GOOD COPS

The Lee County Sheriff announced the officers and civilians who made outstanding contributions to the public in September. They were:

Deputy of the Month - Sergeant Gary Nosbusch, Detective Claude Tyus, Deputy Gustavo Vallejo

Thanks to a five month operation, and the efforts of Lee County Sheriff's Office "P.I.L.L.S." (Pharmaceutical Investigations Law Enforcement Strategy) Unit members, Sgt. Gary Nosbusch, Det. Claude Tyus, and Deputy Gustavo Vallejo, a multimillion dollar black market prescription drug operation has been halted. On Sept. 14, a search warrant was executed at La Mexicana Restaurant on Ortiz Avenue in Fort Myers. During the search, narcotics officers found nearly $2 million in cash, firearms, hundreds of packages containing illegal pharmaceutical drugs, and evidence of an illegal lottery operation. Officers also executed a search warrant at the restaurant owner's home in Naples, leading to two arrests. Thanks to the diligent efforts of Sgt. Nosbusch, Det. Tyus, and Deputy Vallejo, along with the help of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, this successful operation resulted in a major victory for the "P.I.L.L.S." Unit and the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Corrections Officer of the Month - Deputy Carl Martorana

On Sept. 25, Deputy Martorana of Port Charlotte stopped at a convenience store while on his way to work when he encountered a delivery man who informed him there was a problem with the store clerk inside. Deputy Martorana went inside the store to see what was wrong and concluded the clerk was suffering from a heart attack. He quickly called 911 for medical assistance, secured the store, and stayed by the clerk's side until medical personal arrived on scene. Civilian of the Month - Brenda Gellinger

On the evening of Aug. 25, Lee County Sheriff's Explorer Gerald Rabon was shot during a robbery at a convenient store in Lee County. Tragically, he died one week later. During this time Gerald's mother Gail, became dependant upon Brenda Gellinger of Cape Coral for support and comfort. Gail had recently lost her husband and was left alone to make decisions. As the agency worked together to arrange Gerald's funeral, we witnessed once again Brenda's exceptional kindness, professionalism, and complete devotion to the agency as well as the family's wishes and needs during this difficult time.

Volunteer of the Month - Russ Sauer

Volunteer Russ Sauer of Fort Myers joined the Sheriff's Office V.O.I.C.E. program in 2002. He devotes the majority of his time to the central and west districts. Since he started giving his time, Russ has volunteered over 4000 hours to the agency. Recently, Mr. Sauer was the team leader for the Golden Apple Kick Off, and helped organize and distribute flowers to every teacher at all eighty Lee County Schools. Mr. Sauer takes great pride in his work.