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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The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016