Union County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Tuesday, May 23, 1961
Add to My HeroesHal P. Croft
Deputy Sheriff Hal Croft and a civilian assisting him were shot and killed in Raiford while serving an arrest warrant on a man for firing a shotgun into an occupied dwelling.
The subject opened fire with a shotgun as they stepped onto his front porch. The man then took Deputy Croft's service revolver and shot himself in the chest. He recovered from his wounds and was charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
The man was convicted of both murders and sentenced to death. In 1964 he was tried again and sentenced to two life terms. In 1976 his appeal for a new trial was denied.
Deputy Croft had served with the Union County Sheriff's Office for only eight months and had previously served with the Florida Highway Patrol. He was survived by his wife and child.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsThe Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.
Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.
A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9
Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association
August 27, 2016
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