Sarasota Deputy named Law Enforcement Officer of the year

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - A Sarasota County sheriff’s deputy has been named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Florida Retail Federation for his work targeting organized retail theft, the Florida State Attorney’s Office said.Deputy David Miller was honored for investigating millions of dollars’ worth of theft and fraud cases this year, leading to arrests tied to hundreds of felony charges, according to the department.Since 1974, the Florida Retail Federation has recognized one officer each year for efforts to prevent organized retail crime. Speakers at this year’s ceremony pointed to warehouses full of stolen merchandise seized from criminal groups in 2026 and said Florida is “leading the way nationally” in stopping organized retail theft.Assistant State Attorney Nicholas Lata and Sgt. Ben Lubrano of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office praised Miller’s passion and commitment to enforcing the law and serving the community. Lata said Sarasota County “would be a safer and better pl