Law Enforcement Memorial Service to be held on May 14th
Yulee, Fla. – The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, City of Fernandina Beach Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol will recognize the law enforcement officers in Nassau County who have fallen in the line of duty at a Law Enforcement Memorial Service on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. The Service will be held at the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, located at 76001 Bobby Moore Circle in Yulee. The public is invited to attend.
“Every day, public safety officers work tirelessly to protect our citizens, enforce our laws, and keep our neighborhoods safe. We owe a profound debt to all those who have worn the badge, and to the families whose care enables them to serve with courage and pride” said Sheriff Bill Leeper. “When the unthinkable happens and officers give their lives or are seriously injured in the line of duty, we have an obligation to give their loved ones the support they deserve” continued Leeper.
The local Memorial Service is one of many that will be held in conjunction with Police Week. These special services recall the selflessness of our law enforcement officers and their families, and honor all those who devote their lives to a stronger, safer community. Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week is a time to reflect and appreciate the ultimate sacrifice made by the exceptionally courageous and dedicated men and women of law enforcement who were killed or disabled in the line of duty.
“The service is an opportunity to express our appreciation for the risks law enforcement officers take and the sacrifices they make, and honor the crucial contribution they make to our quality of life” said Fernandina Beach Police Chief Jim Hurley.
“We pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our community and voice our appreciation for all those who currently serve on the front lines of the battle against crime” stated Florida Highway Patrol Troop-G Commander Major Gene Spaulding.
Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Fallen Deputies
Patrol Deputy Joseph W. Robinson (1891) Deputy Robinson was the first NCSO Deputy killed in the line of duty. Deputy Robinson, along with other deputies and Fernandina Beach Police Officers, attempted to apprehend a violent wanted fugitive in the Fernandina Beach area. Deputy Robinson was fatally shot by the fugitive.
Patrol Deputy Everett E. Johns (1905) Deputy Johns was sent to the south end of Amelia Island to apprehend a suspect for an outstanding arrest warrant for theft. Deputy Johns was fatally shot by the suspect.
Patrol Deputy Jeremiah Mattox (1954) Deputy Mattox responded to a residence in Fernandina Beach in reference to a domestic dispute. The male suspect at the residence fatally shot Deputy Mattox upon his arrival.
Chief Bailiff Lewis Hailey (1992) Chief Hailey was fatally injured in a car crash on SR-200 between Yulee and Callahan.
Fernandina Beach Police Department Fallen Officers
Chief James Surrency (1930) Chief Surrency was fatally shot while responding off duty to a murder call in the city of Fernandina Beach. Chief Surrency was the Chief of the Fernandina Beach Police Department and Fernandina Beach Fire Department.
Florida Highway Patrol Fallen Troopers
Trooper Charles Parks (1973) Trooper Parks was shot during the apprehension of two armed robbery suspects on I-95. He had served the citizens of Florida for six years and was stationed in Yulee.
