The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) today released the following statement from FSA President and Orange County Sheriff Jerry L. Demings, in response to the deadly police shootings in Iowa and the loss of two Florida members of the law enforcement community:

“Our hearts are heavy as we learned of the two officers in Urbandale, Iowa who were ambushed while sitting in their police vehicles. The fact that they were targeted and murdered because they are police officers is unthinkable and horrific. The Urbandale Police Department and the community of Urbandale have suffered a terrible loss. The nation has suffered a loss. Here in Florida, we also mourn the loss of two of our own who died this week, Taylor County Deputy Scott Williams and City of Miami Police Department Officer Jorge Sanchez.

“We are fortunate here in the United States to be home to brave, honorable law enforcement officers who are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect each of us. I pray daily for all our heroes across the nation, and I join their families in hoping each of them returns home safely at the end of their shift,” said Sheriff Jerry Demings.

“We must unite to fight domestic terrorism and senseless murder of law enforcement. As the guardians of our communities, we will continue to protect and serve, and it is our hope that good will triumph over evil.”