#AC4P - Always on Duty

     On 11/30/2016 Vero Beach Police Department Officer Lee Evans was dispatched in response to a drunken male at a local business. After making contact with the business, our officer started to BOLO (Be On the Look Out) for the subject. Ofc. Evans located the person a little ways away from the business, and started his interview of the subject.

     During the interview, Ofc. Evans determined there was cause to arrest the subject due to disorderly intoxication. When Ofc. Evans attempted to take the subject in custody, a struggle ensued and Ofc. Evans and the subject ended up on the ground in a struggle.
      We immediately dispatched more units for backup to assist Ofc. Evans, however before our officers arrived on scene, a citizen passing by assisted Ofc. Evans.

     The assisting citizen was none other than Dr. James Betancourt. Dr. Betancourt is a reserve deputy for the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, and also volunteers with the Indian River County Fire Rescue as a Paramedic.  He is very well known in the Public Safety family with his volunteering, and training that he offers all the departments.

     In Honor of his deeds to help one of our officers, the Vero Beach Police Department recognized Dr. Betancourt on 12/8/2016 with many of our members in attendance. He was presented a blue #AC4P (Actively Caring 4 People) bracelet for his deeds!! Should Dr. Betancourt observe a citizen go above and beyond and help our community, he will pass on his bracelet to show his appreciation; and receive a replacement bracelet from Vero Beach Police Department.

     We are honored to have Dr. Betancourt in our community, and actively giving back to everyone in our area!!

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