the daughter was transported to a mental health facility to receive care.
SLED Frost’s calm demeanor, ability to quickly establish a rapport, and overall effective communication skills diffused a dangerous situation. SLED Frost’s quick thinking and actions enabled a women suffering a mental health crisis to get the help she needed, as well as defusing an imminent danger to the public.