“Officer of the Year” awards were handed out at a recent CCA meeting by CCA Florida Chairman George Geiger, recognizing in particular officers who participated in “Operation No More Back Door.” The operation targeted restaurants that purchased fish from unlicensed sources and prohibited species such as snook. Conducting officers Lt. Don McMillen, Lt. Camille Soverel, Investigator Tony Howell and Investigator Al Corfield were all given the first-ever award.

"Law enforcement is essential for effective fisheries management," said Geiger. "We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Commission to recognize the dedicated work of their officers."

Operation No more back door resulted in 50 arrests for state violations and two arrests for federal fisheries violations. Since conclusion of the original operation, an additional 123 investigations have resulted in 158 citations and 44 warnings. Additionally, in conjunction with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) agents, the effort seized 324 pounds of illegal snook fillets imported by a market in Orlando, Florida from Guyana in Central America.

CCA Florida initiated an Officer of the Year Award "in recognition of outstanding work in conservation law enforcement." FWC officers selected by the Commission staff will continue to be recognized at CCA local chapter banquets. Annually, CCA Florida will select one or more of those officers for the Officer of the Year.