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American Police Hall of Fame Hosts Memorial Service

By  //  May 18, 2013

THE ultimate sacrifice

THE BREVARD COUNTY SHERFF’S OFFICE had a high visibility this week as thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country came together in Washington, DC to honor the 321 American law enforcement heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to protect our communities. (Image by Lindsey Deaton, BCSO)
THE BREVARD COUNTY SHERFF’S OFFICE had a high visibility this week as thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country came together in Washington, DC to honor the 321 American law enforcement heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to protect our communities. (Image by Lindsey Deaton, BCSO)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The American Police Hall of Fame & Museum hosted a memorial service yesterday evening to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in 2012.

Brevard County Deputy Sheriff, Barbara Pill, 52, was shot and killed on a residential street in Melbourne by petty thieves on March 6, 2012. Every day and night, law enforcement officers don the tools of their trade, kiss their family goodbye and hit the mean streets on our behalf –thinking they’ll be home again later that day. But for 160-170 police officers a year, that won’t happen. A cop never knows what awaits them from behind the wheel of their patrol car, a dark alley, or a 911 call. (Brevard County Sheriff’s Department image)
Brevard County Deputy Sheriff, Barbara Pill, 52, was shot and killed on a residential street in Melbourne by petty thieves on March 6, 2012. Every day and night, law enforcement officers don the tools of their trade, kiss their family goodbye and hit the mean streets on our behalf –thinking they’ll be home again later that day. But for 160-170 police officers a year, that won’t happen. A cop never knows what awaits them from behind the wheel of their patrol car, a dark alley, or a 911 call. (Brevard County Sheriff’s Department image)

“While five of the officers killed last year were from the state of Florida, none strike closer to our hearts than our own Deputy Barbara Pill,” said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, who just returned from Washington D.C. with a contingent of BCSO to attend National Police Week, which included the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial ceremony last Monday.

“Barbara was fatally shot while trying to apprehend robbery suspects who without hesitation made the decision to take Barbara’s life.”

In addition to Deputy Pill, the ceremony will honor Brevard County law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty over the last 50 years.

“Barbara’s death is a somber reminder of the many law enforcement officers across our great country that make the ultimate sacrifice every year,” said Ivey.

Too Many Officer’s Funerals

While Deputy Pill is the most recent law enforcement officer taken from our community, many others have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives to protect us.

We honor these Heroes along with their families who will forever be remembered for their sacrifices and support. (Images for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

Brevard County Heroes are Officer Joseph Pellicano, Melbourne Police Department – 1986, Officer Gerald Johnson, Palm Bay Police Department – 1987, Officer Ronald Grogan, Palm Bay Police Department– 1987, Officer Philip Flagg, Satellite Beach Police Department – 1992, Sergeant Ernest Hartmann, Satellite Beach Police Department – 1992, Officer Stephen House, Titusville Police Department – 1989, Officer Jack Schnell, Titusville Police Department – 1982, Officer George Hanchley, Kennedy Space Center Security Police – 1986, Officer Charles Autry, Cocoa Beach Police Department – 1990, Lieutenant Roy Blake, Cocoa Police Department – 1954, Trooper Halley Strickland, FHP – 1954, Trooper Joseph Sawtell Jr. – 1966, Lieutenant Amos Cox, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office – 1965, Deputy Robert Nicol, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office – 1987, Deputy Ray Warner, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office – 1996, and Sergeant Lucille Ross, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office – 2004.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey

“We honor these Heroes along with their families who will forever be remembered for their sacrifices and support,” said Ivey.

“Each of these officers were proud to put on their uniform each and every day to represent their profession, their families and most importantly their communities. I would ask that you keep these fallen officers and their families in your thoughts and prayers and would like to personally thank each of you for the tremendous support you give to our Brevard County Law Enforcement and Public Safety members everyday.”