Longwood police and fire personnel receive commendations after walker incident

The City of Longwood recognized several police officers and a fire marshal for their response to a mobility-equipment incident involving resident Sherry Scott.

David Dowd, chief of police, told the commission that on April 11, 2025, officers Michael Cameo and Corporal Akibo Pugh responded to a report that a medical walker had been removed from a bike rack at a local apartment complex. The officers determined the loss would affect the resident’s mobility and contributed money to replace the walker. Later, staff learned the walker had been removed by apartment management as a perceived fire hazard.

Sergeant Kevin Little contacted Fire Marshal Jared Robertson, who determined the walker did not pose a fire hazard and worked with apartment management to allow the resident to continue leaving the device at the bike rack. Chief Dowd announced a chief’s commendation for Corporal Cameo and Officer Pugh and a community service award for Sergeant Little, Officer Ricardo Sandoval and Fire Marshal Robertson. The resident, Sherry Scott, attended the meeting and spoke briefly to thank staff for resolving the matter.

The commission presented the recognitions at the meeting; no formal disciplinary or regulatory action resulted from the incident as described. The city said the response illustrated interdepartmental follow-up and community-oriented policing.