Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Commissioner Mike Joyner Honored





September 19, 2018

The Florida Intelligence Unit (FIU), one of the oldest established law enforcement associations in Florida, bestowed their highest honor on Commissioner Mike Joyner last night during the Levy County Board of County Commissioners meeting. The newly named “Mike Joyner Officer of the Year” award was presented by FIU President Tully Sparkman and FIU Legal Counsel Paula Sparkman and highlighted just of few of the many accomplishments Commissioner Joyner attained during his 30 plus years of service as a dedicated law enforcement officer in Florida. Commissioner Joyner is one of only a select few that are “life time” members of the FIU.

Commission Joyner began his law enforcement career in Jefferson County, Florida in 1973. He is attributed with saving four lives in three separate events and was awarded for these acts of heroism. In 1986 while employed with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office he spearheaded an undercover operation lasting over 18 months that netted 72 arrests with a 100% conviction rate. He went undercover seven times in state prisons in four different states and gained information that solved multiple cold case homicides. Commissioner Joyner is also credited with gaining critical information during an undercover operation that ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of serial killer Aileen Wuornos. 

Commissioner Joyner retired from law enforcement in 2005 after serving with the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and Marion County Sheriff’s Office, but continues his service to all of these communities and law enforcement agencies that he worked for throughout these years. Continuing his commitment to community and deeply entrenched in Levy County, Commissioner Joyner also enjoys the time he is now able to spend with family and friends. In dedication to the growth and development of the Levy County community as our commissioner, he also enjoys farming and working with his cattle.  

Pictured with his now forever named “Mike Joyner Officer of the Year” award, Commissioner Joyner spoke that he would have never been able to attain any of these accomplishments had it not been for the support of his wife and children. He then said they deserved the award more than he and presented the statue, made in his likeness to his wife, Diane.