Orange County Sheriff's Office honors officers, citizens with awards

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings honored law enforcement officers on Tuesday who go above and beyond the call of duty, including two Orlando police officers who helped solve a county case.

It started as a routine traffic stop in February for a broken headlight, but after Orlando Police Officers Tyler Olson and Phillip McMican smelled marijuana, they searched the car.

"And we discovered a handgun on one of the persons," McMican said.

They later learned that gun was used in a murder just three hours earlier at the Sun Key apartments.

"It's still pretty exciting to know that you're able to help someone who's not here anymore and help tell their story and put that person behind bars," said Olson.

Both officers have been with OPD less than two years.

Demings also awarded 14-year-old Paloma Rivera. The teen was home alone earlier this year when two suspects broke into her home. Her 9-1-1 call lead to the arrest of two teens with a criminal history.

"It felt good, because knowing they have a criminal background and knowing they are locked up now," she said.

More than 30 awards were given Tuesday, including recognition for retirements and years of service.