Senator Ashley Moody today announced the creation of the “Florida’s Finest” Award, a new initiative designed to honor Floridians from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate exceptional courage in saving lives and improving their communities.
Coinciding with Emergency Communications Month, Moody also named the award’s first recipient: Ashley Willis, a 911 dispatcher with the Indialantic Police Department.
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Willis is being recognized for her quick thinking and decisive action, which potentially saved the life of a pregnant woman who was being assaulted.
“It is so exciting to announce the creation of the ‘Florida’s Finest’ Award recognizing Floridians who take courageous and heroic actions to save lives,” Moody stated. “While these heroes never act for public recognition, they are part of the fabric of Florida’s greatness. It is such an honor to highlight the very first award recipient, Ashley Willis.”
Moody detailed the actions that earned Willis the inaugural award: “She followed up on a 911 call that was dropped. She acted quickly to pinpoint the caller’s location despite having no details. When officers arrived, they determined that a domestic battery had occurred. Thanks to her diligence and dedication to her community, her quick action led to the safety of an abused woman and her unborn child.”
Indialantic Police Department Chief Michael Connor expressed pride in his team member and gratitude for the recognition.
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“We are incredibly honored by Senator Moody’s presence here today and grateful for her recognition of the brave work done by law enforcement and first responder professionals across Florida,” Chief Connor said. “I could not be more proud of Ashley Willis—not only for her exceptional situational awareness and professionalism, but for the compassion and commitment she brings to this department every single day. She exemplifies what it means to serve, and it is only fitting that she receives the very first ‘Florida’s Finest’ Award.”
This new award builds upon Moody’s previous efforts to recognize heroism. During her tenure, she presented over 50 “Back the Blue Awards” honoring law enforcement actions.
The “Florida’s Finest” Award broadens this scope, continuing the tradition of highlighting extraordinary Floridians who take heroic actions within their communities across all walks of life.
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