Florida Law Enforcement Memorial at the Capitol

The 25th Annual Police Memorial Service was held on May 7, 2007, in Tallahassee at the State Capitol. Law enforcement officers from all across the state gathered to honor the memory of 15 of their fellow officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The solemn ceremony on the steps of the Old Capitol followed a parade through downtown Tallahassee. The Florida Highway Patrol's 114th Basic Recruit Class and Troop H Honor Guard along with their counterparts from numerous other state, county, and city law enforcement agencies around Florida participated in the memorial march as did several bag pipe corps. After the names of each fallen officer were announced, hundreds of law enforcement officers stood at attention for the playing of taps. The parade and the memorial service were organized by the state lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.

Governor Charlie Crist, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Attorney General Bill McCollum, FHP's Colonel Christopher Knight and various other dignitaries and commanders from state, county, and local law enforcement agencies were present. The service included the releasing of butterflies, a 21 gun salute, and "Amazing Grace" played on the bag pipes. Governor Crist addressed the crowd of officers gathered at the Capitol with these words: "The honor and the valor and service and the perseverance of the men and women we honor today can never truly be measured." After the ceremony, the Governor offered words of condolence and hugs to family members of the fallen officers who were killed in the line of duty.

Additional Photos

Memorial Service in Davie