BCSO Enforcers: Central Florida Humanitarians
By Maria Sonnenberg, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living // October 23, 2014
ABOVE VIDEO: The philanthropic-minded Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Enforcers have volunteered to work with kids at Police Athletic League summer camps and pitted themselves against the Court Kingz to help the Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition and the Harlem Ambassadors twice to raise funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center.
Support A Variety of Philanthropic Efforts
CENTRAL FLORIDA, USA – The members of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office basketball team chase a ball down the court with the same fervor they hunt down the bad guys across town.
The Enforcers are a force for good and a team that, under the leadership of head coach and retired Lieutenant Greg Buttrick, has achieved much in a short time. Buttrick was tasked with shaping up the Enforcers in 2007.
“Our team started out by scrimmaging Brevard Community College in 2006 and lost by over 100 points,” said the coach. “We have just gradually gotten better and better and we’re now very good!”
The Enforcers have plenty of spirit and lots of heart. Many of the games the team plays are charity endeavors that benefit local nonprofits.
Of course, the Enforcers have some special firepower of their own, particularly in the figure of former Harlem Globetrotter Lorenzo Hutchinson, Number 0 on the team and, during working hours, a corporal with the sheriff’s office.
“He helped form the team in 2006 and has been an inspirational leader for us ever since,” said Buttrick.
With the energy and experience of players like Hutchinson, the Enforcers have performed well against the Court Kingz, a prodigious street basketball team, not to mention the Harlem Ambassadors, akin to the Globetrotters.
“When playing games such as against the Harlem Ambassadors or Court Kingz, the games are really for show and there is a lot of comedy and skits involved,” explained Buttrick. “The level of competition is really not a factor and the games are not for winning or losing. It’s for a great cause!”
Sheriff Wayne Ivey admits he doesn’t get much court time, but as part of the team, he often cheers the Enforcers during games. In serious competition, the Enforcers competed in the 2011 World Police and Fire Games in New York City.
“We finished third out of 22 teams from all over the world and took home the bronze medal,” said Buttrick, who also noted the team was number one finisher from the United States and beat large power houses such as the Los Angeles Police Department and the New York City Fire Department.
CHAMPIONS OF YOUTH, PHILANTHROPIC CAUSES
Most recently, the Enforcers attended the 2014 United States Police and Fire Championships in San Diego, where they snagged the silver medal by finishing second in the United States.
They have played many games, all for the good of the community, including the Brevard Police Athletic League, Toys for Tots and Project Graduation.
The team has organized several fundraiser games to benefit officers who were diagnosed with cancer, as well as officers injured in the line of duty.
The Enforcers have volunteered to work with kids at Police Athletic League summer camps and pitted themselves against the Court Kingz to help the Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition and the Harlem Ambassadors twice to raise funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center.
In October, they participated in “Hooping for a Cure,” a breast cancer tournament to benefit local breast cancer patients.
What is most amazing about the Enforcers is that the players practice on their own time and because of their very different schedules, rarely get to practice together before a game, yet they seem to have a built-in sense about each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN ALUMNI
ABOUT THE 2014 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that dedicate their Time, Talent or Treasure to help people in need locally – and around the world.
This year, more than 30 deserving humanitarians will be honored during the Gala, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, with the festivities beginning at 6 p.m.
“Over the years, our editorial team has had the distinct honor and pleasure of identifying and featuring the many members of our community who give back so much and are dedicated to reaching out and helping others, here and throughout the world, in a multitude of ways,” said Maverick Multimedia Editor-In-Chief Dr. Jim Palermo.
“We remain firmly committed to identifying and telling those stories and providing a timely media platform to recognize Space Coast and Central Florida residents’ altruistic contributions on a regular basis in our magazines, as well as SpaceCoastDaily.com,” said Dr. Palermo.
This inspiring and compelling event is sponsored by M.H. Williams Construction, Brighthouse Networks, Health First, Brevard Physicians Network, Clear Choice Health Care, First Choice Medical Group, Knudson Brain & Spine Law Injury Office, Florida Pain Institute, Sangiv Patel, DDS, PA, Brevard Geriatrics, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine and SpaceCoastDaily.com
For more information about the Central Florida Humanitarian Gala call 321-323-4460 or e-mail MaverickMultiMedia@gmail.com
BELOW MAP: The 2014 Central Florida Humanitarian Awards will take place Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, located at 200 Rialto Place in Melbourne, Florida.
