At the Oct. 6, Hendry County Sheriff's Office Quarterly Awards Ceremony Sgt. Zachary Scelfo, Sgt. Nester Echevarria and Sgt. Allen Hudson were each presented with the “Medal of Valor”.
Hendry County Sheriff's Office
Special to the Lake Okeechobee News
CLEWISTON — At the Hendry County Sheriff's Office Quarterly Awards Ceremony on Oct. 6, Sgt. Zachary Scelfo, Sgt. Nester Echevarria and Sgt. Allen Hudson were each presented with the “Medal of Valor”.
The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is the highest decoration for bravery exhibited by public safety officers in the United States, comparable to the military's Medal of Honor.
Sheriff Steve Whidden presented the award and stated, “This is being presented to each of you for your extraordinary and professional achievement in performing your duties during a highly volatile and stressful situation.”
On May 1, 2021, after the conclusion of the Brown Sugar Festival, Sgt. Echevarria, Sgt. Hudson, and Sgt. Scelfo responded to shots fired. They ran towards the gun fire and observed males shooting at one another amid a large crowd.
Due to the large crowd, deputies lost sight of the gunmen but were immediately notified of wounded gunshot victims. Six gunshot victims were discovered. Surrounded and with an overwhelming crowd at their backs, they provided medical attention to the victims, displaying utter disregard to their own personal safety, and went above and beyond in the face of danger to save lives.
This conspicuous performance of duty represents exemplary dedication and accomplishment in the finest traditions of first responders and reflects great credit upon the recipient and law enforcement, the sheriff said.