Florida Highway Patrol, Florida
End of Watch Saturday, February 1, 1992
Add to My HeroesJames Herbert Fulford, Jr.
Trooper James Fulford was killed by a bomb while searching a vehicle.
One suspect made the bomb, placed it inside a microwave, and gift wrapped it. He then paid a second male to deliver the package to his ex-wife, who had prior knowledge of a murder he had been involved with and had intimate knowledge of an active drug ring he was involved with. The male agreed to deliver the package thinking it only contained drugs. Trooper Fulford pulled over the car driven by a male and one of his associates. Both men were arrested during the traffic stop and taken to jail by two Jefferson County deputies. Shortly thereafter, Trooper Fulford was killed when the bomb exploded while searching the car.
An explosive expert later determined that Trooper Fulford was holding the package when it exploded. Trooper Fulford's death prompted a state and federal investigation that broke apart a drug ring and led to the indictment of 28 people.
The bomb maker was sentenced to death and was subsequently executed on February 26th, 2014. The male subject driving the vehicle was sentenced to 40 years. In addition, the brother of the bomb-maker was sentenced to life for first-degree murder.
Trooper Fulford had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 14 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.
In 2014, the portion of I-10 between the Aucilla and Monticello exits was dedicated the "Trooper James Herbert Fulford Jr. Memorial Highway."
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 14 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Bomb
- Weapon Explosives; Bomb
- Offender Executed in 2014
Most Recent Reflection
View all 58 ReflectionsGrowing up as the daughter of two Florida Ag Law Enforcement Officers, I have many times thought about the danger my parents put themselves in to serve the public. My parents could easily search a truck or personal vehicle and have a tragic event like the one that took Trooper Fulford from his family and friends. I am blessed to still have both of my parents, but my heart hurts for the families that lose a family member in the line of duty.
I am blessed to have received the James H. Fulford Memorial Scholarship at North Florida College for this Summer Semester. While I did not know much about Trooper Fulford before today, my parents remember when he was killed and my dad remembered a lot about the accident as it stood out to him. There are many people that knew him and it was so nice to be able to read what an amazing man and Trooper he was. I am so honored to receive this scholarship in honor of Trooper Fulford. This scholarship is very helpful to fund my education to become a Registered Nurse and I will remember Trooper Fulford as I move forward in my life and career.
Thank you Trooper Fulford for making the ultimate sacrifice. You will be remembered for your service and your dedication to serving the public.
Caibre Johnson
North Florida College Student
May 8, 2022
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