Yulee, Fla. – Three local law enforcement agencies honored the men and women who died in the line of duty while protecting the public in services Tuesday at the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday morning in a combined service for the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, Fernandina Beach Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol.
“We should never forget,” Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said. “These officers have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect the citizens of Florida, and we want to make sure they are recognized and never forgotten and let their families know we are still thankful for what they’ve done.”
“It takes a special person to be a police officer,” Leeper said. “Not everybody can be or wants to be, but those who do, it’s a public service they do every day. Without them we would have chaos.”
Many have died at the hands of criminals, but far too often law enforcement officers lose their lives in accidents on the roads. Leeper pointed out that officers also have more distractions than ever before inside their vehicles.
Tuesday’s memorial was also a reminder to keep safety at the top of their minds at all times.
“It’s also important for officers to know the job is dangerous and we don’t want you to be recognized like this every year,” Leeper said.
There have been 762 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in Florida.
The following Fallen Officers were honored Tuesday:
