Trooper Frederick J. Groves Jr. Florida Highway Patrol Florida Tuesday, September 18, 1984  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

I remember Mr. Groves when I was growing up down the street from him. I remember how he use to watch over all the kids in the area, and try to keep us out of trouble.
When I was 15 or 16 years old I was in a car wreck and he was the responding officer. I felt a lot better knowing that he was there for not only me but my mom when I was taken to the hospital. We had no way to get home or to get my medicine, so he stopped at Eckerd's in Palm Springs so that I could get my pills. Then he took us home (about 5 houses from him).
I was in Buffalo, NY at the time that it happened and I was torn apart wondering who could harm such a special man. There is no way for them to know that he is the reason that most of us stayed out of trouble.
I remember one time when a friend of mine went missing and a body of a young girl had been found. He came to my house and had me go to his house so that his wife and he could be there just in case. It was her and they both put their arms around me so that I could cry.
I never got a chance to tell him that he was/is a very special person to all the kids that were growing up in the neighborhood. I never got the chance to tell his wife that my heart is broken right along with hers. I never was able to tell his kids how much he loved them.
The first chance I got to come back to FL, I went by his grave, and I could have sworn I heard him say "girls don't be out to long after dark cause this world isn't what it use to be".
He also was like a father to me as I didn't have one, and when he could he would spend time with his family and at times I would come down to go swimming in his pool.
I really miss him and his family as they were moved out by the time that I got back to FL. He was my inspiration to get my GED and later go to college...........
THANK YOU MR. GROVES FOR ALL THE SMILES AND FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP

Kathy

Kathy Poore Rippey
neihbor and friend
2008-07-02

i worked with fred for many years during the good times alone with the bad on the 11 to 7 shift.and our fishing trips with his small son which we used to call bubba,fred you have been gone a long time now but a day does not go by were i dont stop and think about the good old days for a long time evertime i did paperwork somewere on that page i would write T.O.I.F.F..PEOPLE WOULD ASK ME WHAT THAT MENT
WHICH IS FOR (THIS ONE IS FOR FRED )BROTHER I MISS YA SOMEDAY
WELL PATROL THE STREETS AGAIN TOGETHER

REST IN PEACE

joseph de la riva jr
fhp troop L
2008-05-24

"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

MY DEAR FRIEND FRED,IT SEEMS LIKE IT WAS JUST YESTERDAY THAT WE LOST YOU,YET WHEN I THINK BACK,IT SEEMS LIKE A MILLION YEARS AGO WHEN WE WERE IN THE 38th RECRUIT CLASS TOGETHER.I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY WE ALWAYS LOOSE THE VERY BEST.YOU SIR WERE THE VERY BEST OF THE BEST,A TRUE FRIEND AND GENUINE GENTLEMAN.

SGT.PAUL BRAMLETT-PILOT
FHP RETIRED
2007-01-23

Dear Fred:
When I received the news of your being shot on the Turnpike, I remember feeling sick, then angry. I was assigned to the uniform division of the Sheriff's Office at the time, and volunteered my time and efforts to assist in the manhunt for the suspects.
We never met before that tragic day. But your death, though tragic, has been a wake call for all of us to always be on guard. Twenty-two years has come and gone, but be assured, you will NEVER be forgotten, nor the sacrifice you made to our State and our country.
"Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called the children of God".
Rest in peace, my brother. Amen

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office
2006-08-11

you changed my life..and for that i thank you..i think of your kindness and advice often your passing hit me hard but your laugh overshadows all......God bless and hold you for eternity...

Leo McHugh
Auto Express Towing & Recovery Inc.
2005-09-18

Fred was my neighbor and friend when I grew up in West Palm Beach. I was on duty with the US Army Military Police at Camp Casey, Korea when I learned of his death from a newspaper article mailed to me. Fred was the nicest person I have ever met in law enforcement. He will be missed.

Officer Steve Eubanks
Customs & Border Protection
2005-08-01

I remeber sitting at the dinner table when the call came out that you had been wounded on the turnpike. I responded to the scene and was part of the 36hr manhunt which apprehended your killers. After that day I really learned how special we all are to one another even though we had never met.Your commitment and dedication will never be forgotten by your brothers in law enforcement, rest in peace brother.

Det. Fred Araujo
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
2005-06-07

Trooper Groves attended the 38th recruit class of which I was a member. Trooper Groves exhibited leadership qualities and was/is respected by all that knew him. Trooper Groves took his duty very serious and would have had a greater career had his tour of duty not been cut short.

Trooper Groves, you are not forgotten.

Trooper Darrell E. Burnham (RET)
Florida Highway Patrol
2005-04-09

You have left us but I think of you often and the many great things we did as kids.

Nancy Smedley
Sister
2005-01-20

Gone home and will never be forgotten. You are truly missed.


2004-03-17

Trooper Jonas C. Jacobs (Retired)
Florida Highway Patrol
2004-03-17

I continue to think of you often. I miss you and will always love you.

Michele Groves
Daughter
2004-02-17

My father graduated from the 43rd Recruit class. Trooper Frederick Groves took over my fathers patrol area. My dad speaks nothing but good words about this trooper. My father says Groves was very respectful and professional at all times. I hope to become a part of the FHP in the future. Rest in peace sir, your spirit will move on to many troopers to come.

Bill Nickolson

William Nickolson
Future FHP
2004-02-14

Rest in peace brother, you taught me a lot and were instrumental in getting me through my rookie years. You and your family will not be forgotten!

Captain Mike Cowart
Florida Highway Patrol
2003-12-31

Not forgotten. Rest in peace.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.
2003-12-05

Freddie,

I will never forget your smile and dedication to your family and friends.

Chief Jim Howell
Florida Highway Patrol
2003-09-23

Rest easy, Troop. You gave your all and are now rewarded. Thank you for your service.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)
2003-09-18