Sgt. Williamson Honored for 30 Years of Service

During the recent City Commission meeting, Chief Sean Brandenburg commended Sgt. Jeff Williamson for his 30 years of service to the Key West Police Department, and presented a plaque in honor of his retirement. Sgt.  Williamson came to Key West with military service under his belt – as a Marine, serving with the Military Police and as marksmanship instructor. He also served with the Fort Walton Police Department.

That was 30 years ago. During his career with the Key West Police Department, Sgt. Williamson has collected an array of letters commending his actions – letters from the community as well as recognition by his superiors in the department for exceptional work performance.

He has received numerous commendations and recognitions over the years, including the Lifesaving Award and a commendation by the State Attorney’s Office for him compassion and empathy toward the victims of crime.

In 2003 Sgt. Williamson was awarded the medal of Gallantry for his bravery when he put himself in harm’s way in order to arrest an armed felon.

In 2005, as the city prepared for Hurricane Wilma, he was promoted to sergeant. Later, he supervised the Marine, Mounted and Traffic Units.

Sgt. Williamson is certified for training in several fields. He served for many years on the Motor Unit. He was an original member of the bicycle unit as well as the Underwater Search and Rescue Team. He is certified in many fields of instruction and has taught classes at the college.

“Sgt. Williamson is a traffic crash reconstructionist,” said Chief Brandenburg. “This is a very prestigious and difficult certification to attain.

“Sgt. Williamson, with his retirement, leaves behind an outstanding career of serving his community with compassion, dedication and professionalism,” continued Chief Brandenburg. “He has done his part to ensure the future integrity of the department by instilling his knowledge and community values in the officers he has trained and supervised throughout the years.”

“I must have been a pretty decent field training officer,” Sgt. Williamson noted, “because I’m the one who trained the guy that ended up becoming chief.”

Calling himself “the last of the old timers in the department,” Williamson noted that it’s been an eventful year for him: His daughter is off to college, his 20th anniversary with his wife, and now retirement after a 30-year career.

In recognition of his dedication, Chief Brandenburg announced that he will be promoting Sgt. Williamson to the rank of lieutenant in a ceremony at the end of the month.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]