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.