Florida’s law enforcement leaders, deputies, and officers gathered in Tampa today to show their strong support for Senator Ashley Moody’s HELPER Act, a bill designed to make homeownership more attainable for Florida’s first responders, law enforcement officers, and educators.
The Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act) would establish a mortgage assistance program tailored specifically for those who serve and protect their communities. As Attorney General, Moody fought for pay raises, bonuses, and recruitment tools for law enforcement, and she is continuing that mission as a U.S. Senator.
READ: Scott, Moody Push Bill To Lock In Florida’s Water Permitting Power
“Law enforcement leaders, deputies, and frontline officers from across Florida are backing the HELPER Act,” Moody said. “I am humbled to have their support in this important fight as we continue to provide law enforcement the tools, incentives, and support they need to protect and serve.”
The HELPER Act has received widespread support from law enforcement organizations, including:
- Florida Sheriffs Association
- Florida Police Chiefs Association
- Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association
- American Association of State Troopers
- Fraternal Order of Police
- Major Cities Chiefs Association
- National Association of Police Organizations
- National Troopers Coalition
- Major County Sheriffs of America
- State Troopers Fraternal Association
- International Union of Police Associations
- Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
- National Tactical Officers Association
- International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training
READ: Senator Moody Eyes Moving NASA HQ To Florida’s Space Coast
Several Florida sheriffs, police chiefs, and officers attended the announcement to express their support for Moody’s efforts, including:
- Sheriff Chad Chronister (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
- Sheriff Billy Woods (President, Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association; Marion County Sheriff’s Office)
- Sheriff Al Nienhuis (Hernando County Sheriff’s Office)
- Sheriff Kurt Hoffman (Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office)
- Sheriff Pat Breeden (Sumter County Sheriff’s Office)
- Sheriff Vent Crawford (Hardee County Sheriff’s Office)
- Chief Charlie Vazquez (President, Florida Police Chiefs Association; Tampa International Airport Police Department)
- Chief John Barkley (Treasure Island Police Department)
- Major Kim Fruit (Tampa Police Department)
- Chief Richard Mills (Plant City Police Department)
- Officers Angeliesse and Mike Nesterwitz (Tampa International Airport Police Department)
Among the most touching moments of the event was the story of Mike and Angeliesse Nesterwitz, a husband-and-wife law enforcement duo who moved from New York City to Florida in 2022 in response to Moody’s call to serve in the Sunshine State.
Holding their one-month-old daughter, Isabel, Angeliesse thanked Senator Moody for her unwavering support of law enforcement.
“Even before we moved to Florida, we knew that the leadership here was like no other. It’s a major reason why we decided to move,” said Angeliesse. “My husband and I met Senator Moody while she was Attorney General. She offered us her full support as we were adjusting to service in the Sunshine State, and we are so excited to continue to support her efforts in Congress.”
RELATED: Florida Senator Moody’s First Bill Targets Homeownership For Law Enforcement
With bipartisan support growing, the HELPER Act is expected to be a key priority in Congress as Senator Moody pushes to deliver real benefits to first responders. If passed, the legislation could help thousands of police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders achieve homeownership, ensuring they can live in the communities they serve and protect.
For Florida’s law enforcement community, today’s event was more than just a show of support—it was a statement of unity behind a bill that could change the lives of first responders and their families.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
