October 31, 2024
Four Lake County SWAT Deputies Honored with Award of Valor After August Ambush Tragedy
By Cindy Peterson
Four Lake County SWAT Deputies Honored with Award of Valor After August Ambush Tragedy
The Florida SWAT Association has awarded Corporal Tyler Palmer, Deputy Stefano Gargano, Deputy Corey LaBrecque, and Deputy Matthew Green with the prestigious Award of Valor for their exceptional courage and heroic actions during the August 2, 2024 ambush in Eustis, where their fellow team member, MD Bradley Link, tragically lost his life.
The award ceremony, held at the 2024 SWAT Round-Up International, recognized the deputies for their acts of bravery under life-threatening circumstances, marking one of the highest honors in the state for SWAT officers. Florida SWAT Association President Nicholas Rex presented the awards, commending each deputy for their selfless actions during the ambush.
In his remarks, Rex stated, “By your actions, you have all brought honor and utter heroism onto this profession, your agency, your SWAT Team, and yourselves.” He continued by detailing each deputy’s role during the incident:
- Corporal Tyler Palmer: “You returned an entire rifle magazine at the shooter as Gargano was being evacuated.”
- Deputy Matthew Green: “You returned an entire rifle magazine at the shooter as Gargano was being evacuated.”
- Deputy Corey LaBrecque: “You returned fire at the suspect and provided an extremely high level of tactical medical care to Gargano, certainly contributing to saving his life.”
- Deputy Stefano Gargano: “You volunteered to be the first one inside of the house as the shield operator because your other teammates had children, and you knew it was probable you would be shot. You were shot several times and, even though critically wounded, you returned approximately 4-5 rounds to cover those evacuating you.”
Rex concluded by saying, “Due to the circumstances you endured, and your incredible actions of bravery, resilience, and great courage in battle, the Florida SWAT Association is presenting you with the Florida SWAT Association Award of Valor.”
The Florida SWAT Association’s Award of Valor is presented to SWAT team members who demonstrate extraordinary courage and dedication in the line of duty. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is deeply grateful to the Florida SWAT Association for honoring these four deputies and recognizing their unparalleled bravery.
Text and photo provided by Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
