FLEO Foundation honors federal officers and supporters at Miami awards gala

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation recognized officers, leaders and community supporters at its 5th Annual South Florida Awards Ceremony in Miami on Sept. 26. The event also raised money for financial aid to families of fallen and injured federal officers.

Why it matters: - The awards gala spotlighted leadership, heroism and service across federal, state and local law enforcement. - Funds raised at the event will help the FLEO Foundation provide immediate financial support to families of officers killed or injured in the line of duty. - The ceremony also marked the 25th anniversary year of the Sept. 11 attacks with a tribute to fallen heroes.

What happened: - Federal Law Enforcement Officer Association board members joined the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Foundation at the 5th Annual South Florida Awards Ceremony in Miami on Sept. 26. - The event brought together law enforcement officers, honorees and supporters from across South Florida and the wider federal law enforcement community. - FLEO Foundation Executive Director John Bottone opened the program and served as master of ceremonies. - The evening began with a 9/11 testimonial video honoring the fallen.

The details: - The Foundation presented Director Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with Law Enforcement Leader of the Year. - Retired NYPD Inspector Paul Mauro received the Excellence in Media award for his work as a Fox News contributor. - U.S. Marshals Service Director Gadyis Serralta received the Foundation Meritorious Recognition. - Retired ICE Director Todd Lyons received the Lifetime Achievement in Law Enforcement award. - Deputy U.S. Marshal Daniel Varroney received the Heroism and Bravery Award. - Chief Daniel Ransone of the City of Sunrise Police Department was named Law Enforcement Executive of the Year. - Founders Club CEO Victor Grillo received the Heavy Hitter Award. - Nano Labs CEO Ugo Amobi was recognized for patriotism and corporate sponsorship. - Additional honors went to officers, agents, prosecutors and teams for categories including Special Agent of the Year, Deputy of the Year, Detective of the Year, Trooper of the Year and Federal Prosecutor of the Year. - The ERO Miami Special Response Team was named Enforcement Team of the Year. - Task Force of the Year honors went to the Street Terror Offender Program, the BSO Gang Investigations Task Force and the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. - The gala included a live auction and donations to support the Foundation’s mission. - The Foundation thanked the Miami PBA, FOP Lodge 138, Miami POAT and Hollywood PBA for their support.

Between the lines: - The Foundation is using public recognition to reinforce a simple message: law enforcement service includes personal risk, and families need fast help when tragedy hits. - The mix of awards for officers, media figures, executives and sponsors shows the organization is building both morale and financial support around the same mission. - Bottone said the Foundation exists to ensure families “never have to wonder whether anyone has their back” when an officer is lost or injured.

What's next: - The Foundation will continue fundraising to expand immediate aid for federal law enforcement families in crisis. - FLEOA says it represents more than 34,000 registered members across more than 65 agencies and serves as an advocacy voice through the legislative process. - The organization says it does not endorse political parties or candidates for elected office. - More information is available on the organization’s Facebook page.