Coral Springs police officer Zachary Schwartz receives statewide award for outstanding work with at-risk youth
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs Police Officer Zachary Schwartz has been honored with a prestigious statewide award for his efforts to guide at-risk youth away from the juvenile justice system. The recognition highlights his dedication to building positive relationships between law enforcement and young people in the community.
Officer Schwartz recently received the “Restoring Hope Everyday Heroes Award” from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FDJJ). The award is presented to juvenile justice professionals across the state whose work goes above and beyond expectations, demonstrating a meaningful impact on youth and families. According to FDJJ, recipients of the award are recognized for creating programs and initiatives that inspire trust, accountability, and positive change among young offenders.
Schwartz was specifically honored for developing a juvenile-focused program designed to foster trust, accountability, and constructive engagement with young people and their families. The initiative has strengthened collaboration among multiple agencies, including the Coral Springs Police Department, the Broward County State Attorney’s Office Juvenile Division, and other partner organizations across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. By bridging gaps between law enforcement and social support networks, Schwartz has created a model for helping teens make better choices before they enter the justice system.
The program emphasizes early intervention and mentorship, encouraging young men and women to recognize their potential and move beyond decisions that could lead them down destructive paths. Through structured guidance, accountability measures, and hands-on mentorship, participants learn the value of responsibility and positive community engagement. Officials say the program has already made measurable differences in participants’ behavior and family dynamics.
Schwartz began his career with the Coral Springs Police Department as a road patrol officer. Over time, he has expanded his role and currently serves as a SWAT team entry operator, balancing high-intensity operational responsibilities with his work supporting youth in the community. His dedication to both public safety and juvenile mentorship has made him a respected figure within the department and beyond.
“This inaugural class of ‘Everyday Heroes’ has demonstrated their commitment to excellence and dedication to helping our youth build a strong foundation for themselves and their families,” said FDJJ Secretary Eric Hall in a statement. “Through the impact they are making in the lives of youth, families and communities, Florida’s juvenile justice system can continue to serve as a national model.”
Schwartz’s recognition is part of a broader effort by the Coral Springs Police Department to emphasize community-based policing. By fostering positive interactions with at-risk youth, the department aims to prevent criminal behavior before it occurs, strengthen community trust, and support families in guiding their children toward constructive paths.
The award highlights not only Officer Schwartz’s personal achievements but also Coral Springs’ commitment to collaborative, community-focused strategies in addressing juvenile crime. As officials continue to build on these programs, the city hopes to create long-lasting impacts for young people, families, and the community at large. Schwartz’s work stands as a model for law enforcement agencies statewide seeking innovative approaches to juvenile justice and youth mentorship.
