Police Officer Brian Heywood Chappell, West Palm Beach Police Department, Florida

Police Officer Brian Heywood Chappell

West Palm Beach Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Monday, August 22, 1988

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Brian Heywood Chappell

Police Officer Brian Chappell was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop on Malverne Road, near the intersection with South Dixie Highway, during a speed enforcement assignment.

As Officer Chappell approached the vehicle the driver leaned out and fired a single shot which struck him in the heart. He was able to call for assistance before succumbing to his injuries. The suspect was apprehended two days later. He was convicted of murder and subsequently sentenced to death.

Officer Chappell had left his vest in his locker due to the excessive heat.

Officer Chappell had served with the West Palm Beach Police Department for five years. He is survived by his parents, three brothers, and sister.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 5 years
Badge 826

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to death

traffic stop, no vest

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Most Recent Reflection

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Dear Brian:

Wow, 34 years since you left us. Your death has never quite left all of us working that day., and never will. I've been to your gravesite several times over the years, but have since retired and moved away. But the events of that day are still vivid.
Rest in peace Brian, and know that our sacred blue line will ALWAYS hold, in part, in remembrance of you and your sacrifice.

Winston Churchill once said of his military, "Never have so many, owed so much, to so few". And that can be said of you, others who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and those of us who served and answered the cry of the wolf at the door.

Rest well.

Detective Ron Tomassi, #2287, (Retired),
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, Sgt. Lake Mary Police, (FL), Retired

August 22, 2022