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ROLL CALL OF HEROES

1885 - 2008

 

As you remember these fallen officers, take comfort in recalling that they dedicated their lives to the same principles of honor, duty and courage that brought you to the badge. Such a life is truly rich. Take strength in knowing that when an officer falls, our resolve to serve those in need is not diminished. Our dedication to protecting those in danger is not weakened. Our commitment to remembering those with whom we shared the badge does not fade.

Godspeed, brothers and sisters. You fought the good fight. Now rest in peace…

Florida Officers Killed in the Line of Duty 2012

Sergeant

Ruben Thomas

 

Florida Department of Corrections, Florida
End of Watch: Sunday, March 18, 2012

 

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 24

Tour: 6 years

Badge # Not available

Cause: Stabbed

Incident Date: 3/18/2012

Weapon: Edged weapon; Shank

Suspect: In custody

Sergeant Ruben Thomas was stabbed to death by an inmate at the Columbia Correctional Institution Annex.

At approximately 10:00 pm he was checking on an inmate in one of the prison's dorms when the inmate attacked him. He was stabbed in the neck several times by the inmate who was armed with some sort shank. The inmate, who was serving a life sentence for murdering a college student, then struck another officer in the eye with a sock filled filled with a heavy item before being taken into custody.

Sergeant Thomas was transported to Shands Lake Shore Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.

Sergeant Thomas had served with the Florida Department of Corrections for six years. He is survived by his young daughter and fiancee.

 

 

Deputy Sheriff

Barbara Pill

 

Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch: Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 53

Tour: 15 years

Badge # 644

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 3/6/2012

Weapon: Gun; Unknown type

Suspect: In custody

Deputy Sheriff Barbara Pill was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle near the intersection of John Rodes Boulevard and Estates Lane, in Melbourne, shortly before 11:15 am.

The vehicle was wanted in connection with a stolen property call from a local motel. As Deputy Pill made contact with the driver and ordered him out of the vehicle he opened fire on her, striking her multiple times. Responding deputies, Melbourne police officers, and Florida troopers chased the vehicle a short distance until it crashed on Turtlemound Road. A male and female subject in the vehicle were taken into custody and face charges in connection with Deputy Pill's murder.

Deputy Pill was transported to the Holmes Regional Medical Center where she succumbed to the gunshot wound.

Deputy Pill had been in law enforcement for 30 years and served with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office for 15 years. She is survived by her husband, two sons who also serve in law enforcement, and a grandchild.

 

 

Detective

David White

Clay County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch: Thursday, February 16, 2012

Age: 35

Tour: 9 years

Badge # Not available

Military veteran

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 2/16/2012

Weapon: Not available

Suspect: Shot and killed

 

Detective David White was shot and killed during a raid of a suspected meth lab on Alligator Boulevard at approximately 6:30 p.m. Officers engaged a suspect as they approached the front of the house, and Detective White suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

Another detective was shot and wounded while participating in the raid. One suspect was shot and killed by officers as he fled out the back of the house. Several suspects were arrested.

Detective White was a military veteran and served with the Clay County Sheriff's Department for nine years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

 

 

 

 

Florida Officers Killed in the Line of Duty 2011

 

Deputy Sheriff

Matt Miller

 

Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch: Monday, December 26, 2011

Age: 53

Tour: 27 years

Badge # MT60

Military veteran

Cause: Motorcycle accident

Incident Date: 12/26/2011

Weapon: Not available

Suspect: Not available

 

Deputy Sheriff Matt Miller was killed in a motorcycle accident on Maitland Boulevard at the intersection with Gateway Drive, while attempting to make a traffic stop.

He had activated his emergency equipment and was attempting to catch up to a speeding vehicle when the driver of a car made a left hand turn in front of him, causing a collision. Deputy Miller was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

Deputy Miller was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He had served with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office for 24 years and had previously served with the Longwood Police Department for three years. He is survived by his wife and siblings.

 

 

Police Officer

Arnulfo Crispin

 

Age: 25

Tour: 1 year, 6 months

Badge # 267

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 12/18/2011

Weapon: Handgun

Suspect: In custody

 

Officer Arnulfo Crispin was shot and killed while making contact with suspicious individuals near Crystal Grove Drive at approximately 10:15 pm. Officer Crispin exited his cruiser to make contact with three subjects in a closed park and while checking one subject for weapons was shot from behind by another.

