Attorney General James Uthmeier Announces 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award Winner, Inaugural Moment of Valor Honoree

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Attorney General James Uthmeier awarded the 2025 Attorney General's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year to Detective Eva Solis of the Clay County Sheriff's Office. The 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Ceremony honored the service of Detective Solis and 11 other brave officers who demonstrated great courage and selflessness while going above and beyond the call of duty last year.

"It is my honor to recognize Detective Solis as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and Officer Cody Poppell as our inaugural Moment of Valor Honoree," said Attorney General James Uthmeier. "Detective Solis' and Officer Poppell's commitment extends far beyond the call of duty. Detective Solis is responsible for the rescue and recovery of four human trafficking victims, and Officer Poppel stepped into the line of fire to save countless lives at FSU. I am proud to recognize their service to the Free State of Florida."

The recognition stems from the detective's exceptional investigative work on one of the most horrific child exploitation and human trafficking cases in Clay County Sheriff's Office history. A citizen discovered a thumb drive locked in a safe at an abandoned storage unit. The device was turned over to law enforcement, where investigators discovered extensive material related to child sexual exploitation. Some of the key findings from the investigation include seven identified victims, one child rescued, three victims recovered, and more than two million CSAM files.

The dedication shown by Detective Solis led to the takedown of true predators, who are now in federal custody, and her work reflects the highest ideals of law enforcement and protecting those who cannot protect themselves-especially children.

Attorney General Uthmeier also recognized Florida State University Police Department Officer Cody Poppell as the inaugural Moment of Valor honoree. This newly established distinction acknowledges extraordinary courage and decisive action in the face of imminent danger.

Officer Poppell's heroic response during the April 17, 2025, active assailant incident on FSU campus exemplifies the highest values of law enforcement. Amid the chaos, Officer Poppell acted swiftly, riding his motorcycle over a sidewalk and onto campus to confront the threat head-on. He fired multiple shots, bringing the situation to an end and preventing even more tragedy. His actions were instrumental in protecting lives and maintaining public safety during a critical incident.

Other nominees for our 2025 Attorney General's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award include:

• Detective Christopher Apple, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office;
• Detective Brent Crawford, Port St. Lucie Police Department;
• Detective Jordan Duffy, Department of Financial Services;
• Corporal Carlos Estrada, Miccosukee Police Department;
• Detective Gedeus Frederick, North Miami Police Department;
• Officer Jessica Goodfellow, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission;
• Detective Lazaro Jimenez, West Miami Police Department;
• Inspector Kyle Jones, Florida Department of Law Enforcement;
• Officer Jonathan Lopez, Hialeah Police Department;
• Sergeant Julio Torres, Florida Highway Patrol, Troop L; and
• Detective Scott Williamson, Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

All nominees for the Attorney General's 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award were previously named Officers of the Year by law enforcement agencies and associations.

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