OCALA, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a news conference Wednesday morning in Ocala to award law enforcement recruitment bonus checks.
DeSantis said that those interested in law enforcement, whether they want to work at a sheriff’s department, police department or another agency, will be eligible for a $5,000 bonus.
“I think it’s been really successful in both of those ways, to recruit people from other states, but also to channel more talented people, continue to channel talented people into law enforcement in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.
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DeSantis said he is also recommending a pay increase for more than 4,700 state law enforcement officers, as well as 730 state firefighters.
His proposal would give a 20% pay increase for those who are entry-level and a 25% increase for those with experience.
“We will reward this career choice. We think this is a noble calling,” DeSantis said.
According to DeSantis, Wednesday’s awards marked a new milestone in the law enforcement bonus program, with over 7,800 bonuses awarded to date.
