Michael Bruno Named Officer of the Year

Largo Police Chief John Carroll recognized Sergeant Michael Bruno's countless hours investigating gang members and helping  the city's homeless. Bruno's professionalism, leadership, dedication, and commitment led to Bruno's receiving the 2011 Officer of the Year award on March 20.

Bruno helped build a computer database, which identifies gangs and gang members. Bruno also aids the State Attorney's office in the prosecution of gang members, according to a city report.

"Sergeant Bruno has given every effort in leading investigations into removing gang members from our neighborhoods in Largo... Due to Sergeant Bruno's determination, numerous gang members were arrested and were evicted from the Largo residences they had been living in," Carroll wrote.

Bruno worked with the city's homeless population, also. He helped place the homeless in local shelters. He has had a significant impact in helping reduce much of the crime associated with homeless individuals, Carroll said.

The Largo Police Department's Civilian of the Year is Richard Hageman. He coordinates the police department's Volunteer in Policing (VIP) Program. Under his leadership the program has grown from 23 volunteers in 2009 to 61 volunteers. The VIPs logged 13, 519 hours of service in 2011. The volunteers help with traffic control, minor crash investigations, parking enforcement and more.

The Largo Police Department's Volunteer of the Year is Rev. J. Arnold Johnson. For 25 years Johnson has supported the police department. He's available 24 hours a day for traumatic calls, which is when he accompanies officers on death notifications and other difficult situations, Carroll said.