FWC Officer Hutchinson Receives Governor’s Medal Of Heroism

April 12, 2017

Governor Rick Scott recognized Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer Jason Hutchinson with the Governor’s Medal of Heroism during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet Tuesday.  Hutchinson was recently recognized as FWC’s 2017 Officer of the Year for his service and commitment to the safety of Florida’s families.

“I’m incredibly proud to recognize Officer Hutchinson with the Medal of Heroism today for his outstanding service to the State of Florida. Officer Hutchinson’s actions show how hard Florida’s law enforcement officers work every day to protect our families and communities,”  Scott said.

“Officer Hutchinson’s dedication to conserving resources and public safety makes him an ideal FWC officer. He has made a difference in his patrol area and we’re proud to have him representing the FWC,” said Col. Curtis Brown, the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement director.

Originally from Santa Rosa County, part of his current patrol area, Hutchinson uses his local knowledge to protect the resources and people in his community. He makes a positive impact both on- and off-duty, and his actions set an example that reaches statewide.

Hutchinson began his career at the Florida Department of Corrections with the ultimate goal of eventually becoming a sworn officer for the FWC, which he achieved in 2012. Hutchinson’s varied work experience provides him with a wide-ranging experience set to draw from, and affords him the unique ability to identify with a number of officers from other agencies with different backgrounds. He has used that ability to the benefit of Floridians multiple times, including when he was instrumental in the apprehension of one of Santa Rosa County’s most notorious methamphetamine cooks. While working a night-hunting detail, he apprehended a subject in the Blackwater Wildlife Management Area who resisted arrest. Experience and instinct led him to contact the Santa Rosa County Narcotics Unit, which obtained a warrant and found seven active meth labs, meth and other paraphernalia in the suspect’s vehicle. Trafficking and manufacturing charges took the subject off the streets and placed him in prison.

Public outreach is another category in which Officer Hutchinson excels. During the past year, he has taught hunter education classes, conducted outreach events at schools and festivals, and has participated in the Blackwater Family Hunt and the Hutton Unit Mobility-impaired Hunts. During these events, Hutchinson has been an integral part of the effort to provide participants with the assistance and support they need to ensure a memorable experience in the outdoors.

Hutchinson created a program in conjunction with the local courts in which juvenile violators speak to their peers during hunter education classes. This counts toward their community service hours, has an impact on youth and keeps the focus of their community service on resource conservation.

Hutchinson and his wife Heather, along with their son Jake and daughter Haylee, live in northern Santa Rosa County.

NorthEscambia.com and submitted photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

12 Responses to “FWC Officer Hutchinson Receives Governor’s Medal Of Heroism”

  1. Davey jones on July 22nd, 2017 2:58 am

    Congratulations and keep up the good work my friend!!

  2. VMH on April 15th, 2017 10:31 pm

    Congratulations, and job well done. Its wonderful to know that you officers are thinking of our troubled youth. I know you will change the path many kids are on and MOe our community a better place.

  3. Earl Baldree on April 15th, 2017 7:58 am

    Hey friend congratulations I remember spending time with you on midnights at the prison and you sharing your dream then. I very happy to see you have worked hard to make your dream a reality. May God keep you safe on your journey.

  4. Richard from killinsworth on April 12th, 2017 9:52 pm

    Proud of ya bud! Told me round 17 yrs ago that you wanted to be a FWC officer… dreams do come true! You’ve earned it!!!

  5. Bob's Brother on April 12th, 2017 8:02 pm

    Officer, I’m proud of you. I’m sure plenty of other folks are, as well. You’ve worked hard, and this award is evidence of that. Your continued efforts are our resources best hope of good hunting and fishing in our future. Sorry you’re having to do enforcement of drug and alcohol laws. That shouldn’t be part of it… but I guess in these times, it is.
    Stay safe, gents…

  6. Mike on April 12th, 2017 11:45 am

    Congrats to you for being honored Officer Hutchinson. I read the FWC report that is in NorthEscambia. Sounds like you and your fellow officers protect our wildlife in a most rewarding way. Keep up the good work you and your fellow officers do for us. Thank you.

  7. just sayin on April 12th, 2017 8:18 am

    So Chris. By complementing officer Hutchinson you put down nearly the rest of the officers by making the statement that he is just one of the few good ones. WOW

    Congratulations to you Officer Hutchinson for a job well done. Thank you and all of your fellow FWC officers for protecting our wildlife for future generations to enjoy.

  8. Workmom on April 12th, 2017 8:17 am

    Congrats Son, I knew you were always special from day one.

  9. JJ on April 12th, 2017 7:55 am

    Good job, buddy!!

  10. Shay on April 12th, 2017 6:03 am

    Congratulation sir. Thank you for your service.

  11. Chris in Molino on April 12th, 2017 5:27 am

    One of the few “good ones”. A great guy. Professional, compassionate, understanding, respectful, among so many other wonderful qualities. He’s old school and everything an FWC officer should be. Many have become office types but you could drop Hutch off in the woods with a toothbrush and he’d thrive.

  12. Conrad on April 12th, 2017 1:50 am

    Great job cuz, proud of you!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News