2025 Award Winners

2025 Firefighter of the Year:
Lieutenant Cody Szeto
Firefighter Evan Kennedy
Firefighter Joseph Sessa

We are honored to announce our exceptional firefighters who have been selected as the Firefighter of the Year for their outstanding heroism and service in 2024. This prestigious award recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional valor, courage, and commitment to public safety.

On the night of August 22nd, Boca Raton Fire Rescue responded to a water rescue after a car plunged into the Intracoastal Waterway. Lieutenant Cody Szeto, Firefighter Joseph Sessa, and Firefighter Evan Kennedy arrived on scene and exemplified the highest standards of leadership, bravery, and professionalism. Despite the challenging conditions of nighttime, low visibility, and swift currents, Firefighter Sessa and Firefighter Kennedy dove into the dark waters, located the submerged vehicle, and successfully removed the victim under the direction of Lieutenant
Szeto. The victim was then given CPR and transported to a local hospital to provide the best opportunity for survival.

As Captain William Zimmerman remarked, “People who don’t spend a lot of time in the water may not be able to relate to the significance of what these two firemen did. To freedive down in the dark, in that current under the bridge, in the middle of the night, and make that rescue is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in my career.”

This heroic act is a testament to our recipients’ dedication, skill, and selflessness, the very
qualities this award was created to acknowledge. We are incredibly proud to recognize them as
our Firefighter of the Year.

2025 100 Club PBSO Deputy of the Year Deputy Natasha Bradshaw

On March 16 th , 2024, District 4 deputies were dispatched to the Anshei Shalom Temple located at 7099 Atlantic Avenue in regards to a medical distress call, which was documented under PBSO case 24-044288. There was a live musical show taking place with several hundred guests in attendance. During the show, one of the performers
experienced a medical episode, thus causing him to collapse and ultimately become unresponsive.

D/S Natasha Bradshaw #43377 was first on scene and quickly located the unresponsive male on stage surrounded by several bystanders who were trying to assist in reviving the male. D/S Bradshaw was able to locate and attach an AED which was in the vicinity of the group. D/S Bradshaw had the bystanders cease CPR while she applied a shock to the unresponsive male. Once the shock was applied, D/S Bradshaw began CPR chest compressions and continued these compressions for approximately 70 seconds until Palm Beach County Fire Rescue arrived on scene and relieved her (BWC was reviewed and verified this information). PBCFR was able to regain a pulse as well as shallow breathing. The male was transported to Delray Medical Center where medical professionals expected the male to survive the incident. It was later learned he suffered a myocardial infarction.

A few days after the incident, I received a phone call from PBCFR Captain Robles of Rescue 42. He left me a voice message wishing to commend the deputies that administered the hands on CPR. Captain Robles noted that because of these efforts, the male was able to survive the incident. Lastly, he reiterated that he wanted to “commend the crew, especially with the CPR-because that actually saved his life.” Due to D/S Bradshaw’s quick thinking, scene management, and proficient knowledge of first aid, she saved a life on that night. As a result of her actions, D/S Bradshaw has been selected as the 100 Club Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Deputy of the Year for 2024.

2025 Officer of the Year
Detective Randa White

I am pleased to inform you that our 2024 Officer of the Year is Detective Randa White. A bio is provided below, and her photo is attached. I also attached the internal nomination letter which provides detail on her recognition.

Detective Randa White began her distinguished career with the Boca Raton Police Services Department in 2005. She served the City of Boca Raton as a road patrol officer and member of the Tactical Street Crimes Unit before joining the
Investigative Services Bureau (ISB) in 2009. With a commitment to investigative excellence, Detective White thrived in various roles within the ISB to include Property Crimes, Economic Crimes, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Currently, she serves as an investigator in the Economic Crimes Unit where her outstanding work earned her recognition as the department’s 2024 Officer of the Year.

Detective White is fluent in Arabic and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Lynn University. Her professional affiliations include the International Honor Society, National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, and the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators. From 2019 to 2021, Detective White served as the Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 35.

2025 Trooper of the Year
Trooper Jason Brady

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, Trooper Jason Brady observed a black Mercedes SUV speeding on Interstate 95 and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle initially pulled onto the shoulder, appearing as if it was going to stop, but instead, fled southbound at a high rate of speed. Trooper Brady pursued the vehicle until the driver lost control and crashed into a tree. Trooper Brady observed the driver flee from the vehicle and pursued him on foot where he was taken into custody a short time later. An inventory of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a vast array of illegal narcotics and contraband which had an estimated street value of $13,686. The driver was charged with 5 felonies and 3 misdemeanors.

