Detective Justin Woolverton of the St. Petersburg Police Department has been named the Pearson Patterson Police Officer of the Year, an honor bestowed by the Northeast Exchange Club of St. Petersburg. The award ceremony took place at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, where community members, elected officials, and organization leaders gathered to celebrate his achievements.
Woolverton, who joined the department in 2017, currently serves in the Criminal Intelligence and Threat Assessment Unit and is a member of the Pinellas County Threat Management Unit Task Force. This task force was recognized as the Unit of the Year by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in 2025.
Among his notable contributions, Woolverton played a crucial role in investigating a school shooting threat in August 2025, successfully identifying the offender through emergency subpoena requests. He also serves as a high liability instructor, training new officers.
Reflecting on his journey, Woolverton expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “To be recognized for my dedication to public service means the world to me.” He emphasized that the award is not a “finish line” but a motivation to continue serving the community.
Community and Leadership Support
Former Florida governors Charlie Crist and Robert “Bob” Martinez attended the event, underscoring the importance of public safety. Crist shared a personal story about a police ride-along that highlighted the courage of law enforcement officers. He emphasized the need to appreciate the work of those who keep communities safe.
Martinez stressed that public safety should be a priority in government budgets, commending Florida’s leadership for supporting first responders. He noted that in many areas, police officers and firefighters receive less support than they deserve.
The award, named after George Pearson and Odette Patterson, reflects a legacy of honoring law enforcement and supporting their educational pursuits. Pearson’s grandson, Albert Jasuwan, and his wife Torrie, continue to serve on the award committee, ensuring the tradition continues.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
