Tag Archives: Officer Down

Tampa Police Department’s Fallen Officers Memorial

I was in downtown Tampa over the weekend and I just had to stop at the Tampa Police Department’s Fallen Officers Memorial in front of One Police Center at 411 N. Franklin Street.  I took a few quick photographs. I am always humbled by the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers.  I know a memorial is just a dedicated place, but I am proud that the memorial lives on in our hearts and remembrance.  I have a special feeling for this memorial and the one in St. Petersburg because I knew some of the men whose names are engraved on each plaque. There are a total of 31 names … Continue reading

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An Officer Down

Twenty years ago today, I responded to locate a missing police officer in a neighboring town.  He went to a possible prowler call, but was no longer answering his radio.  I knew the young man.  I had backed him up frequently since his agency had only one officer on duty during the Midnight watch.  We shared some arrests, a bit of chewing tobacco, and some laughs in a few short years. My K9 partner found the missing officer within minutes of our arrival, but he had been shot by the suspect and had already bled to death.  I was in shock.  But I did my job.  I tracked south and … Continue reading

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Polk Deputy Killed in Cruiser Crash

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Joseph “Shane” Robbins was killed in a single vehicle cruiser crash this morning. Dep. Robbins was westbound on Bomber Road nearing U.S. 17, when his marked car went off the roadway on a curve.  The cause has yet to be determined and PCSO is asking for information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash. Dep. Robbins, 40, was a 15 year sworn deputy with Polk County.  He had served as a Special Victims Unit detective and a Homicide detective.  He is survived by his wife and their five children.  Funeral arrangements will be announced by PCSO.  Thoughts and prayers for his family… Randall … Continue reading

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St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Sergeant Murdered

Yesterday morning, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Gary Morales was shot to death on a traffic stop in Fort Pierce.  Sgt. Morales was in his patrol vehicle when suspect Eriese Alphonso Tisdale exited the stopped car and shot Morales.  Morales later died at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center. According to SLCSO, the suspect is in custody and is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, assault on an officer/firefighter/EMT, fleeing and eluding and possession of a weapon or ammunition by a felon. Sgt. Morales was a former U.S. Air Force K9 handler.  A 13 year veteran of the SLCSO, he had served as an SRO, SWAT Sniper Team Leader, and Special Investigations … Continue reading

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St. Petersburg Officer’s Killer Gets Life Sentence

Yesterday, Nicholas Lindsey was found guilty of first degree murder in the killing of St. Petersburg Police Officer David Crawford.  At 17 years of age, Lindsey was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The defense attempted to portray Lindsey, who was tried as an adult for the February 21, 2011 murder, as a “scared child” who accidentally shot Crawford.  Five times.  Jurors did not believe the rhetoric. Ofc. David Crawford’s widow, who was harassed in the 6th Judicial Circuit Criminal Courts Complex by Lindsey supporters, had no sympathy as she read her statement to the Court: “My name is Donna Crawford. I am the wife of … Continue reading

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Florida Department of Corrections Sergeant Stabbed to Death

Sgt. Ruben Thomas, of the Florida Department of Corrections, was murdered in the line of duty on 3/18/2012 at the Columbia Correctional Institute Annex, which is near Lake City, FL.  Sgt. Thomas was checking on an inmate in one of the dormitory wings at approximately 2200 hrs last night when he was attacked by Inmate Richard Franklin. Thomas was stabbed in the neck with an improvised weapon by Franklin, who also injured Corrections Officer William Brewer with a loaded sock.  Brewer’s injuries are non life-threatening.  Franklin was sentenced to life in prison in 1995 for first degree murder, armed robbery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, battery on a law … Continue reading

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Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy Shot to Death

Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy Barbara Pill was shot and killed in the line of duty on March 6, 2012.  According to Brevard Sheriff Jack Parker, Pill stopped two theft suspects on a traffic stop in Melbourne.  She ordered them out of their vehicle, but they did not comply.  She had requested back-up and was making a radio transmission, when she was fatally shot. Suspects Brandon Lee Bradley and Andria Michelle Kerchner fled in their SUV, but were captured several miles from the shooting. Deputy Pill had previously worked for the Miami-Dade Police Department.  She was 52 years old and a grandmother.  Pill had over 30 years of law enforcement experience, … Continue reading

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Ofc. David Crawford Murdered A Year Ago Today

One year ago today, St. Petersburg Police Ofc. David S. Crawford was murdered in the line of duty by Nicholas Lindsey.  St. Petersburg Police was still reeling from the murders of Sgt. Tom Baitinger and K9 Ofc. Jeffrey Yaslowitz, less than a month earlier. To say our local law enforcement community was crushed would be a severe understatement.  Many of the officers and deputies involved in the manhunt for Lindsey were also involved in the response and investigation of the previous officers’ killings. My department had a large class of rookies in field training.  I guess it didn’t hurt for the sober realities of this profession to hit them early.  … Continue reading

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Clay County Deputy is First Florida Officer Killed in 2012

Clay County Sheriff’s Detective David White was shot and killed Thursday during the investigation of a methamphetamine lab at a residence in Middleburg, FL.  Detective Matt Hanlin was wounded by gunfire in the same raid.  He is in serious but stable condition. Detectives went to the single family dwelling in the 4800 Block of Alligator Boulevard on a tip of a meth lab.  The house was vacant, had a power cord running to it from a neighboring house, and was believed to be occupied by squatters.  The homeowner, Terrance Smith, gave deputies permission to go and enter the house. Nine deputies arrived at the house.  White and Hanlin were at … Continue reading

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