Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is ramping up law enforcement recruitment efforts with a new interview series highlighting out-of-state officers who answered the call to come “Be A Florida Hero.”
The Sunshine Salute Sit-Down Series features officers, deputies and troopers who heard the call, left their homes and now serve in the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation. The series includes stories from officers who left California and New York—states that have demonstrated a lack of support for law enforcement and adopted soft-on-crime policies at the expense of public safety.
Moody said, “These officers took a tremendous leap of faith—many leaving their lifelong homes to answer our call to be a Florida hero. Some of their stories highlight a growing problem in parts of the country where leaders have chosen soft-on-crime policies over the safety of officers and the communities they serve. Some officers have moved here simply to start a family in a safer, freer environment. While others just like how Florida honors their service.
“I enjoyed meeting these courageous public servants, and it is an honor to help tell their stories. By sharing their experiences, we hope even more law enforcement officers from out-of-state will follow suit and move to the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation. The journey begins at BeAFloridaHero.com” she added.
To kick off the Sunshine Salute Sit-Down Series, Moody interviewed officers who moved to Florida from other states/
Moody launched the Be A Florida Hero initiative in 2021 to help recruit law enforcement officers to Florida. The interactive recruitment tool showcases career opportunities available at law enforcement agencies across the state. It also highlights new law enforcement benefits Moody, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida legislative leaders worked hard to pass into law—including a law enforcement bonus program and relocation grants. Since July 2022, more than 900 new law enforcement officers have moved to Florida from other states.
The Sunshine Salute Sit-Down Series expands upon Moody’s Thin Line Tribute program, that recognizes the daily efforts of front-line officers who work to protect Floridians. Moody created Thin Line Tribute to give law enforcement officers the recognition they greatly deserve but may not always receive. TLT Sunshine Salute honors out-of-state officers who answer the call to become a Florida Hero. The launch features recruits from Illinois, New York and Philadelphia
