Community Service Aide Kayla Campisi named the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association 2011 Civilian of the Year
Community Service Aide Kayla Campisi of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, has been named the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association 2011 Civilian of the Year.
While investigating a past occurred burglary with a property manager, there was a knock at the door. Campisi looked outside and saw a male subject walking toward the back yard. She opened the back to door to make contact with the individual and noticed he had a beer in one hand and a pistol on his hip. As she ordered him to raise his hands he proceeded to grab the gun.
Campisi ordered the subject to raise his hands up to his head. He finally complied and the gun never broke the holster.
Campisi and the property manager then retreated into the vacant residence until Lee County Deputy Ryan Justham arrived on scene. Upon Deputy Justham’s arrival, the subject was located in the front yard no longer armed; with the firearm 5 or 6 feet away on the ground. Follow-up revealed that the suspect had only had resided in Florida for three weeks, and as far as he could tell the CSA vehicle was a police car.
During his interview he revealed that he thought CSA Campisi was actually a Deputy Sheriff and believed she had a gun. He even articulated that had she shot him, she would have been justified based on his actions. The property manager stated that Campisi’s actions during the incident were amazing and was very impressed with how she took control of the situation. A review of the radio transmission from the incident revealed that even during a high stress confrontation, Campisi was able to clearly articulate the necessary details so responding units could respond and act appropriately, officials said.
“Campisi’s actions above her normal duties demonstrated that she clearly has the ability to make a great Deputy Sheriff should she ever have the opportunity,” the statement from the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association says. “The members of the SWFPCA are proud to present CSA Kayla Campisi with our 2011 Civilian of the Year Award.”
The subject was charged with aggravated assault.
Source: Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association