The Gulf Council is proud to announce the presentation of the 2024 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award to Senior Officers Jeremy Foell and Jason Richards of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This outstanding team operates the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Trident, based out of Key West, Florida.

The Council’s Team/Officer of the Year award acknowledges service above and beyond duty requirements and recognizes distinguished service, professionalism, and dedication to enforcing federal fishing regulations in the Gulf of America. Nominees may be submitted from each of the five Gulf State Law Enforcement agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard, and NOAA Fisheries’ Office for Law Enforcement.

Officers Foell and Richards patrol some of the most remote waters in the region, including areas surrounding Dry Tortugas National Park and as far west as Pulley Ridge Habitat Area of Particular Concern (HAPC).

In 2024 alone, the Trident team logged over 334 patrol hours, far exceeding annual expectations. Their enforcement efforts led to multiple high-profile cases involving significant federal fisheries violations, including:

• The seizure of over 330 illegally harvested snapper and out-of-season lobster and crabs from a commercial vessel operating near Dry Tortugas National Park.
• Participation in NOAA’s TED (Turtle Excluder Device) Operational Plan, where the team identified six critical violations that posed threats to sea turtle populations.
• The documentation of illegal fishing activity within protected Ecological Reserves, ensuring the long-term sustainability of sensitive reef habitats.

“These officers consistently demonstrate great commitment to the protection of the resources of this state and country.” Said Lieutenant Marc Shea with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “We are proud of this exceptional boat crew whose demeanor and professionalism speak loudly regarding their quality of service and dedication to resource protection”

About The Gulf Council

The Gulf Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of America.