COLLEGE TOWN, FL \u2014 During the 44th Annual Police Memorial Service, families received shadow boxes and Bibles inscribed with their loved ones’ names. The ceremony also featured a flyover and a riderless horse to pay tribute to the fallen officers. Organizers hope the event brings closure to the survivors.<\/p>\n
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Local and state agencies gathered at the Donald L. Tucker Center to honor fallen officers during the 44th Annual Police Memorial Service.<\/p>\n
Local and state agencies gathered Monday at the Donald L. Tucker Center to honor officers who died in the line of duty.<\/p>\n
The Florida State Fraternal Order of Police and Auxiliary kicked off their 44th Annual Police Memorial Service. The two-day event aims to provide a sense of community and closure to the families of fallen officers.<\/p>\n
During the ceremony, families received plaques, shadow boxes, and Bibles inscribed with their loved ones’ names. The memorial service also featured a flyover and a riderless horse. Organizers hope the event brings closure to the survivors.<\/p>\n
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell and Sheriff Walt McNeil attended the ceremony to stand in solidarity with the families.<\/p>\n
Following the ceremony, families shared their emotions and memories of their loved ones.<\/p>\n
“My husband was a lover of life, never met a stranger, and, uh, he loved his job and, um, best thing ever in my life,” Denise Waller said.<\/p>\n
Waller’s husband, Ralph “Butch” Waller Jr., served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.<\/p>\n
“My father, he wore everything with police on it, so that’s one thing I loved about my dad,” Tfares Kelson said.<\/p>\n
Kelson’s father, Darryl Smith, served with the City of Miami Police.<\/p>\n
“I really appreciate the, the hospitality, the things that came along with the, the ceremony, the, the plaque, everything,” Kelson said.<\/p>\n
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