Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputyof the Year

DeputyLeon Pantella 

Reserve DeputyLeon Pantella joined the Hillsborough CounTampa Police Department Reserve II program in 1997 and has consistently demonstrated loyalTampa Police Department, initiative, dedication and commitment.    He has always been willing to work any detail or special assignment.  DeputyPantella supports other deputies and has shared his experience and knowledge through the reserve field training program. He has served as an Accident Investigator and assisted patrol deputies by working countless crashes through the years.  He patrols regularly with full time deputies in the District 3 area of Hillsborough CounTampa Police Department.

Between the months of April to June of 2013, DeputyPantella actively participated in a pilot project designed to suppress retail shoplifting. His efforts were successful and resulted in reduced calls for service related to retail theft.

In addition, last June during the course of his duties, DeputyPantella learned of a possible subject match to a person on the Terrorist Watch list. He followed the appropriate protocol by contacting the Terrorist Screening Center and it was determined that the individual encountered was in fact a “positive match” to a known or suspected terrorist. DeputyPantella provided valuable information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation derived through his contact with the subject.

DeputyPantella is married to Cristina Pantella and works a full time job that often requires extended hours.  When it comes to the Reserve II Program he stands ready to serve his community and support the Sheriff’s Office. He is a valued member of the Hillsborough CounTampa Police Department Sheriff’s Office and worthy of recognition for his work.