Trooper Phillip A. Black

Trooper Phillip A. Black

Florida Highway Patrol, Florida

End of Watch Friday, February 20, 1976

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Phillip A. Black

Trooper Phillip Black was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle that contained narcotics at a rest stop on I-95 south of Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach, Florida.

During the stop at least one of the subjects in the car opened fire, killing Trooper Black. Corporal Donald Irwin, of the Ontario Provincial Police, Canada, was riding along with Trooper Black while on vacation. When Corporal Irwin went to assist Trooper Black he was also shot and killed.

One of the subjects in the vehicle was on parole.

Two men and a woman were arrested and charged with their murders. One of the men was convicted of capital murder and executed on May 4th, 1990.

Trooper Black had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for nine years.

Bio

  • Age 39
  • Tour 9 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Executed in 1990

narcotics, parolee, suspicious vehicle

Most Recent Reflection

View all 57 Reflections

I don’t know what compelled me to look up Officer Black’s passing today. I was a teenager and working at a restaurant off of I-95 in the Pompano Beach/Ft. Lauderdale area. As I was driving home to Coral Springs , late one night, I hit something on the railroad tracks and blew out a tire. It was late, I was alone and scared. Officer Black observed my car with the emergency flashers on from the overpass on I-95. He had the foresight to come and investigate, By the time he found me, I was hysterical. He showed such compassion for a frightened teenaged girl. He calmed down, changed my tire and sent me safely home. I was blessed to see him and his sweet wife one time after that experience when they came to dinner at the restaurant where I worked. I subsequently went off to college in Gainesville. I received a phone call from my mother one day, telling me of Officer Black’s tragic passing. I was devastated to learn of this tremendous loss. I’ve never forgotten his kindness and compassion toward me when I was so young and vulnerable. Rest in peace, Officer Black.

Sandra Giacalone
Recipient of his kindness

February 20, 2024

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