Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The State House of Representatives recently honored Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Deputy Justin Dalton during a session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 16. Deputy Dalton was honored for his service to the residents of Suwannee County on Friday, Feb. 7, when he engaged Gadsden County homicide suspect Dominic Caroway. During the confrontation, Caraway shot Deputy Dalton in the foot and his service vest. The suspect was later killed in a shootout with Live Oak Police Department officers. Deputy Dalton spent a little over a month recovering from his injuries before returning to active duty along with his K-9 Kano. During his recovery, he was honored by Shoaf and Senator Corey Simon during the Congressional Delegation meeting in Suwannee County on Monday, Feb. 10, and was acknowledged at the Live Oak City Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 8. Upon his return, Deputy Dalton was invited to Tallahassee, joining Representative Jason Shoaf on the house floor to honor his service on Wednesday, April 16. House Speaker Daniel Perez acknowledged him as Law Enforcement Officer of the Day. After Perez read the citations for the acknowledgment, the floor erupted in applause. “Deputy Dalton, thank you for your service, and welcome to the Florida House,” Perez said. A week after the accolades, Shoaf posted on social media, praising Dalton for his service and acknowledging the work he did to attempt to stop Caroway. “What an honor to recognize SCSO Deputy Justin Dalton on the House floor last week,” Shoaf said on social media. “Deputy Dalton was shot in the line of duty during a manhunt in Live Oak this February. A deadly criminal went on a rampage, killing several innocent bystanders before Deputy Dalton bravely intervened. Thank you, Deputy Dalton, for your service.”