THIS DAY IN HISTORY: Gunman Kills Two Palm Bay Police Officers, Four Citizens Executed in Hostage Situation on April 23, 1987

By  //  April 23, 2021

Officer Ronald Grogan, Officer Gerald Johnson killed in the line of duty

On this day, 34 years ago, the Palm Bay Police Department suffered a tragic loss when two officers, Officer Ronald Grogan and Gerald Johnson, were killed in the line of duty. (PBPD Image)

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – On this day, 34 years ago, the Palm Bay Police Department suffered a tragic loss when two officers, Officer Ronald Grogan and Gerald Johnson, were killed in the line of duty.

Both officers responded to a shooting and hostage situation in which the gunman not only took the lives of Officers Grogan and Johnson, but also killed four citizens and wounded more than a dozen others before he was taken into custody.

Due to the heroic actions by these two officers, and others, several lives were saved that day.

Mayor Medina and Chief Moya, along with past and present members of our agency held a memorial and wreath laying ceremony in honor of Officers Grogan and Johnson.

We will never forget the sacrifice both officers made on April 23, 1987 and we always honor their memory and service to our city.