Clearwater Names Police Officer Of The Year

CLEARWATER, FL — A quick-acting cop credited with helping diffuse a potentially deadly situation has been named the winner of this year’s Joseph F. Cornelius Family Foundation Outstanding Officer of the Year Award.

The honor, the highest bestowed by the Clearwater Police Department, goes this year to Jason Moore. The officer, hired in 2012, will receive the award during a ceremony Wednesday at the Belleair Rotary Club meeting.

Moore was selected for the honor following a Nov. 13, 2015, incident that unfolded while officers were conducting surveillance on a homicide suspect. Moore happened to notice an armed man moving up on another officer, who was unaware of the suspect’s presence.

Moore moved in behind the suspect and challenged him at gunpoint. The officer’s action took the suspect by surprise, causing him to drop his loaded weapon, the agency wrote in an email to media.

“We are very proud of Officer Moore being recognized by the Cornelius Family Foundation,” said Police Chief Dan Slaughter. “His quick thinking and quick actions defused what could have been a very bad situation.”

The award was created by the late Joseph Cornelius and his wife, Mirth, when Joseph served as the president of the Bank of Clearwater. It is meant to recognize a Clearwater officer who performs an exceptional act of heroism and valor in the line of duty.

Moore’s award will be presented by Karen Crown, the daughter of Joseph and Mirth Cornelius. This year’s presentation is the 39th of its kind.

Other Clearwater Public Safety employees set to receive honors Wednesday are Police Officer Jeremy Curvan and Assistant Fire Chief Ron Gemsheim. They will both receive the 2016 Public Safety and Service Award for their charitable works in the community.

Photos of Officer Moore, Officer Curvan and Assistant Chief Gemsheim courtesy of the Clearwater Public Safety

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