By Tamas Mondovics
While the aroma of Yankee pot roast with savory beef gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and warm rolls filled the banquette hall, it was what special guest speaker, Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee had to say that interested most who attended a recent luncheon hosted by the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce.
Held at the Club Renaissance, located at 2121 South Pebble Beach Boulevard in Sun City Center and sponsored by Zipperer’s Funeral Home, the event welcomed local residents and several members of the Hillsborough County District 4 Command staff, led by Major Ron Hartley.
After commenting on the changes within the borders of Florida’s first and the country’s eighth largest county, Gee first commented on the much anticipated Republican National Convention.
“The RNC was a success,” Gee said as he gave credit to the two-year-long planning and the huge amount of preparation.
Gee also spoke about the successful crime reduction in Hillsborough County which he said is the result of the department’s implementation of intelligence-led policing, a targeted approach to crime control.
“We are in our fifth year of double digit crime reduction,” Gee said. “Once we started focusing on the top ten people coming up on our radar, and then worked with our detectives on the street, crime started to drop.”
Addressing all, but especially those worried about financial fraud and scams, Gee spoke highly of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s (HSCO) special unit. “We have a number of dedicated people, who work hard to assist our residents,” he said.
After commenting on a few more topics that only scratch the surface and living up to his reputation of not seeking the limelight, Gee left the event without touching his lunch to attend to a matter requiring his expertise.
Praising the departments success, event sponsor Tony Zipperer did not hesitate to comment on Gee’s praiseworthy leadership and the list of positive results of the many programs, such as the Honor Escort on behalf of the county’s fallen heroes, or the county’s Volunteer Citizen Patrol, all under the Sheriff’s supervision.
“It is my pleasure to sponsor this event as I support the Sheriff’s Office and the SouthShore Chamber,” Zipperer said. “Sheriff Gee and the department are right on track.”
For more information about upcoming events at the SouthShore chamber of Commerce, please visit ruskinoffice@southshorechamberofcommerce.org or call 813.645.3808.
For information about the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, visit www.hcso.tampa.fl.us.
