This quarter’s winners of the Bright Star award were honored with a celebratory breakfast on May 5.

Assistant Chief Deputy George Steffen presented Deputy Antuan Watkins, 35, and Corporal Jeff Capra, 50, with the distinction. The award is a partnership between Bright House Networks and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

  • Two members of the law enforcement community were honored for their service
  • Deputy Antuan Watkins took the opportunity when he was off duty to talk a suicidal teen, potentially saving his life
  • Corporal Capra’s diligence during a recent investigation brought a suspected bank robber into custody
  • The award includes a plaque presentation and three months of free cable, phone and high-speed internet services courtesy

At the breakfast and plaque presentation, the recipients received certificates for three months of free cable, phone, and high-speed internet services courtesy of Bright House Networks, Bay News 9's parent company.

The two winners were selected by members of the Sheriff's Advisory Board from several nominees throughout the agency.

Deputy Watkins was honored for his quick actions that possibly saved a young man's life.

While Deputy Watkins was off duty jogging he when he encountered a young man who had climbed on top of an overpass and shared that he was depressed about the passing of his grandmother while he was in prison and had recently become homeless. Deputy Watkins engaged the man in conversation and called 9-1-1. His actions prevented the man from bringing serious harm to himself and possibly saved his life.

Corporal Capra was honored for his investigative skills and diligent work while investigating a robbery that occurred in March at a local bank. His investigation led to the identification and arrest of the robbery suspect and eased the minds of the vicitims. 

Nominations for the Bright Star Award can be submitted by employees of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office to recognize members for a single act or an ongoing pattern of performance. The nominator details why the nominee should be considered and the Sheriff's Advisory Board reviews and selects the winner.