Today, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) honored all of the fallen deputies and officers who served the law and the state of Florida in the line of duty. This year, eight names were added to the FSA Memorial Wall during the ceremony. FSA President Sheriff Mark Hunter of Columbia County joined sheriffs 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 and put their lives on the line every day. Families, friends and brothers-in-arms came out to pay their tributes to their loved ones while seeing their names engraved on the Memorial Wall.

“Each and every name on this wall represents a true hero,” said FSA President and Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter. “Their selfless service to their communities will always be remembered and celebrated through the legacy they leave behind. Today, we honor these eight men along with the other brave men and women whose names are engraved on this wall.”

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

• Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Kevin James Stanton | End of Watch: Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 | Cause of Death: Vehicle crash
• Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Noel Ramirez Jr. | End of Watch: Thursday, April 19, 2018 | Cause of Death: Gunfire
• Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Taylor F. Lindsey | End of Watch: Thursday, April 19, 2018 | Cause of Death: Gunfire
• Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Deputy William J. Gentry | End of Watch: Monday, May 7, 2018 | Cause of Death: Gunfire
• Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Police Officer Lance C. Whitaker | End of Watch: Tuesday, May 15, 2018 | Cause of Death: Vehicle crash
• Clay County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Benjamin LeMont Zirbel | End of Watch: Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018 | Cause of Death: Motorcycle crash
• Miami-Dade Police Department Police Officer Jermaine Brown | End of Watch: Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 | Cause of Death: ATV crash
• Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Homer W. Brooks | End of Watch: Tuesday, March 23, 1965 | Cause of Death: Heart attack

Hundreds attended to pay their respects to those who lost their lives while serving their communities. A moment of profound silence followed as a rider-less horse was led across the memorial.

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: “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.” John 15:13.

Find more information on the FSA website memorial page. The ceremony was broadcast via Facebook Live.

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The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of Florida’s Sheriffs, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 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 both established and continues to fund the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. The Florida Sheriffs Association has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation.