Tallahassee, Fla. (July 24, 2024) — The Florida Sheriffs Association is honored to announce the selection of Sergeant Jake Viano and Corporal Matt Aitken of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office as the 2024 Law Enforcement Officers of the Year. This award, which is proudly sponsored by FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, is presented annually at the FSA Summer Conference to commend an officer (or officers) who have shown service, bravery, and honor in the line of duty. 

Sergeant Viano and Corporal Aitken have worked together since Aitken joined the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in 2006. Viano has been with the office since 2000. Corporal Aitken and Sergeant Viano worked together in the Canine Unit, paving the way for Viano to be a mentor for Aitken. The two grew close to one another, and their families became good friends. Under the supervision of Viano, Aitken excelled, locating over 300 subjects while a member of the Canine Unit. Aitken attributes much of his success to the mentorship of Viano.

“Sergeant Viano and Corporal Aitken embody what it means to serve and protect, constantly providing their community with bravery and professionalism,” said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.  “Their ability to serve the community and act in high-pressure scenarios has saved lives and best served our citizens.”

On the evening of March 12, 2023, a concerned witness called 911 regarding a suspect attempting to break into numerous vehicles. Corporal Matt Aitken and his partner, K-9 Taco, responded to the scene. While listening on the radio, Sergeant Jake Viano made the difficult decision to abandon his assigned area to help search for the subject. Sergeant Viano arrived on the scene and accompanied Corporal Aitken and K-9 Taco on the hunt for the suspect. The officers and K-9 tracked the suspect through backyards, alleyways, and wooded areas before Taco brought them to a resident’s backyard. Corporal Aitken was unaware that the suspect was hiding in nearby bushes in an ambush position, waiting for them to come around the corner of the residence.

Upon rounding the corner, the suspect unloaded a round of fire toward the officers, striking Aitken in his neck, hand, and leg. Corporal Aitken fell immediately to the ground, releasing the leash of his K-9. Sergeant Viano was able to take cover while Taco worked to incapacitate the gunman. Disregarding his safety, Sergeant Viano left his position of concealment and advanced on the suspect, immediately returning fire and fatally wounding him.

Sergeant Viano's exceptional courage and selfless actions undoubtedly saved Corporal Aitken’s life. Corporal Aitken sustained significant life-threatening injuries from the shooting and took several months to recover.

“The unwavering dedication and courage that Sergeant Viano and Corporal Aitken have shown in the course of duty is truly commendable,” said FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Their impact on the community embodies the spirit of this award. Today we celebrate their courageous and dedicated service."

Sergeant Viano and Corporal Aitken’s actions were self-sacrificing and heroic. When the two  faced evil, they selflessly acted to protect the innocent and defend one another.

"As a collaborator in ensuring public safety and delivering the nation's public safety network, we take pride in recognizing the remarkable achievements of public servants such as Sergeant Viano and Corporal Aitken with the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award," said Rob Lavielle, FirstNet Solutions Consultant, AT&T.

Sergeant Viano and Corporal Aitken continue to work at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, while Corporal Aitken’s beloved K-9, Taco, has retired from the force. Viano is currently assigned to Airport Operations and Aitken is assigned to the Training Division. The Florida Sheriffs Association is proud to honor each as the 2024 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. For more information on this achievement, watch the official video here.