Police Officer George Stefan DeSalvia

Police Officer George Stefan DeSalvia

Orlando Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Thursday, February 3, 2000

Add to My Heroes

George Stefan DeSalvia

Officer George DeSalvia was shot and killed while backing up another officer during a traffic stop on John Young Parkway between 33rd Street and LB McLeod Road.

The second officer had arrested one of the occupants of the vehicle on an outstanding warrant. As Officer DeSalvia and the second officer attempted to remove the driver from the vehicle, he pulled out a .40 caliber Glock handgun and shot Officer DeSalvia in the head. He then began shooting at the second officer, who was between the cruiser and the suspect's vehicle, striking him several times. Neither officer was able to return fire before the suspect fled the scene.

Officer DeSalvia was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The second officer was admitted to a local hospital in critical condition. He survived but was paralyzed.

The shooter was arrested several hours later after a manhunt involving several hundred police officers from several jurisdictions. A third occupant of the car was also arrested.

On October 17, 2001, the shooter, 21, was found guilty of first-degree murder of a police officer and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

Officer DeSalvia had served with the Orlando Police Department for eight months. He is survived by his wife and three young children. In 2012 a street where the police communications and training center is located was renamed "George Desalvia Way" in his honer.

Bio

  • Age 29
  • Tour 8 months
  • Badge 577

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .40 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life

Back up for fellow officer(s), traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

View all 167 Reflections

24 years it is impossible to believe! I went to JYP a few minutes ago to leave flowers and OPD officers were responding 10-18 to something and I had that same sick feeling I had 24 years ago. We love and miss you everyday. I tell my students about you all the time!! You are not forgotten!!!

Rest Easy see you on the other side!!

Jen Williamson

Jennifer Williamson
Orlando Police -Retired

February 3, 2024

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.