By: Auburndale Police Officer Jazmine Jaimes
Thank you to everyone who showed incredible support to law enforcement during National Police Officer Week 2024 (May 13 – 17). However, your year-round support is crucial for law enforcement officers protecting our community. We take this opportunity to shine a spotlight on one of our previous and cherished officers, Stacy Booth, a true embodiment of courage, dedication, and service.
Humble Beginnings
Stacy Booth grew up in the tranquil, rural town of Alturas, Florida. From a young age, Stacy carried a deep passion for helping those without a voice. After graduating from Lake Region High School, she knew her calling was in public service. Stacy served in the U.S. Army Reserves before returning home. Her mother suggested she apply to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, which led to Stacy being hired as a Polk County Dispatcher. She quickly fell in love with her role in telecommunications.
Answering the Call to Serve
After working closely with the community and sheriff deputies for about 18 months, Stacy realized she wanted to become a law enforcement officer. Determined to achieve this goal, Stacy put herself through the police academy and graduated in the winter of 2009. Stacy was later hired by Chief McLeod at the Auburndale Police Department, embarking on her career as a dedicated law enforcement officer.
What truly ignited her passion was responding to calls that required investigative skills and a keen eye for detail. Stacy recalled one incident when a distraught citizen reported a stolen phone, but this was no ordinary device. The phone contained priceless photographs of the victim’s beloved son, who had tragically passed away. While Stacy was unable to recover the stolen item, she provided a compassionate ear and a shoulder to lean on for the grieving individual, who was forced to relive the heartbreaking loss. Stacy’s empathy and commitment to her duty shined. She understood that sometimes the role of a law enforcement officer extends beyond solving crimes – it’s about offering solace and support to those in their darkest moments.
A Heroic Survivor
On September 2nd, 2011, Stacy responded to a call reporting a domestic disturbance. Once on scene, Stacy approached the front door, not knowing that the suspect, Michael Lester, lie in waiting. After Stacy knocked on the front door, Michael opened fire with an SKS assault rifle, unleashing twenty rounds through the door. Tragically, Stacy was struck by three bullets, with one of these bullets rendering her firearm inoperable. Two of these bullets struck her, causing critical injuries.
Even as she laid wounded, Stacy’s unwavering dedication to her duty continued as she relayed important details to her responding partners. Her bravery and quick thinking ensured that her fellow officers could respond safely and effectively, preventing further tragedy to them. Officers located Stacy and provided life-saving medical treatment until she was airlifted to Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
Auburndale Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team surrounded Lester’s house. Officers fired tear gas canisters into the residence until Lester collapsed. He was wheeled away with his hands and feet handcuffed to a stretcher.
From Heroism to Nomadic Adventures
After enduring 8 surgeries and 15 months of physical therapy, Stacy faced the difficult decision of medically retiring from the Auburndale Police Department in the Spring of 2013. Law enforcement had been her true calling, making this transition particularly challenging.
Undeterred, Stacy returned to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where she applied her expertise in dispatch and later transitioned to latent print identification. However, a few years down the line, she made the bold choice to resign from her position, sell her possessions, and purchase an RV, embarking on a nomadic journey.
Stacy’s first stop was the breathtaking Florida Keys, where she began learning the art of living “off the grid.” Embracing this newfound lifestyle, she decided to share her experiences with the world by launching her own YouTube channel. Through captivating videos, Stacy documented her travels and taught others how to live sustainably, embracing a minimalist and eco-friendly existence.
A Journey of Growth and Fulfillment
While Stacy’s YouTube channel allowed her to share her knowledge and experiences with a wide audience, she eventually felt the call to further her education. Determined to expand her horizons, Stacy enrolled at Western Governors University, where she accelerated her studies and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Health and Human Services in just three and a half months – a remarkable accomplishment!
Today, Stacy is enjoying life to the fullest and has secured a rewarding career with the Florida Department of Transportation. In her free time, she indulges in a variety of hobbies, including the fast-paced sport of pickleball, immersing herself in captivating books of self-growth, and nurturing her newfound passion for growing and caring for household plants.
Alongside her partner, Felix, Stacy has found true happiness and contentment. However, her journey has not been without its challenges, and she understands the importance of self-care, especially for those in the demanding field of law enforcement.
One piece of advice Stacy wishes to impart to new officers is the significance of seeking support. Whether it’s confiding in a close friend, seeking guidance from a mentor, or seeking professional help from a therapist, Stacy emphasizes the importance of not bottling up the stress and emotions that come with the job. Talking to someone can provide a much-needed outlet and help officers maintain their mental well-being.
A Lasting Legacy
Stacy’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal growth. From her days as a heroic law enforcement officer to her current role as a fulfilled individual, she serves as an inspiration to those seeking to embrace life’s challenges and opportunities with courage and determination. The annual Stacy Lee Booth Award is a lasting legacy, with the most recent recipient being Auburndale Police Sgt. Craig, and is awarded to Auburndale Police Department members who distinguished themselves by overcoming extreme adversity in their daily lives.
Stacy, we will forever miss your unwavering commitment and the positive impact you’ve had on countless officers. Although you no longer serve our agency, your legacy will live on as a shining example of the courage, resilience, and strength that define the noblest among law enforcement officers. Thank you blue angel!
