JACKSONVILLE, FL (May 5, 2011) - On Wednesday, May 4, 2011, Sheriff John Rutherford was joined by Mayor John Peyton, State Attorney Angela Corey, Public Defender Matt Shirk, and representatives from local, state, and federal criminal justice organizations, as the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office paid tribute to fallen officers in its annual Police Memorial Day observance.
Since record keeping began in 1840, sixty men have lost their lives in the line of duty, protecting the lives and property of the citizens of the community, preserving the peace, and preventing crime and disorder in Jacksonville.
Wednesday’s public event was held on Bay Street, in front of the Police Memorial Building. The service honored the officers in a roll call of names, and recognized the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen who gather each year to memorialize them. Mayor Peyton read a proclamation recognizing the 30th annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and declared May 9-15 as Jacksonville’s Police Appreciation Week.
The service also included the Presentation of Colors and a 21 Gun Salute by the JSO Honor Guard; a “Missing Man” flyover by the JSO Aviation Unit; musical selections by local vocal group Canaanland; and the formal retirement of the memorial wreath by Sheriff John H. Rutherford and Fraternal Order of Police President Nelson Cuba.
In his comments to attendees, Sheriff Rutherford told the crowd of survivors the agency stands “shoulder to shoulder with you today and every day.” He assured the men and women of the JSO that his commitment to their safety; training; physical, mental, and spiritual health; their morale and welfare, and the welfare of officers’ families remains “unwavering.” He called these commitments the legacy of the agency as it honors its fallen, those who serve today, and those who will answer the call to serve in the future.
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