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Hutchinson Named FWC’s Officer Of The Year
January 14, 2017
He’s rescued a first-time hunter lost at night in the treacherous Escambia River swamp, caught people illegally night hunting and trespassing, discovered a hidden alligator snapping turtle and even apprehended one of his area’s most wanted methamphetamine distributors. He’s also developed an officer mentoring program and performed countless outreach hours to area youth and civic organizations. And all of that was just in 2016.
For his exceptional performance, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has named Officer Jason Hutchinson its 2017 Officer of the Year. Throughout 2017, Hutchinson will represent the FWC at various events.
“I’m truly humbled by this honor. It’s a real blessing to be able to do what I love with the FWC and my fellow officers,” said Hutchinson.
“Officer Hutchinson’s dedication to resource issues and public safety make him an ideal FWC officer,” said Col. Curtis Brown, the FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement director. “He has made a difference in his patrol area and we’re proud to have him representing the FWC.”
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.
“We’re fortunate to have Officer Hutchinson on our team,” Brown said. “The whole state of Florida is fortunate to have him. He not only provides exceptional service on a daily basis, but he sets an example for others as well.”
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
23 Responses to “Hutchinson Named FWC’s Officer Of The Year”
Congratulations Jason,
They could not have picked a better person to be a rep for the WFC.
We do need to come see y’all and let you show us around some of Florida’s great outdoors.
Proud of you Cuz
Congratulations cousin, proud of you!!!
Congrats man always enjoyed working with you at the prison glad to see all is working out good keep it up.
Congrats Buddy,when you do what you love you can always smile. Come see me ya know where I am at.
Good Guy! He was once with the Florida Department of Corrections.
Impressive – great role model. Proud to have you around sir.
All,
We have enjoyed and appreciate everyone’s comments. He is an awesome officer, daddy, and husband!!
@429scj.—regarding the snapping turtle…yes, the turtle was hiding from the individual that was trying to hide it. The turtle was the only thing relieved and happy to see a game warden on that boat
Congratulations nephew. I’m glad to hear that you have come so far and have done the community such a great deal. I see the times that we spent in the woods and on the water has paid off throughout the years. Was glad to have you by my side on those cold mornings during deer season and on the water fishing . Happy hunting and safe travels always,,,, your uncle Mickey.
Great Job Officer Hutchinson!
I cannot help but wonder, was the snapping turtle in hiding, or was it hidden by an individual?
Thank you for protecting our environment and making Florida hunting safer!
Congrats Officer Hutchinson
Award well deserved
Congratulations Brother glad to see your dreams from the prison days have come true for you. Keep up the great work and great attitude.
Good job big bro. Way to go! I smell promotion in the air.
Thank you sir for your dedication and service.
This calls for pound cake and blueberry jelly!! So proud!
Congratulations, Officer Hutchinson. I’m not in FL but have heard about your excellent work.
Great job Jason you’ve always been a really sweet person so glad you got that you deserve it that’s for sure!!!
Good job Jason! We worked together several times when you were assigned to our County. Good to see you are still proactive and going after the bad guys. Keep it up brother. Congrats, that’s an incredible honor.
Congrats and thanks for being highly motivated.
Congratulations! Well deserved.
Jason from my first introduction of you, I instinctively knew that you were and are a true gentleman and a good and honorable influence for both our children and community. They could not have chosen a more deserving officer. Congratulations with your honor!
Our society is fortunate to have this man as one of the “good guys.”
Be safe and always watch the perp’s hands.
Congratulations!