Today Sheriff Bob Gualtieri presented State Representative Berny Jacques with the Florida Sheriffs Association's Friend of the Sheriff Award for his outstanding efforts during the 2024 legislative session. Representative Jacques demonstrated his strong commitment to public safety by sponsoring HB 1181, which provided law enforcement with crucial tools to address juvenile gun crimes. The legislation, signed into law in April 2024, increased penalties for minors who commit gun offenses and gave courts more effective sentencing options for these serious crimes. Sheriffs across the state recognize Representative Jacques as a dedicated ally in the fight against crime. His background as a prosecutor and ongoing partnership with law enforcement continues to strengthen public safety initiatives throughout Florida.
