Lieutenant Jeremy Bertolino Receives Outstanding Service Award for Leadership in National K-9 Event
Lieutenant Jeremy Bertolino of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has been recognized with the agency’s Outstanding Service Award for his leadership and dedication in organizing and competing in a national police canine event hosted in Manatee County.
The United States Police Canine Association, the nation’s oldest and largest police canine training and certification organization, selected Manatee County to host its national competition in 2025. Upon receiving the designation, Lt. Bertolino began extensive preparations to ensure the six-day event met national standards for professionalism, performance, and accountability in law enforcement canine work.
Planning the competition required securing multiple large outdoor venues, arranging a host hotel, and raising a minimum of $73,000 in financial and in-kind support to fund operations and prizes. Over nearly a year of planning, Lt. Bertolino coordinated event logistics for up to 100 canine teams and exceeded fundraising goals, raising a total of $105,000. Event locations included Tom Bennet Park, Snead Island, the Manatee County Fairgrounds, and Lakewood Ranch High School. More than 73 teams from across the country participated, marking the event as one of the largest of its kind hosted locally. During the opening ceremony, the Manatee County Kennel Club contributed $7,500 toward the purchase of a new canine for the agency.
In addition to his organizational leadership, Lt. Bertolino competed alongside K-9 Vinny, participating in every skills event. The team earned first place in the obedience category and placed third overall. Representing the Region 1 Team with three additional handlers, Lt. Bertolino and K-9 Vinny were named national champions in the team competition.
The Outstanding Service Award recognizes Lt. Bertolino’s initiative, commitment, and passion for excellence in law enforcement canine operations, as well as his contributions to the success of a nationally significant event hosted in Manatee County.
