Trooper Phillip A. Black Florida Highway Patrol Florida Friday, February 20, 1976  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

Trooper Black, Sir may GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY! A HERO & INSPIRATION to ALL that knew you and those of us who never got the chance too! In two weeks it will be 33 years since you were murdered! Your service and life will NEVER be forgotten! GOD must have needed a special TROOPER in Heaven and thats why you are 10-8 up their! The citizen's of Florida lost a true HERO when you were taken! Thank You and may your story be a guiding light to all who were the BADGE!

Detention Deputy G. Carew
Seminole County Sheriff's Office, FL J.E.P.C.F.
2009-02-06

We weren't friends, we were colleagues. Our lives couldn't be more different, to be so similar. I was a young, enthusiastic, reckless paramedic who you counseled, cajoled, even criticised (when I deserved it). We never socialized, just worked the scenes together. I didnt appreciate your dignity and integrity at the time, as I thought we would have years together in the brotherhood of public service... Yor professional demeanor never wavered, from the Pompano labor camps to the interstate, from a call to back up(protect) EMS, to a fatal traffic call.I have relived that early morning alarm bell, the rush to the rest stop, the news that you were gone, thousands of times in these 32 years that have passed. I think of you often and wish I could have said "Thanks" to you just once.
Thanks, Phil...

Roger Walker
Paramedic BCEMS
2008-07-06

Trooper Black,
On today, the 32nd anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Florida. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. It took another 14 years, but your murderer finally got the justice that he deserved.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

2008-02-20

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-02-12

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-12-12

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-10-02

Trooper Black was a hero to my family and friends. Trooper Black was on the scene that horrible early evening a car being repaired in the Pompano Beach Skating Arena parking lot ran over 8 children. I can still remember the screams of those children as we lived across the street. My brother was one of those that was ran over and had it not been for Trooper Black passion for life, love for children, and true professionalism, all 8 of those children may not have lived through their injuries. He was not only quick to respond but his true fatherly insticts kept them from going into shock. He will always be in our hearts. Trooper Black did not call it a day of work that day, as this long day for him turned into many visits to the hospital to follow up with the kids. It saddens me that his children had to grow up without this wonderful father as all those children remember him to be. He will be remembered FOREVER!

Friend
2007-08-29

This is for an extrodinary man & a true hero that I unfortunatly will not get the chance to meet in this lifetime. But he gave me many great things that I am forever greatful for.An incrediable son (which is my husband)and a beutiful loving wife that I get to call my mother-in-law.Of all the stories I've ever heard about him, he was not only an incrediable officer but a fun loving man that touched so many lives that I am compelled to write this reflection.We know he is watching over us everyday and his two beautiful grandchildren.(Phillip-age 11 and Megan-age 4.)Thank you to all the officers that participated in the arrest of Walter Rhodes and bringing some closer to our family.We also like to say thank you for all your kind words. And of course most of all to every single officer that goes out there everyday risking there lives for a safer tomorrow. God Bless You All!!!!

Eva M. Black
daughter-in-law
2007-04-12

Heroes and the sacrifices they make will never be forgotten. Trooper Black, you are a true hero and you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem, Va
2007-02-20

When I first moved to Broward County, Florida in 1977, I would drive by the rest area where you died, and swear that someday I would become a cop. And I did. As a Deerfield Beach Police Officer, that rest area was in the City that I had been working for. And everyday, I would drive by that memorial that was placed there with the flag of Canada and our flag, flying side by side. The sight of it made me proud.
Now, after 27 years of law enforcement, and in another agency, I still look to that spot where the rest area once was, and still immediately think back to you. Though you died only months before I got here, you sir, moved me by the sight of that memorial.
Since the death of Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippet, I have promised myself I would be a police officer, and seeing that memorial made me make it happen. You did your job well, my brother, now rest in peace and know that your death has only served to inspire me, and many others to carry on the fight and to serve and protect.

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office
2006-09-08

I remember vividly spring of 1975 when my wife and I broke down on alligator alley 80 miles from civilization save for the indian reservation. We were were staring at the collier county sign for about 4hrs when your cruiser pulled up next to us. We were so relieved to see "state trooper" on your fender and know we were safe. You saw my wifes fear so you took us (and the wifes cat) to the broward side. I told you I wanted to get into law enforcement and you shared your stories with us during the ride to davies,fl. You took the time to help us get a radiator hose for our car and drive the 80 mile trek back to our car. I,ll never forget you even jumped the indian reservation fence to get water from the river for our car. You shared your story of the armed standoff you experienced with the indian in that reservation with no backup. Your wish was to get transferred off the alley detail. I promised you a detailed comendation letter to then director of highway patrol bob butterworth which was faithfully done by me as soon as i returned home. Mr butterworth put that commedation in your file. I was further inspired to pursue a law enforcement career by your dedication and example. We were devastated when we learned of your murder 1-yr later. I sent a card to your wife and son and can,t imagine the sorrow they endured. I entered law enforcement in june 1983 and am now in my 23rd year of service. I will never forget you brother! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers often. I,m sure you watch over all of us as we go x8 and will see you again I,m sure. SINCERELY, Gus

deputy A.M.(Gus) de Ibern
PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
2006-03-25

THANKS TO THE GOOD WORK OF LT.PAUL HENRY FL HIGHWAY PATROL ,IN THE CAPTURE OF ONE OF YOUR KILLERS IN WASHINGTON STATE,IS BACK IN FL,HAS AGAIN BEEN SENTENCED,,YOU CAN REST

WANDA KIBBLE

2005-11-02

TROOPER BLACK YOU AND CORPORAL DONALD IRWIN WILL ALWAYS BE HEROS, AND WE WILL NEVER FORGET, GOD BLESS

WANDA KIBBLE

2005-08-06

I never had the chance to tell you how much you meant to me. You changed and guided my life for the better. I was a confused and wild teenager.You took the time to care about me. You are the standard I used to gauge character many times in my life. The year you died I went into the USAF. I served my time and eventually went into the reserves.3 yrs ago I was activated and sent to the middle east. Many times you were with me in that Aircraft. If It wasn't for you I never would have been in that aircraft. I owe you Sir and will never forget you. Our rescue motto is "These things we do that others may live" You lived It every day. God Bless you and I pray someday I can thank you.

TSgt Joseph A Maggio
USAF CSAR
2004-10-12

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies.....

Rest in peace, hero.

2004-09-28

06/26/04

Each day I try to read the ODMP. Today I read your story. Any officer who dies in the line of duty will always be remembered for his sacrifice. You died a hero. Rest in peace Trooper Black.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
2004-06-26

We will always remember your sacrifice.

TROOPER
FHP
2004-06-02

Although he was gone several years before I started with FHP, I'm glad I could assist in the capture of one of his (and Coprporal Irwin's) killers in September 2003.

To paraphrase one of my favorite movies:
"You can run, but you can't hide."

Lt. Paul Henry
Florida Highway Patrol
2003-11-06

“For those who pledge to uphold it, Freedom requires a sacrifice the protected will never know”

Anonymous