'Can do' LEO Award winner ready to say 'I do'
By Bari Auerbach

Shortly after Sunny Isles Beach police Detective Stephen Brenton was presented with a Law Enforcement Officers Foundation (LEO) Award for excellence in investigative services, he celebrated yet another monumental event when he proposed to his girlfriend at a Sunny Isles Beach City Commission meeting.

Surprising everyone at the meeting, along with his "significant other" Tabitha, Brenton proceeded to propose on bended knee and Tabitha was thrilled to put a beautiful engagement ring on her finger.

Addressing the Commission, Police Chief Fred Maas explained, "On February 21, the annual LEO Awards for Miami-Dade County were held and more than 650 people attended.It was a very elegant affair at the downtown JW Marriott - and this is where all local, county, state and federal police agencies operating in Miami-Dade gathered.The LEO award ceremony is very similar to the Academy Awards where nominations from all levels are made for different categories."

Recognized as the overall winner in all of Miami-Dade for Investigative Services, Brenton was honored with a LEO award for his tireless efforts in handling many complex investigations over the past few years as well as his expertise in the area of computers, forensics and graphic displays all benefiting the Investigative Unit.

Other Sunny Isles Beach officers receiving special recognition included Officer Ken Hackett, who was a LEO Award runner up in Specialized Services for devoting many years of dedication and professionalism while serving in the motorcycle unit. Officers Javier Estevez and Blake Royal were presented the Medal of Valor Awarded by the Dade Chiefs of Police for their life saving ocean rescue of drowning victims over the past year and both were runners-up for the Officer of the Year.

Taking the podium at the Commission meeting, Brenton said, "I'd like to thank the City Manager and Commission for everything they do for the Police Department.their support is the reason why we have high quality officers who bring back these kind of awards."

After popping the question, Brenton hugged his new fiancée and then Chief Maas was happy to oblige when the "best in blue" Detective asked another very important question: "Boss, can I have the night off?"

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