On Friday, April 15, Kenia Abreu of the Masscotte Police Department received the Public Service Award at the South Lake Chamber of Commerce Breakfast. Kenia is a valued member of the Mascotte Police Department. Mascotte Police Chief Eric Pedersen notes, “she is a dedicated and dependable officer, often covering overtime shifts when called upon without hesitation. She has a passion for community outreach and has developed strong ties with community members, churches, and businesses”.
In addition to her patrol duties, Kenia functions as the department’s Community Action Team Leader, coordinating Mascotte events with great success, which has helped the Department build strong ties and lasting partnerships with the community.
Mascotte Police Department’s biggest annual event, Cruiser for a Cause, is an event where they sell t-shirts and host fundraising activities during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The proceeds collected are donated to the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation. Their first event in 2019 raised $2,500.00, and their second event raised $4,758.00, almost double from the previous year. In addition, last year they held their first annual Trunk or Treat, in coordination with local churches, organizations and businesses, which attracted several hundred children from the community.
Officer Abreu hasn’t had time to slow down and appreciate the recognition she received. On Easter Saturday, April 16, the Mascotte Police Department hosted a Hopping Into Awareness Event at the Mascotte Civic Center Pavilion. The Easter Bunny hopped on by with lots of Easter Eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt. Kenia was, of course, heading the event, which brought awareness to Autism, behavioral and developmental needs.
Officer Kenia Abreu’s dedication to the Department and her passion for community outreach are the reasons why she was selected to receive the Public Service Award and why she remains a great advocate of Mascotte.
