Lt. Dan Mellies, Sgt Nelson Mendez, and Captain David Franks. {David Volz}
Sergeant Nelson Mendez of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) was recognized as Employee of the Month for the Tamarac office during the June 10 commission meeting.
“He has done outstanding work in the district’s criminal investigation unit and solved many crimes involving fraud and burglary,” said Captain David Franks. “Mendez also won the BSO Medal of Honor in 2025. We are very proud of him.”
On July 22, 2022, Mendez and Deputy Paul Petrillo responded to a call in North Lauderdale. The encounter turned violent when the suspect pulled a firearm and fired at close range. Petrillo was struck in the ear by a bullet that nearly hit his eye, according to the BSO.
Despite being wounded, both deputies relied on their training and trust. As shots were fired, Mendez placed himself in harm’s way to stop the threat, shield others, and bring the situation under control. For their courage, professionalism, and actions under fire, both Mendez and Petrillo received the BSO Medal of Honor, according to the BSO.
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Author Profile
- David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.
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