JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Multiple members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office received Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer Awards from the State Attorney’s Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit. The awards recognize officers and detectives for work spanning violent crime investigations, major fraud inquiries, bravery under fire and leadership in specialized community units.
“Thank you to the State Attorney’s Office 4th Judicial Circuit for recognizing our officers and their dedication to seeking justice,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
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Officer Luis Mercado was awarded the Bravery Award after being wounded during an incident in July 2025. Mercado returned fire after an armed robbery suspect shot him in the leg. “Despite this setback, Mercado is back on duty working as a detective,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.
Awards were also presented for major homicide investigations in the city. Detective Christopher Drabek received the Investigative Excellence Award for his work investigating the 2025 murder of 7-year-old Breon Allen. “This in-depth investigation led to six arrests,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Additionally, Sgt. Christopher Smith and Detective David Ostertag received the Prosecutorial Award for investigating the 2020 murder of Charles McCormick. “Their hard work helped secure guilty verdicts for two gang members,” the department noted.
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Financial crime investigations were recognized with the State Attorney Award, which went to Detective April Cobb. Cobb investigated a jury duty scam in which a victim lost thousands of dollars. “Detective Cobb held the scammers accountable,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
Leadership Awards were given to officers directing specialized enforcement divisions. Lt. Jason Moore received a Leadership Award for leading the Community Problem Response Unit, which targets guns and drugs in the area. “Our CPR Unit made more than 1,300 felony arrests in 2025, seizing guns and drugs,” the department said.
Leadership Awards were also presented to Sgt. Jordan Busque and Sgt. Kayla Cruz for overseeing the Overdose Investigations Unit. Their teams of detectives helped lower drug deaths in the region. “Their hard work leading teams of detectives contributed to a 25% drop in overdose deaths in 2025 versus 2024,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
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