On Friday, April 25, 2024, Trooper Brady observed a blue Honda CRV speeding on Interstate 95 and conducted a traffic stop for the violation. Trooper Brady immediately observed a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle as he approached. During his investigation, Trooper Brady developed probable cause for a vehicle search. The subsequent search resulted in the discovery of a large amount of illegal narcotics and contraband which had an estimated street value of $136,965. The Honda CRV and the US currency are being forfeited to the State. The driver was charged with 5 felonies and 17 misdemeanors.

On Thursday, October 10, 2024, Trooper Brady was dispatched to a report of female walking along Interstate 95. Trooper Brady arrived on scene and located the female who was discovered to have been a victim of domestic violence. The victim had been battered, strangled, and had a firearm pointed at her. Trooper Brady immediately put out a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) for the suspect vehicle which was believed to be traveling to Maine. Trooper Brady was able to collect evidence for this case including statements, text messages, and photographs of her injuries. Trooper Brady remained in contact with the victim throughout the investigation to gather additional information and to check on her wellbeing. Trooper Brady filed a warrant for the suspect which included four (4) felony charges for battery,
aggravated battery, battery by strangulation, and grand theft of a firearm.

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, Trooper Brady observed a Ford SUV traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on Interstate 95. Trooper Brady attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the Ford, but it failed to stop and fled southbound. Ultimately, with the assistance of other troopers, a successful precision immobilization technique (PIT) was done to terminate the pursuit. The Ford traveled off the roadway where it struck a tree. The engine compartment initially caught on fire, but Trooper Brady was quickly able to extinguish it. All three occupants were taken into custody without further incident and aid wasrendered until Fire Rescue arrived on scene. The driver was arrested for fleeing and driving with a suspended license. The front seat passenger was arrested for an out-of-county warrant for fraud. During the pursuit, the occupants were seen throwing what appeared to be narcotics from the vehicle, but the contraband was unable to be located or recovered.

These incidents only highlight a fraction of what Trooper Brady does on a daily basis. His commitment to highway safety and ensuring dangerous criminals and illegal narcotics are removed from our communities does not go unnoticed and is hereby nominated for this prestigious award.

2025 Highland Beach
Firefighter of the Year: Theodore, TJ, DiGangi

I am proud to select Driver Engineer Theodore (T.J.) DiGangi for the esteemed honor of Firefighter of the Year. T.J. embodies the utmost standards of professionalism, commitment, and service to the Town of Highland Beach and our department.

In an impressive 64 days, T.J. successfully acquired and retrofitted our four emergency response vehicles, assisted in procuring essential emergency response equipment and designed and created a thorough training module that he eƯectively delivered to 28 new personnel, ensuring operational readiness. His commitment shone through as he dedicated himself to the first week of rollout, providing critical oversight while managing his onboarding process.
T.J.’s impact reaches beyond operational accomplishments. He attended a memorial service honoring the fallen Palm Beach SheriƯ’s oƯicers, demonstrating his profound solidarity with the public safety community. Furthermore, he played a key role in planning and executing the Town’s 75th Anniversary “Mingle and Jingle” celebration, which was vital to the event’s overall success.

With his leadership, selflessness, and ardor for the fire service and community, T.J. inspires all who work alongside him, making him not only a noteworthy candidate but genuinely deserving of this recognition.

2025 Highland Beach
Officer of the Year: Sergeant Dave Skrabec

In 2024, Sergeant Skrabec had an exceptional year of contributions in his role and responsibility, starting with his assignment of supervisory management and oversight of the department Field Training program of new Police Officers. Sergeant Skrabec ensured that all training was appropriately provided and documented and in accordance with policy and accreditation standards. During the year, he was also designated as extra-detail coordinator for the department due to his administrative ability and attention to detail.

In addition to his day-to-day supervisory responsibilities, Sergeant Skrabec represents the agency in his role as a member of the Honor Guard and he is always the first one to volunteer or offer assistance in the department.
Commendably, Sergeant Skrabec has taken a personal interest in the health and wellness of our officers. He took the initiative to research upgrades of fitness equipment and proposed the itemized budget for approval. He has been a role model for others by promoting a healthy lifestyle, creating fitness training standards for officers and raised expectations for fitness training and nutrition throughout the agency.

Sergeant Skrabec’s leadership, work ethic and can-do attitude has made him become that person that other officers want to work with and work for. His commitment to his duties and teamwork promotes an esprit de corps work environment that is recognized and appreciated by all.