DEP Agent Honored for Outstanding Job Performance

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has named Special Agent Guy Gilbert of DEP’s Criminal Investigations Bureau Miami office as DEP’s 2009 Division of Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Special Agent Gilbert accepted the prestigious award today from Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet.

“Special Agent Gilbert’s job performance and his general law enforcement knowledge and practices show him to be an exemplary team member,” said DEP Division of Law Enforcement Director Henry Barnet. “Known not just by his colleagues but by other federal, state and local agencies for his professional spirit and positive energy that he brings to work each day, Special Agent Gilbert is a valuable asset to the law enforcement community.”

Each year, DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement selects one non-supervisory sworn law enforcement member as Officer of the Year based upon job performance, public service, improving coordination or cooperation within or outside the Division, and setting a positive example.

Special Agent Gilbert is one of 44 sworn members in DEP’s Criminal Investigations Bureau who investigate environmental resource crimes and illegal dredge and fill activities, and respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, hazardous material incidents and oil spills that threaten the environment.

One example of Special Agent Gilbert’s outstanding work is his handling of the 2009 investigative case at Miami International Airport called “Operation Safe Warehouse” where he took the lead on identifying radioactive medical waste in one warehouse and assisted the Department of Health’s Radiation Unit as they identified one hundred pounds of depleted uranium in another warehouse.

Environmental crimes are violations of state or federal environmental laws that could impact public health and the environment, such as illegal dumping or improper disposal of used oil. Signs that an environmental crime has taken place could include corroded, leaking or abandoned waste containers; fish kills; illegal debris dumping in a natural area; or foul smelling or unsightly discharges or visible sheens on the ground or water body.

Illegal solid and hazardous waste disposal is a primary focus of DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, as illegal dumping can adversely affect underlying aquifers, which are the source for more than 90 percent of the state’s drinking water supply.

To report an environmental crime, wireless customers can dial #DEP. Callers can also report environmental crimes to the State Warning Point by calling (877) 2-SAVE-FL (1.877.272.8335). General environmental inquiries should be directed to DEP district offices during business hours.

For more information about DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/law.