Sanibel police officer honored for service, heroism
An island police officer and others were recognized by the Lee County Bar Association (LCBA).
The LCBA held its annual Law Week Awards and Luncheon on May 1 at the Riverside Community Center in Fort Myers, where it honored the Officer of the Year from local law enforcement agencies. It celebrates Law Week as an extension of Law Day — recognized on May 1 — and offers events and outreach services to the community during the week.
Officer Cristopher Chiappy was awarded from the Sanibel Police Department (SPD).
The other recipients were Lee County Sheriff’s Office Detective Mackenzie More, Cape Coral Police Department Officer Alfonso Rodriguez and Fort Myers Police Department Detective Vincent Doyle.
In addition, the LCBA recognized Cypress Lake Middle School middle school teacher Bill Stansell with the Dr. James A. Adams Lee County Teacher of the Year Award for Law-Related Education and Beth Nichols with the Judicial Assistant of the Year Award. The Liberty Bell Award went to Judge John S. Carlin, who had passed away on March 5. His wife and sons accepted the award on his behalf.
During its meeting on May 5, the Sanibel City Council recognized Professional Law Week with the LCBA via a proclamation, along with Chiappy “for his service and heroism in the line of duty.”
The council further extended its appreciation “to our local law enforcement, Officer Cristopher Chiappy, Sanibel law enforcement officer, and to all law enforcement officers for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent,” it stated.
Police Chief William Dalton noted that the SPD’s officers take great pride in taking care of the island.
“And Chris is one of those,” he said. “He’s an excellent officer.”
Dalton added that Chiappy is always willing to help out the SPD in any way he can.
“I’m confident whenever Chris is on the job I’m always going to get his best efforts,” he said. “So thank you, Chris.”
Mayor Mike Miller shared that Chiappy was hired by the SPD in 2016 as a part-time police aide, elevated to a full-time dispatcher in 2017, and then promoted to a senior dispatcher in 2018.
He gradated from the police academy in 2019 and was sworn in.
Chiappy earned an associate’s degree in public safety from Florida Southwestern State College.
“Throughout his tenure with the city, he has received multiple notes from residents and visitors for his professionalism, compassion and empathy,” Miller added.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email