Florida Missing Children’s Day promotes child safety and celebrates everyday heroes
Florida’s missing children are the focus of today’s ceremony at the state’s Capitol. The annual event is held to remember Florida’s missing children, to recognize the state’s efforts in child protection and to educate Floridians on child safety and abduction prevention.
Last year, more than 25,000 incidents of missing children were reported to Florida law enforcement agencies, while 48 Missing Child Alerts and 10 AMBER Alerts were issued statewide.
Since its inception, 278 AMBER Alerts have been issued, including nine so far this year. Florida AMBER Alerts have directly aided in the rescue of 81 children.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
Governor Ron DeSantis said, “Every day, we are reminded of how important the mission is of protecting Florida’s children. It is because of the selflessness and heroism of our dedicated law enforcement and first responders that the lives of children and Floridians across the state are saved.”
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “There is nothing more terrifying for a parent than having a child go missing. Justin and I pray for every parent going through this nightmare and for our law enforcement officers working tirelessly to locate missing children and reunite families.”
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “In Florida, our law enforcement community works around the clock to protect missing and endangered children and ensure they are returned quickly and safely to their families. I’m so grateful for the public servants and law enforcement personnel who have shown extraordinary efforts in protecting Florida’s children, and I’m honored to help highlight the importance of teaching child safety education throughout our state.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried said, “To protect children is to protect our future, which is why any time a child goes missing it impacts not only their family, but their entire community. As we remember and pray for the safety of Florida’s missing children, let us rededicate our efforts to raise awareness of abduction prevention and child safety. Today, we also recognize the heroic work of those that protect, rescue, and reunite children with their families. I am so thankful for all our law enforcement officers who serve our communities, helping families during unimaginably difficult times and working tirelessly to bring missing children home safely.”
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said, “Today we honor the memories of the children who have been taken from us and reaffirm our promise that we will never abandon the search for them. I am grateful for our Florida law enforcement community and their dedication to the safety of our children.”
During a formal ceremony, Commissioner Glass recognized citizens, canine trailing teams and law enforcement officers for their exemplary efforts in missing children investigations.
To see a current list of AMBER Alert cases, please visit here.
A current list of Missing Child Alert cases can be found here.
Follow FDLE on Facebook and Twitter, and sign up to receive Missing Child and AMBER Alerts via email or text message by visiting www.missingchildrenalert.com.
To learn more about the Florida Missing Children’s Day Foundation and the local hero’s who make a difference, visit www.fmcdf.org.
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
