Today, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) honored the fallen heroes who enforced the law and served the state of Florida in the line of duty. Five names were added to the FSA Memorial Wall during the ceremony. FSA President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper joined Attorney General Ashley Moody, sheriffs, community leaders, and the families of these fallen heroes at the FSA Memorial Wall to celebrate the men and women who lost their lives while serving their communities.

The memorial is dedicated to remembering those who sacrificed all and to those who put their lives on the line every day. Families and friends came out to pay their tributes to their loved ones while seeing their engraved names on the Memorial Wall.

“The highest form of sacrifice is giving one’s life in service for the safety of others. Today, we honor the service and sacrifice of these five public servants, as well as the other brave men and women whose names are engraved on this wall,” said FSA President and Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. “The loss of these heroes is not only felt by their families but also by their colleagues and the communities they served. Through this memorial, their legacies will continue to inspire community members and sheriff’s deputies for generations to come.”

This afternoon, five names were honored at the FSA Memorial ceremony:

• St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Michael Kunovich | End of Watch: May 19, 2023
• Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Benjamin Saxon | End of Watch: November 28, 1876
• Marion County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jacob Gramling | End of Watch: May 1884
• Collier County Sheriff’s Office Officer Isaac Simmons | End of Watch: January 19, 1930
• Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Deputy Peder Thomas Johnson | End of Watch: December 21, 1913

Established in 2002, the Florida Sheriffs Association incorporated the granite Memorial Wall to honor those who had fallen in the line of duty within a sheriff’s office. It is a tribute to remember the sheriffs and deputies who have dedicated their lives to serve and protect Floridians, while respecting those who have passed. On the wall is an engraved verse that embraces these fallen heroes and the sacrifices they have made: “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.” -Matthew 5:9.

Visit the FSA website memorial page for more information, or if you are interested in joining the mission of the Memorial, we invite you to donate today. The ceremony was broadcasted via Facebook Live on the FSA Facebook page.

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Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state’s law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs’ Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.