Officer Ronald D. Florence, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Florida

Officer Ronald D. Florence

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Monday, January 8, 1979

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

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Florence,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Officers who were also killed in that accident for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Jacksonville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 8, 2019