Florida Department of Corrections, Florida
End of Watch Sunday, September 10, 2017
Add to My HeroesJoseph Ossman
Sergeant Joseph Ossman and Deputy Sheriff Julie Bridges, of the Hardee County Sheriff's Office, were killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 66 and Old Crewsville Road, in Zolfo Springs, at approximately 6:45 am.
Both officers had been required to stay in the county despite mandatory evacuations due to Hurricane Irma. Deputy Bridges was picking up supplies for a hurricane shelter when her patrol car collided head-on with Sergeant Ossman's vehicle. Sergeant Ossman was reporting for his shift at the Hardee Correctional Institution, which remained opened despite the evacuation.
Sergeant Ossman had served with the Florida Department of Corrections for 21 years and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He was survived by his son, step-son, brother and two sisters.
Bio
- Age 53
- Tour 21 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Automobile crash
Most Recent Reflection
View all 133 ReflectionsRest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 10, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Sergeant Ian Taylor
Billerica Police Department, MA
EOW: April 26, 2024
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024