PENSACOLA, Fla. — A Pensacola-based drug enforcement team was among those honored statewide as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement recognized members for exceptional performance in 2025, highlighting work that reportedly advanced public safety and strengthened Florida’s criminal justice system.
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The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced the annual awards on March 31, honoring agents, analysts, and teams for achievements ranging from complex investigations to drug enforcement operations and forensic advancements.
“Our members exemplify the dedication, perseverance, and professionalism that define FDLE as a statewide leader in public safety,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass.
“Their achievements reflect an unwavering commitment to justice and to our core values of Service, Integrity, Respect, and Quality. We are grateful for their hard work and proud to recognize their contributions on behalf of all Floridians.”
The Pensacola Regional Operations Center Major Drug Squad was named Distinguished Team of the Year, highlighting work in Northwest Florida that directly impacts the local area. FDLE said the unit carried out multiple investigations tied to fentanyl trafficking, including cases that resulted in search warrants, arrests, and the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization.
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Among individual honorees, Inspector Kyle Jones of the Tallahassee region was named Special Agent of the Year. According to FDLE, Mr Jones is said to have arrested 45 sexual offenders and predators, brought 63 individuals into compliance with registration laws, and completed 569 address verifications in 2025.
Christopher Vastine, a special agent at the Miami Regional Operations Center, received the Distinguished Member of the Year award for leading a lengthy financial-crimes investigation that reportedly uncovered fraud involving a police chief. The case involved more than 4,500 hours of investigative work and led to an arrest in 2025.
Other awards recognized advancements in forensic science and public safety support. A toxicology team was honored for developing a new drug-screening process that reportedly increased detection rates for substances such as fentanyl and ketamine.
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Meghann Miller, a government analyst, was recognized for her role in emergency preparedness and operational planning, while Danielle Bell received an award for contributions to criminal justice through information technology leadership.
Additional honors included recognition of Capitol Police Officer Alian Baez for his service and training efforts, and Special Agent Glen Dorow as an outstanding new member for his work supporting fentanyl enforcement initiatives.
FDLE also presented its Medal of Valor to an undercover special agent in the Pensacola region who reportedly risked his life during a 2025 drug operation involving gunfire and a vehicle pursuit.
The agency said the awards reflect a broad commitment across Florida to public safety, investigative excellence, and collaboration among law enforcement partners.
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