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NewsWFLA (NBC 8) — Local NewsAugust 30, 2026Hillsborough

Clearwater Police Officer Andrew Billups named Officer of the Year

Clearwater Police Officer Andrew Billups received the Officer of the Year award at the 11th annual Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation gala. The recognition follows his rescue of a nonverbal 8-year-old girl with autism who was stranded on rocks at Clearwater Beach.

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Read the full story at WFLA (NBC 8) — Local News

Why It Matters

This award recognizes a specific act of public service by a local law enforcement officer involving the rescue of a vulnerable resident.

Key Facts

  • Officer Andrew Billups was named Officer of the Year.
  • The award was presented at the 11th annual Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation gala.
  • The award ceremony took place on a Saturday evening.
  • The recognition was based on the rescue of a nonverbal 8-year-old girl with autism.
  • The rescue occurred at Clearwater Beach on jagged rocks.

Who's Mentioned

personAndrew Billups“Clearwater police officer and award recipient”personKathy Petrucelli“Grandmother of the rescued child”locationClearwater“The city where the officer serves and where the rescue occurred.”personLavina“8-year-old girl rescued by Officer Billups”organizationTampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Foundation“Organization hosting the gala and presenting the award”locationClearwater Beach“Site of the rescue”