BY DAN HILDEBRAN
The Union County Sheriff’s Office, Lawtey Police, the Florida Department of Corrections, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office honored the 34 local officers who died in the line of duty between 1885 and 2021.
During the May 1 ceremony at Lake Butler’s First Christian Church, the names of the eight Florida law enforcement officers who died over the past year were also read to the audience.
Keynote speaker Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead said the heroism of the fallen officers could be seen, not only in their time of crisis, but also in their day-to-day duties.
“Whether it’s the long hours they spent on patrol,” Whitehead said, “the thousands of steps they took inside the facility, or the effort to build trust and support with the community, every act of service they gave counted.”
Survivor families escorted
The event began with an escort of survivor family members from the church’s fellowship hall
to the auditorium. It was followed by an invocation by Pastor Shane Collins, the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office Explorers presentation of the colors, and the National Anthem by Keeley Durrance. After Whitehead’s comments, representatives from several law enforcement agencies read the names of the fallen officers. Collins concluded the ceremony with a benediction, following a moment of radio silence by the Union County Emergency Operations Center, a three-gun volley by the Florida Department of Corrections Honor Guard, and Taps by Inspector Rodney Clayton.
Profound responsibility comes with the badge
Whitehead told the audience that the fallen officers were not only public officials, but also fathers, brothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, and spouses.
“This is a day of remembrance, reflection, and deep gratitude,” he said. “Let us take the time to reflect on the profound responsibility that comes with the badge. Being an officer or deputy is more than a profession. It’s a cause that many have answered. It is about to protect, serve, and defend, often at a great personal cost. The commitment to stand in harm’s way, to confront danger, and to make split-second decisions under pressure is a testament to their courage and devotion.”
The sheriff said that people can honor the memory of fallen officers by upholding the values they cherished, like honor, integrity, service, and justice.
He told surviving family members that they are not alone.
“We are family,” he said, “bound by the shared commitment to protecting and serving your loved ones.”
Their spirits live on
Whitehead also said the spirits of the honorees live on in the actions of those who serve today.
“They may no longer walk among us,” he said, “but their spirit lives on in every officer who continues to serve, and in every family member who continues to love, and in every community that benefits from the work that they did.”
Whitehead then addressed the 34 officers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
“Thank you for your service,” he said. “You’ll never be forgotten. We will uphold the values you represented, and we will ensure that your sacrifice is commemorated.”
Whitehead also said that people can honor the fallen officers in how they treat others.
“Let us remind each other,” he said, “the greatest tribute we can offer is to carry their legacy forward with honor, compassion, and dedication.”
