AWARDS
​Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 FIFEC Awards Recipients were honored virtually. This section recognizes the accomplishments of the 2020 honorees. Please take a moment to click on the above title “The 2020 FIFEC Award Recipients” button to view the recipients and the details of their exceptional services. The 2020 FIFEC Awards Recipients will also be honored during the Opening Ceremony of the 2021 FIFEC Conference.
Welcome to the FIFEC Awards web page!
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The FIFEC Awards Subcommittee is honored to announce the following 2021 FIFEC Award Nominees!
There may not be a conference this year, but nothing will stop us from recognizing the people who have exceeded expectations and delivered exceptional results regardless of the challenges and circumstances.
FIFEC is pleased to recognize the outstanding individuals who have been nominated for the each of the four awards categories listed below:
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law enforcement insurance fraud fighter of the year
Homeowners Insurance Fraud - Arson
Amelia Hitchcock
Lieutenant, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services
Medical Provider Insurance Fraud - Physical therapy clinics
Emilio Lopez
Detective, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services
Commercial – Slip & Fall - 17 accident claims on same individual
Jonathon Goehring
Detective, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services
Workers’ Compensation Fraud - Premium fraud avoidance
Angela Costello
Detective II, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services
Prescription Insurance Fraud - Kickbacks on prescription sales
Robert Mazzei
Detective, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services, Office of Fiscal Integrity
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insurance industry fraud fighter of the year
Automobile Insurance Fraud - ID theft and staged accidents
Rick Smith
SIU Investigator, Allstate Insurance Company
Homeowners Insurance Fraud - Restoration company billing
Gregory Gilkey
SIU Supervisor, Tower Hill Insurance
The Guy E. “Sandy” Burnette Insurance Fraud Fighter Team Award
Homeowners Insurance Fraud Case - Arson
Danny Vaden
Detective, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services
David Loy
Detective, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services
Kyle Herbert
SIU Supervisor, Florida Peninsula Insurance
Life Insurance Fraud Case - ID theft to obtain life insurance benefits
Chelsea Roys
Detective, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services
R. Scott Utecht
Detective, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services
Kevin Lashells
Lieutenant, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services
Beth Blechman
Legal Advisor, Department of Financial Services, Office of General Counsel
Glen Hughes
Special Agent, National Insurance Crime Bureau
Cynthia Irvin
Assistant Statewide Prosecutor, Florida Office of the Attorney General
The jerry zappolo distinguished service award
Ernie King
Retired, Transcynd Claim Partners
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Contributions: Ernie has dedicated his life to fighting crime. First as a police officer, and then as an insurance fraud investigator, leader, mentor and guide. His knowledge, personal demeanor and sincere interest have enabled him to devote years to training, developing the talent and skills in his investigators and serving as a continuous mentor to many individuals. He has contributed to insurance fraud education through his activities in multiple professional organizations and insurance companies, including frequent appearances as a speaker or educator at formal seminars/conferences for public and private sectors.
Associations:
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IASIU North Florida Chapter - Past President;
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FACAP – Past President and regular speaker;
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FIFEC - Past Executive Chair (multiple years) and regular speaker;
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Florida Property and Casualty Fraud Task Force – Committee Chair;
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IAAI Florida Chapter – Past Board Member.
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The FIFEC Awards Subcommittee acknowledges and recognizes the fine efforts of these outstanding nominees. We also gratefully appreciate the individuals who took the time to nominate these exceptional fraud fighters. We will announce the recipients shortly.