Officer Ronald D. Florence

Officer Ronald D. Florence

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Monday, January 8, 1979

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Ronald D. Florence

Officer Ronald Florence, Officer Fred Lucy, and Officer Charles Thompson were killed in a plane crash while en route to pickup a prisoner in Panama City, Florida.

The Cessna 411, which had been seized several weeks prior, developed engine problems within minutes of taking off from Craig Field in Jacksonville. The pilot attempted to return to the airport was forced to attempt an emergency landing in a field along Beach Boulevard. The plane struck a telephone pole and then the roof of a car dealership before coming to rest. All three officers were killed on impact.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Aircraft accident

warrant

Most Recent Reflection

View all 11 Reflections

Rest in Peace Officer Florence. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Florence Family and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

January 6, 2024

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