Temple Terrace Police Department Officer of the Year - Officer Richard Scilabro

Officer Scilabro joined the Temple Terrace Police Department in June 2007 and quickly developed into a vital member.  In 2008 he became a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and has since taken on further responsibilities as a Sniper/Observer.  In 2008 he also joined the training staff and instructs members of the Department in Officer Survival, Special Operations and Tactics, Firearms and Defensive Tactics.  He displays excellent leadership qualities in his roles as a trainer and ERT member and has earned the respect of his co-workers.  His professionalism and dedication are evident everyday in his interactions with his peers and with the public.  He frequently volunteers for additional work, and volunteers to fill in for field training officers when needed.

In 2009 Officer Scilabro wrote 707 traffic citations; second highest in the Department.  He also made 68 arrests; of which eighteen (18) were felonies, seventeen (17) were misdemeanors, with the remaining thirty-three (33) being traffic and warrant arrests.  Fifty-nine (59) of his arrests were from self-initiated activity with fifteen (15) of those being drug/narcotic related.  Two of his felony arrests were the result of his investigations at crime scenes; one a home invasion robbery and the other a strong arm robbery.  The quality and professionalism of his work is exemplary.

In August of 2009, Officer Scilabro assumed the position of the Marine Officer for the Department.  Having only served as the Marine Officer for less than four months in 2009, Officer Scilabro's Marine Safety Enforcement efforts were unprecedented in comparison to the
Marine Officer’s activity in previous years.  During this short time,
he quadrupled the productivity of the entire 2008 and
2009 years combined.

Officer Scilabro is a tremendously valuable member of
our Department whether serving as a squad member, ERT
member, trainer, mentor or as the Marine Officer.  Officer Scilabro
exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and selfless dedication to duty.  He has earned the respect of those he serves with and is known to be an officer that can always be depended upon.