VIDEO: Attorney General Moody Honors Sheriff Cook’s Heroic Actions with Back the Blue Award

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General Ashley Moody is honoring one of Florida's courageous sheriffs who valiantly protected others by single-handedly disarming and detaining a man with a machete in a convenience store. At the Florida Sheriffs Association Summer Conference last week, Attorney General Moody surprised Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook by presenting the sheriff with a Back the Blue Award.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "Seeing someone armed with a machete in a public store would be a sign for most people to run away. However, by single-handedly disarming and detaining the dangerous individual, Sheriff Cook led by example and de-escalated what could have been a life-threatening situation. Florida is safer because of heroes like Sheriff Cook, and it is my privilege to present her with a Back the Blue Award."

Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook said, "I am extremely humbled by this recognition from Attorney General Moody. It was an honor to receive an award for doing what I love doing most....serving and protecting the citizens of Clay County. "

While visiting a local store, Sheriff Cook noticed employees behind the counter looking concerned and trying to get the sheriff's attention without raising alarm. Sheriff Cook then observed a suspicious individual acting erratically and spotted a weapon hidden in the person's clothes that turned out to be a machete. Sheriff Cook quickly took action, single-handedly disarming and detaining the erratic individual before calling for backup-ensuring no one was injured in the process. The individual subsequently received involuntary examination under Florida's Baker Act.

Attorney General Moody launched the statewide Back the Blue campaign soon after taking office in 2019. The Back the Blue Award recognizes officers going above and beyond the call of duty, as well as citizens and organizations showing extraordinary support of law enforcement.

To nominate a law enforcement officer, citizen or organization for a Back the Blue Award, or for more information about Attorney General Moody's Back the Blue campaign, click here.

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