Windermere Police Department earns state honors

ORLANDO — The Windermere Police Department earned several honors at the 2015 Law Enforcement Challenge Awards Ceremony, held July 17 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando.

The department placed second in DUI Enforcement challenge, second in the Florida Law Enforcement Challenge and third in the National Click-it-or-Ticket Campaign. Furthermore, it now is recognized as one of the top small agencies in the entire state,” said Police Chief Dave Ogden.

In addition to bragging rights, the department will receive a total of $35,000 to purchase items relating to traffic enforcement and safety. Ogden said the department and town are in need of a message board to help communicate with residents about special events, traffic control and other issues. The department also will use the money to outfit a new vehicle and purchase other equipment. The department won a $2,000-state-of-the-art laser/radar at the ceremony.

“I am exceedingly proud of the men and women of the Windermere Police Department, their hard work, dedication to service and, most of all, perseverance that has rebranded this agency most worthy of this recognition,” Ogden said. “We have had tremendous support by the town of Windermere residents, Town Council, Mayor (Gary) Bruhn and Town Manager Robert Smith. We humbly share this honor with Officer Robbie German’s family because he is forever enveloped in our successes and serves as an inspiration. He would be proud of us fulfilling our agency motto; to serve with honor, integrity and service to others.”