- October 2, 2024
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Bunnell Police Detective Jeff Traylor was named the Flagler County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year at the 24th annual CrimeStoppers of Northeast Florida awards banquet.
Law officers from from across the Seventh Judicial Circuit, which is comprised of Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, and Putnam counties, attended the awards banquet on Sept. 12 at the Daytona 500 Club inside Daytona International Speedway.
To be considered for the officer of the year awards, each agency in each of the counties was asked to nominate a top crime fighter based upon their accomplishments and leadership in the past year. Detective Traylor was recognized for his leadership in solving complex, high-profile cases, while also making time to mentor his colleagues in their own cases.
In nominating Traylor for the award, Bunnell Police Lieutenant Shane Groth wrote, “Detective Traylor stands out from his fellow officers through his exceptional investigative skills and remarkable achievements. His swift resolution of a shooting case — identifying all suspects and securing arrest warrants within a week — highlights his efficiency in high-pressure situations. Additionally, his success in recovering stolen property and resolving significant theft cases underscores his thoroughness and commitment to justice. Detective Traylor’s strong work ethic, combined with his excellent communication and collaborative skills, further distinguishes him. His continuous pursuit of professional development reflects his commitment to excellence and sets a high standard within the Bunnell Police Department.”
Groth listed Traylor's accomplishments in several high-profile cases:
Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson, Vice Mayor John Rogers, Commissioner Pete Young, City Manager Dr. Alvin Jackson, and Lieutenant Groth attended the banquet in support of Detective Traylor.
Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon, who was unable to attend the banquet due to a prior commitment, said, “Detective Traylor truly embodies our agency’s mission to ‘Serve Above Self.’ His dedication and leadership made a profound impact on both our department and the community we protect. By swiftly resolving complex, high-profile cases and mentoring his colleagues with the same commitment, Detective Traylor exemplifies what it means to serve with integrity and excellence.”
Detective Traylor graduated from Spruce Creek High School in 1980. He served as a military police officer in the United States Army from 1980 to 1987. He completed his training at the Basic Law Enforcement Academy at Daytona State College in 1996, and in January 1997, he joined the Holly Hill Police Department serving as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant and criminal investigations detective for 12 years.
Following his retirement in October 2021, he joined the Bunnell Police Department in June 2022, initially in patrol and now in the Criminal Investigations Division.