Agent Jessie Holton and the therapy dog Primus are an inseparable tandem who work with our most precious victims, children that have become victims of abuse and neglect. Both operating through BCSO to assist the victims recovery in any way they can. (BCSO image)
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Each April, communities throughout the country conduct an annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf and yesterday, in observance of Crime Victim’s Rights Week, State Attorney Phil Archer recognized several outstanding individuals for their incredible advocacy and support to crime victims in Brevard County.
Primus the dog, above, who very well may be the world’s most unique looking police dog, what he lacks in looks he makes up for with personality, is a therapy dog and the most integral part of “Operation Qualter,” named after our dear friend Lt Mike Qualter who passionately advocated for children during his entire career before passing away in 2011. (BCSO image)
I am very proud to announce that State Attorney Archer recognized Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Agent Jessie Holton as the 2014 National Crime Victims Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
Jessie’s story is inspiring, it truly represents what it means to go above and beyond the call of duty.
As a Marine veteran, Jessie served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, but that service came with a life altering physical cost.
After returning from active duty, Jessie pursued his advanced educational degrees at UCF, where he designed a grant proposal for an idea that would effectively fight child abuse.
While researching the topic, he discovered a law that provided for the use of therapy dogs that could be used to comfort victims of child abuse.
Jessie recalled the many times that his own therapy dog had comforted him during difficult and traumatic times following his tours of duty and so the vision was launched.
Jessie’s professor was so impressed, she had all the students contribute their efforts to make this vision a reality.
Jessie Holton
Jessie then presented his proposal to the agency in order to implement an innovative and first in the country therapy dog program for children, “Operation Primus.” The project was designed to honor the legacy of BCSO Lieutenant Mike Qualter, who had committed his life to the protection of children.
With the complete support of the Sheriff’s Office and State Attorney’s Office, Agent Holton and his wonder dog Primus comfort our most precious citizens as they deal with their real life terrors.
His efforts ensure that these victims will get through the difficult process. This program has been so successful, it is now being adopted by other agencies across the nation.
Phil Archer
State Attorney Archer said, “There is no doubt that Agent Holton is a hero both in his service to our country and his accomplishments for our children.” I couldn’t agree more! Please join me in congratulating the 2014 National Crime Victim’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Agent Jessie Holton.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey has been a law enforcement officer for over three decades. Sheriff Ivey is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has a Bachelor’s Degree from Daytona State College in Management and Supervision. Sheriff Ivey’s background in law enforcement is inclusive of Management, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Patrol Services, Public Integrity Investigations, and Corrections.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey
Prior to being elected in 2012, Sheriff Ivey served the citizens of the State of Florida as a Resident Agent in Charge for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. As a member of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Sheriff Ivey developed and created the country’s first ever statewide Task Force on Identity Theft.
That same year the Task Force was named one of the top five most innovative programs in the country by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and investigated approximately 44 million dollars in fraud cases. Additionally, as a member of FDLE, Sheriff Ivey created the Child Abduction Response Team (C.A.R.T) that re-defined the way Child Abduction cases are conducted throughout the country today.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey has been a law enforcement officer for over three decades. Sheriff Ivey is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has a Bachelor’s Degree from Daytona State College in Management and Supervision. Sheriff Ivey’s background in law enforcement is inclusive of Management, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Patrol Services, Public Integrity Investigations, and Corrections.
The program was later selected as the most innovative program in the country by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and is now used as a nationwide model in the response and investigation of child abductions.
Sheriff Ivey has testified before the United States Congress on law enforcement related matters and has extensive experience in the area of Public Integrity Investigations. Sheriff Ivey was honored as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Special Agent of the Year (1996) and was also recognized by the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for his Outstanding Contributions to Criminal Justice. In August of 2011 Sheriff Ivey was honored by the National Organization of Victims Advocacy for his work at the national level as an advocate of victim’s rights and protection.
Sheriff Ivey speaks regularly on topics such as Identity Theft, Crime in America, Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Self Defense through Mental Preparedness. Sheriff Ivey firmly believes that Crime Prevention and Education are vital to reduce our crime rate and protect our community.
