Wilton Manors Police Chief Honored by ADL

The Anti-Defamation League  honored Paul O’Connell, Chief of Police, Wilton Manors Police Department, with its prestigious Doris and Murray Felton Excellence in Law Enforcement Award during the League’s annual Florida Regional Board Meeting on March 26, 2014 at the Westin Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale.

Wilton Manors Chief of Police Paul O’Connell

A true leader committed to justice and equality, Chief O’Connell will be recognized for his extensive proactive measures to overcome prejudice and restore integrity within the Wilton Manors Police Department by changing the mission statement of the agency, promoting diversity within the workforce, and unequivocally affirming that there is no place for hate or bigotry in the City of Wilton Manors. Chief O’Connell exemplifies ADL’s values of fairness and diversity and has made a genuine difference in his police department and community by fostering a safe and bias-free environment.

“This prestigious award is not about me as the Police Chief; it is about us, the entire Police Department,” stated Chief O’Connell.  “It signifies how far we have come and validates the direction we are traveling.  This has been and will continue to be a team effort to serve the Wilton Manors community.”

“ADL is proud to recognize Wilton Manors Chief of Police Paul O’Connell with the 9^th annual Anti-Defamation League Doris and Murray Felton Excellence in Law Enforcement Award,” stated Michael Freeling, Esq., Bloom & Freeling Attorneys At Law and ADL FL Law Enforcement Committee Chair. “ADL’s long standing partnership with law enforcement on local, regional, statewide, national and international levels is unparalleled in any other human or civil rights organization.  Chief O’Connell’s efforts to combat bigotry and hatred and to strengthen police/community relations through his actions and deeds have been exemplary and he will join a growing list of investigative and prosecutorial leaders recognized by ADL in Florida for standing up and demonstrating a strong commitment to combating hate motivated behavior wherever it exists.”

Chief O’Connell played a significant role in changing the culture of the Wilton Manors Police Department from one that was profoundly tarnished, to one that can be viewed as an outstanding example of what is right with police work in the United States today. The bigoted actions of the prior Police Chief and Command Staff that did the City of Wilton Manors a disservice for five years left the agency in dire need of strong leadership.

Rt. Captain Richard F. Wierzbicki.

Chief O’Connell was chosen by the ADL Award Selection Committee made up entirely of active and retired law enforcement professionals along with high-ranking ADL lay leaders, and chaired by retired Broward Sheriff’s Office Captain Richard F. Wierzbicki.

“As a past award winner, I am honored to have been chosen as Committee Chairperson and work alongside some of the most highly respected Florida Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, Security Executives and State Attorneys that agreed to serve and further the mission of the ADL. All the nominated individuals were recognized by their respective agencies for excelling in such areas as providing safe school environments for all students, introducing or expanding anti-bullying initiatives, human trafficking awareness and using superior investigative techniques in crimes involving hate and bias as possible motives,” stated Captain Richard F. Wierzbicki (ret).

Source: Florida.adl.org