Honoree Detective Justin Woolverton and Albert Jasuwan, the grandson of award founder George Pearson.<\/p>\n
By MICHAEL CONNOR, St. Pete Catalyst<\/p>\n
For over 60 years, the Northeast Exchange Club of St. Petersburg has presented the annual Pearson Patterson Police Officer of the Year Award. Community members, elected officials and organization leaders came together May 19 to honor Detective Justin Woolverton.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be recognized for my dedication to public service means the world to me,\u201d Woolverton said at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club event. \u201cI stand here today truly humbled and honestly still in shock to be presented with this award.\u201d <\/p>\n
Woolverton joined the St. Petersburg Police Department in 2017. Currently, he serves in the Criminal Intelligence and Threat Assessment Unit. Woolverton is also a member of the Pinellas County Threat Management Unit Task Force, which was recognized as the Unit of the Year by the Pinellas County Sheriff\u2019s Office in 2025. <\/p>\n
He has had an active role in many investigations, including a school shooting threat in August 2025. Woolverton submitted multiple emergency subpoena requests and was able to identify the offender. The honoree also is a high liability instructor and helps train new officers.<\/p>\n
At a young age, Woolverton realized that he wanted to serve in the police department. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe road to get here was not easy for me,\u201d he explained. \u201cI faced obstacles, doubts from others and setbacks along the way and there were times I questioned whether this path was truly meant for me.\u201d <\/p>\n
Woolverton added that the award is not \u201ca finish line,\u201d but an encouragement to continue to represent the police department and the profession. It\u2019s \u201ca reminder that our work is never done.\u201d<\/p>\n
From left, former Florida governors Charlie Crist, Robert \u201cBob\u201d Martinez, recipient Detective Justin Woolverton and St. Petersburg Police Department chief Anthony Holloway. [\u00a0Photo by MICHAEL CONNOR\u00a0]<\/p>\n
Former Florida governors Charlie Crist and Robert \u201cBob\u201d Martinez attended and spoke at the May 19 gathering. <\/p>\n
Crist, who served as governor from 2007 to 2011, shared a story about when he participated in the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce\u2019s Leadership St. Pete program over 20 years ago. The initiative encourages business professionals to make a positive impact in the community. <\/p>\n
One evening, Crist was able to attend a St. Petersburg Police Department ride along after a suspected break in was reported at a downtown business. Fearlessly, the officer walked into the building armed. <\/p>\n
This gave Crist a first-hand police experience. He called the officer\u2019s work a \u201cgreat act of courage.\u201d Crist added that it\u2019s important to appreciate what \u201cpeople in blue do to keep you and me safe, and our kids and communities.\u201d <\/p>\n
Martinez, governor from 1987 to 1991 and Mayor of Tampa from 1979 to 1986, emphasized that public safety is critical. He argued that governments should consider \u201cprotection\u201d services first during the budget process. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is what public service is all about,\u201d Martinez said. \u201cThat\u2019s why the government got formed. All the other stuff followed.\u201d <\/p>\n
He commended Florida\u2019s leadership for prioritizing first responders and argued that there are \u201cmany areas in the country\u201d where police officers and firefighters are receiving \u201cless support than they deserve to have.\u201d<\/p>\n
The award\u2019s name reflects the legacy of two families. <\/p>\n
George Pearson, who served as the president of the Exchange Club in the 1960s, initially thought of the idea to honor an officer every year. St. Petersburg resident Odette Patterson created the Charles A. Patterson & Odette W. Patterson Charitable Trust in 1990. The effort provides St. Petersburg officers and firefighters with an opportunity to pursue higher education. <\/p>\n
Pearson\u2019s grandson Albert Jasuwan and his wife Torrie currently serve on the board of the Police Officer of the Year committee. <\/p>\n
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