Blake Hospital Security Officer honored for bravery in confronting armed patient

The Bradenton Police Department had the opportunity to formally thank HCA Florida Blake Hospital’s security team and healthcare providers, for their outstanding acts of service and courage in the early morning hours of June 22, 2022, when a woman was observed loading a handgun in the hospital’s emergency room. A concerned citizen, who was also in the waiting room at the time, immediately notified healthcare staff, who in turn called 911. Within eight minutes of the call, any potential act of violence was averted, after the hospital’s security team, working in coordination with the BPD, disarmed the patient and took her into custody.

HCA Florida Blake Hospital ER Security Officer James (Jimmy) Pacelko, who has dedicated his career to providing security for hospital systems, approached the patient, later identified as Jamekeyra Leverett, established a rapport with her, and removed the handgun, which was visible in her handbag without incident. Officer Pacelko, who was unarmed, continued to engage Ms. Leverett as Bradenton Police Officers moved in tactically and took her into custody. In addition to the handgun, a high-capacity drum magazine and two additional magazines were found in Ms. Leverett's purse.

For his bravery, Officer Pacelko was given a key to the City of Bradenton Government Mayor Gene Brown. ER Unit Secretary Christal Crawford, ER Clinical Nurse Coordinator Christy Gondeck, and HCA Florida Blake Hospital Manager of Safety and Security Austen Callus were also recognized for their outstanding acts of service and courage.

Bradenton Police's nightshift patrol officers appreciate Blake Hospital's recognition for their timely and professional response.