Sheriff, deputies awarded silver star for bravery

Posted on June 22, 2018

By MARK VIOLA / Staff writer

Four Taylor County Sheriff Office (TCSO) personnel, along with Sheriff Wayne Padgett himself, have been recognized for their actions during a domestic kidnapping that began in Bradford County and ended at a Steinhatchee motel with the victim alive and the suspect dead by his own hand.

TCSO Inv. Thomas Gunter, Dep. Joseph Franklin, Capt. Jimmy Cash and Inv. Bryan Hayden, as well as Padgett, all received the “Silver Star for Bravery” from the American Police Hall of Fame after being nominated by the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office.

PHOTO: Bradford County Sheriff Gordon Smith nominated Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett and four of his deputies to each receive a “Silver Star for Bravery” from the American Police Hall of Fame. He presented the awards Tuesday. Shown (left to right) are Smith, Padgett, Capt. Jimmy Cash, Inv. Thomas Gunter and Deputy Joseph Franklin. Not pictured is honoree Bryan Hayden.

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