A second officer arrived to the scene seven minutes later and found Officer Crispin unresponsive. He was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he underwent several hours of surgery. He remained in grave condition for two days before succumbing to his wounds.

Twelve agencies responded to search for the suspect, who turned himself in after a ten-hour manhunt.

Officer Crispin had served with the Lakeland Police Department for 18 months. He is survived by eight siblings.

 

Deputy Sheriff

John Mecklenburg

 

Incident Details:

Cause of Death: Vehicle pursuit

Date of Incident: July 3, 2011

Weapon Used: Automobile

Suspect Info: Apprehended

Deputy John Mecklenburg was killed in an automobile accident in Pasco County while involved in a vehicle pursuit.

Officers from the Brooksville Police Department had started pursuing a vehicle on U.S. Highway 41 at approximately 4:40 am. Deputies joined in the pursuit and attempted a PIT maneuver on the vehicle. The suspect driver was able to regain control of his vehicle and continued to flee. Deputy Mecklenburg continued to pursuit the vehicle into Pasco County. His vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree near the intersection of Painter Road.

His cruiser caught fire upon impact, but other officers in the pursuit were able to extinguish the flames. He was flown to a hospital in Tampa where he succumbed to his injuries. Another deputy was also injured earlier in the pursuit when his vehicle crashed.

The suspect driver of the vehicle was arrested by members of the Florida Highway Patrol a short time later after being pursued through four counties.

Deputy Mecklenburg was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office for two years. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

 

Deputy Sheriff Sebastian Diana
Orange County Sheriff's Office

End of Watch: Saturday, March 12, 2011

Biographical Info
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Duty related illness
Date of Incident: Monday, February 27, 2006
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available

Deputy Sebastian Diana died from complications of a bacterial infection he contracted while attempting to save an infant.

On February 26, 2006, Deputy Diana responded to a 911 call involving an 3-month-old child who wasn't breathing. He was the first deputy on scene and immediately began CPR, during which he came in contact with the child's vomit.

As a result of his efforts he contracted a bacterial infection that caused him to suffer continued health issues that ultimately lead to heart failure.

Deputy Diana had served with the Orange County Sheriff's Office for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and four children

 

Police Officer David S. Crawford
St. Petersburg Police Department

End of Watch: Monday, February 21, 2011

Biographical Info
Age: 46
Tour of Duty: 25 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, February 21, 2011
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: At large

Police Officer David Crawford was shot and killed after responding to a report of a suspicious person.

At approximately 10:30 pm Officer Crawford and another officer responded to a report of a suspicious person on the 700 block of 3rd Avenue after a citizen observed a male walking through his backyard with a broken brick in his hand. Officer Crawford canvassed the area and found the subject near the southwest corner of 2nd Avenue S and 8th Street S. He parked his patrol car and approached the male. At some point during the encounter there was an exchange of gunfire and Officer Crawford was shot and wounded. He was taken to Bayfront Medical Center where he died from his wounds.

The suspect fled and remains at large.

Officer Crawford had served with the St. Petersburg Police Department for 25 years.

 

Sergeant Adam Rosenthal

Delray Beach Police Department
End of Watch: Thursday, February 17, 2011

Biographical Info
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Automobile accident
Date of Incident: Thursday, February 17, 2011
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available

Sergeant Adam Rosenthal was killed in an automobile accident near the intersection of Southwest 18th Street and Boca Rio Road in Boca Raton at approximately 6:15 am.

He was reporting to the station at the beginning of his shift when his patrol car struck a tree in the median. He was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Sergeant Rosenthal had served with the Delray Beach Police Department for 16 years. He is survived by his four children.

 

 

Sergeant Tom Baitinger
St. Petersburg Police Department

End of Watch: Monday, January 24, 2011

Biographical Info
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, January 24, 2011
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Sergeant Tom Baitinger and Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz were shot and killed while attempting serve a warrant on a suspect wanted for aggravated battery.

Several members of a regional task force had gone to the home to question a family member about the man's whereabouts. After making contact with the woman, the officers were informed that the man was in the attic and possibly armed.

