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I still miss you Uncle Jeff!! Debbie Smith Rest easy Trooper Deputy & Firefighter 21 years have passed and people still think of you with fond memories. Anonymous What a pleasure to read these reflections and learn of this great man and hero. I honor Trooper Young on this day.
So many times during the last twenty years I have driven over the bridge bearing Trooper J.D. Young's name and wondered who he was, why the bridge was named after him, and what kind of life he lived. Finally tonight, I googled him and found these lovely tributes to an officer, a gentleman, and a beloved son, husband, father who touched many lives and left the world a better place than it was when he came into it. Now when I drive over the bridge I can put a face and a soul to the name that made me so curious for so long, and bless Trooper Young and his family and friends for remembering him in such a loving way. I join them in this moving tribute and will thank Trooper Young for his service and his sacrifice every time I cross the bridge that bears his name. Perry Barber "The Badge" Investigator David L Bell The Badge" Investigator David L Bell Well Brother... It has been 20 years ago today. I just want to say, "Thanks for watching out for us". I still think of the Academy days. Until next time my friend... Corporal Gregory A. Cohn I remember Jeff from back in the early 1980's, before he went into the FHP. I was working at the K-mart in west Bradenton on Manatee Avenue back in those days while going to college. Some of my friends and coworkers would always gather at the sporting goods counter and talk about guns, target shooting, and hunting. That's how I got to meet and know Jeff. He was good friends with a couple of the guys that worked in the sporting goods department. I remember Jeff as being a really friendly and easy-going kind of guy, smiling and laughing while we all talked about whatever. I moved away from Bradenton in 1983 and went to college/lived in Daytona Beach during the time that Jeff passed away. I remember hearing about the incident from my friends and family back in Bradenton and it really shocked and saddened me,....... to know that something violent like this happened to someone that I knew personally! I had sort of forgotten over these past years on how Jeff looked, but I was reminded when I saw his picture in the FHP website. And it saddens me to see his face again after 25 or so years have gone by, knowing that he's gone,..........but never forgotten!!! Vic Vic Doriot My dad was his partner at the time and I was about two years old. I don't remember Trooper Young but I still have a stuffed animal he gave to me when I was small. I have always heard good things of this man. He will always be remembered! Stephanie I worked with Jeff early in my career with FHP while stationed in Miami. We routinely backed each other up on calls, and chatted afterwards in passing while patrolling our zones. Jeff was a very friendly, pleasant person, always smiling and positive about his job. He was a dedicated trooper, and made friends wherever he went. Big Bill - Brother Trooper I will never forget reading about the circumstances of Trooper Young's death. My heart still aches for such a senseless loss. I was an officer myself, at the time, in Clearwater, Florida; and I am still in law enforcement today. I want his family & friends to know that even someone who had never met him deeply regrets, and continues to feel, their loss. Our Law Enforcement family never forgets our losses and we can only trust that the peace of God continues to sustain you until you meet again. Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator I used to see trooper young at Wendy's on occasion and he was always a nice and friendly fellow. Trooper Young once stopped me for a minor traffic violation but did not issue a citation. I am saddened to learn of his death. My sympathies to his family. Rev. Leon M. Roberts I remember the night this took place. I was 7 and my father was called out to search on horseback. I remember listening to the scanner with my mom, who was a wreck, fearing for all involved LEO's safety. Whenever I think about that or see your picture on the academy wall, it sharpens my officer safety awareness. If nothing else good could come from this, that is at least one thing. Thank you. Deputy Aaron Bowen Jeff;
Jeff, it has been over 18 years now and you are still in my thoughts. Being classmates in the Academy was an experience we all still cherish. It still seems like yesterday when we were both in Miami and you told me of your transfer back home. That was the last time I saw you. I know you are watching over me because of some real close calls I have had. Jeff, one day when I am called up, just greet me at the gate and show me Heaven's Highway. I know it's better than here... Until then my friend. Corporal Gregory A. Cohn K9 Deputy Mike Pennell and myself were sent from Hillsborough County to assist in any way possible. We were the 2 lead Deputies pushing the suspect into the Little Manatee River where he was apprehended by Fish & Game Officers in boats. This was the most heart wrenching incident in my law enforcement career. I still think about Jeff to this day, and say a little prayer for he and his family. Jeff was part of a big family of officers that still miss him to this day. The hundreds of officers that were there that day along I-75 from 5 or 6 different agencies, will never forget. Joseph Barbarise Ex-Deputy Its hard to realize 16 yrs have passed. Jeff was not only a true professional, he was also measured as a great person. The 1-75 corridor was a haven for drug dealers and smugglers moving shipments from the SW coast, north. Jeff and his partner were in the middle of that battle and worked with and in support of the Sarasota and Manatee Country Sheriffs Narcotics Units to interdict crack cocaine shipments from Lee County where it was being manufactured. Jeff was one of those guys you know you can trust your life with, but also had fun doing the job with. Curtis Shewchuk, Capt. Retired I was on duty in nearby Polk County, FL, the day this occurred. I remember getting the BOLO and proceeding to the county line area looking for the suspect vehicle just in case he had headed our way. God bless Trooper Young and his family & friends. He died trying to make this world a better place for us all and I have no doubt he continues to be rewarded for it at that place where there is no more pain and sorrow. Until we see you again .... Deputy Sheriff Rest in peace Trooper Young. We have the watch now. Inv. Michael Walker Jeffrey Young was a dedicated, respectful and highly talented trooper. He has been in my memory for many years now, and will continue to be, for the remainder of my life. The ultimate sacrafice he made, in the name of public safety will not be lost, as I will continue to tell his story until I can speak no more. Jeff, You are dearly missed, but will never be forgotten. Major J. J. Lewis When I first met Jeff he was an energetic, recent graduate of the Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy and assigned to Troop E, Dade County, Miami. I was assigned to be Jeff's field training officer. He was a pleasure to train and a "natural" for the job. Following his riding assignment we developed a close friendship. Sergeant Robert D. Mills, Sr.
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