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. Eight names were added to the FSA Memorial Wall during the ceremony. FSA President and Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis joined 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.

“When a member of law enforcement joins an agency, they join a family and a united front.  Today, we stand as one big family together in mourning to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said FSA President and Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis. “We will forever remember these officers as bold and heroic public servants who put their lives on the line for the safety of others. As we reflect on their legacy, we find comfort in John 15:13 ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’”

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

• Miami-Dade Police Department Officer Cesar “Echy” Echaverry | End of Watch: August 17, 2022
• Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael Hartwick | End of Watch: September 22, 2022
• Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Blane Lane | End of Watch: October 4, 2022
• Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Christopher Taylor | End of Watch: November 22, 2022
• Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Corporal Ray Hamilton | End of Watch: December 24, 2022
• Marion County Sheriff’s Office Deputy James George Binnicker | End of Watch: September 29, 1893
• Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer Michael P. Taylor | End of Watch: August 16, 2021
• Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Officer William J. Prevatt | End of Watch: September 2, 2021

Established in 2002, the Florida Sheriffs Association incorporated the granite Memorial Wall to honor sheriff’s officers who had fallen in the line of duty. 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.