Officer Yaslowitz, who served on the department's canine unit, had just finished his shift and was en route home when he volunteered to respond to the call.

After unsuccessfully attempting to talk the man out of the attic, Officer Yaslowitz and a member of the United States Marshals Service made entry into the attic and were immediately shot.

Another officer was able to pull the deputy marshal from the attic but was unable to reach Officer Yaslowitz. The suspect then fired from the attic, striking Sergeant Baitinger who was providing cover from the main level.

A SWAT team used a tactical vehicle to breach a wall of the home and came under fire, but was able to recover Officer Yaslowitz. Officer Yaslowitz and Sergeant Baitinger were both transported to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead.

The suspect was found dead several hours later after the home was partially dismantled using heavy machinery.

Sergeant Baitinger had served with the St. Petersburg Police Department for 15 years. He is survived by his wife.

 

 

Police Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz
St. Petersburg Police Department

End of Watch: Monday, January 24, 2011

Biographical Info
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, January 24, 2011
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz and Sergeant Tom Baitinger were shot and killed while attempting serve a warrant on a suspect wanted for aggravated battery.

Several members of a regional task force had gone to the home to question a family member about the man's whereabouts. After making contact with the woman, the officers were informed that the man was in the attic and possibly armed.

Officer Yaslowitz, who served on the department's canine unit, had just finished his shift and was en route home when he volunteered to respond to the call.

After unsuccessfully attempting to talk the man out of the attic, Officer Yaslowitz and a member of the United States Marshals Service made entry into the attic and were immediately shot.

Another officer was able to pull the deputy marshal from the attic but was unable to reach Officer Yaslowitz. The suspect then fired from the attic, striking Sergeant Baitinger who was providing cover from the main level.

A SWAT team used a tactical vehicle to breach a wall of the home and came under fire, but was able to recover Officer Yaslowitz. Officer Yaslowitz and Sergeant Baitinger were both transported to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead.

The suspect was found dead several hours later after the home was partially dismantled using heavy machinery.

Officer Yaslowitz had served with the St. Petersburg Police Department for 12 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

 

Detective Roger Castillo
Miami-Dade Police Department

End of Watch: Thursday, January 20, 2011

Biographical Info
Age: Not available
Tour of Duty: 21 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, January 20, 2011
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Detective Roger Castillo and Detective Amanda Haworth were shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a murder suspect.

The detective, along with two other members of a regional task force, had gone to a home near the intersection of NW Seventh Avenue and 69th Street. Upon making contact with an occupant of the home someone inside immediately opened fire, striking Detective Castillo, Detective Haworth and a third detective. The fourth detective on the scene returned fire and killed the suspect.

Detective Castillo succumbed to his wounds at the scene. Detective Haworth was transported to a local hospital where she passed away during surgery.

Detective Castillo had served with the Miami-Dade Police Department for 21 years.

 

 

Detective Amanda Haworth
Miami-Dade Police Department

End of Watch: Thursday, January 20, 2011

Biographical Info
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 23 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, January 20, 2011
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

Detective Amanda Haworth and Detective Roger Castillo were shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant on a murder suspect.

The detective, along with two other members of a regional task force, had gone to a home near the intersection of NW Seventh Avenue and 69th Street. Upon making contact with an occupant of the home someone inside immediately opened fire, striking Detective Castillo, Detective Haworth and a third detective. The fourth detective on the scene returned fire and killed the suspect.

Detective Castillo succumbed to his wounds at the scene. Detective Haworth was transported to a local hospital where she passed away during surgery.

Detective Haworth had served with the Miami-Dade Police Department for 23 years. She is survived by her teenage son.

 

Police Officer Rogerio Morales
Davie Police Department

End of Watch: Thursday, January 13, 2011

Biographical Info
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 887

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Heart attack
Date of Incident: Monday, January 10, 2011
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available

Officer Rogerio Morales suffered a fatal heart attack while participating in tryouts for his agency's SWAT team.

He was participating in the tryouts when he suddenly collapsed. He was transported to a local hospital where he remained in a coma until passing away three days later.

Officer Morales had served with the Davie Police Department for two years. He is survived by his wife.