On May 9, 2007, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Officer honored the 58 men who gave their life in service to our community.

View the photos below, and read Sheriff John Rutherford's message to the survivors.

To view the Roll Call of Honor, click here.

Photo Left: Sheriff Rutherford and FOP President Nelson Cuba with the memorial wreath.

A Message from Sheriff Rutherford:
Today we pay tribute to the 58 officers who gave their lives to protect this community and our way of life.  We pause to reflect on the brave men who served with honor and remember that what made them heroes was not the way they died but the way they lived.

Photo right: the Motors Unit stands at attention during the public memorial service.

We acknowledge also the sacrifice of their families and loved ones.We know the grief endures long after the sound of "Taps" and the "21 Gun Salute" fade away.  We salute you today and also pledge that you will always be a part of the JSO family.  I pray you are comforted by the pride and honor you must feel having laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of justice. 

Photo left: Family members of slain officers are escorted by law enforcement officers from JSO and surrounding agencies from the Chapel Service inside the Police Memorial Building (PMB), to the Tribute to Our Fallen Officers on the steps of the PMB at  Bay Street.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is dedicated to eradicating crime in our beautiful city, and the men and women of this agency know the dangers they face.  Our officers are more determined than ever to continue to reduce criminal activity, and, as your Sheriff, I applaud you and thank each of you for your vigilance.  We owe it to the citizens of this community and we owe it to the memory of the heroes we honor today.  

Photo right: Officers show their respect for the fallen men.

To all of the leaders and members of the local, state and federal agencies with us today, we thank you for your service to this city and this region.  Regardless of the color of the uniform we wear, it is the person behind the badge that makes a difference in our communities.

Photo left: The Tribute to Our Fallen Officers ceremony in front of the Police Memorial Building.

On this important day of reflection and remembrance, I pray that these modern day centurions rest in peace.  They fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith. They are gone, but not forgotten as long as their memory flickers in the hearts of those who knew and loved them

John H. Rutherford,
Sheriff

Photo right: Officers show their respect for the fallen men.

To view the Roll Call of Honor, click here.

Photo left: The JSO Honor Guard