Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had the duty/honor to participate in our system of justice re: the Grand Jury proceedings for the case of Officer Tackett, nearly 30 years ago. Being a tyro in this, I had the benefit of the late, (and definitely great), counsel of Bernie Mc Cabe, and his assistant at the time, Bruce Bartlett. Their expertise, and patience with all of us re: what constitutes 1st Degree, 2nd Degree, 3rd Degree, etc. was invaluable. Our collective hearts broke over this case, and it has taken me a long time to get over it. God Bless all of those affected by this senseless act. Perhaps I will see some of you next June 13th. God Bless, Brian

Brian Cullen
Grand Jury Foreman, Fall 1993

December 28, 2022

I can't believe it has been 29 years. I was 22 when we lost you and I think about you and that night often. Your are remembered well and missed

C. Lance
BFD

June 13, 2022

Rest in peace Officer Tackett.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 1, 2021

I was just thinking about Jeff and how I used to tease him in high school. I 1st found out he was a police officer when we ran into each other at traffic court. Just a note to say I'm remembering you.

Officer William Kleinsorge, retired
Clearwater, FL PD

June 7, 2020

Hey Jeff, Was looking to see where your memorial was at and your picture popped up and it took my breath away as it did you as you layed there allow those 3 minutes before you left us and went home! You have never been forgotten! Rodney took a long time to get past losing his best friend, it made him grow in ways he only knows, my piece of my baby brother died that day with you. Going to head to your park memeorial now...I miss you even now....until we meet again my adopted brother in CHRIST!

Melody Tilman
Close friend

September 8, 2019

Hey Pal, It’s been a while, I have had to take a look back at life due to a dream recently and When I awoke I realized how many Friends I have lost in the line of duty between the Police and Fire/ EMS and it saddened my soul to see such a horrific toll of life lost starting with you. I have thought long and hard about each one of these lives and how young some were like you taken in prime of Life, and other friends my age or just a bit older being taken by effects of the job suffering till the end. I miss our younger days when life was simpler. I miss ya Jeff you were one of my few real friends. I pray you Rest In Peace

Anthony Antolini

August 24, 2019

Jeff, Rest in peace my friend.
Mike Mascaro

Mike Mascaro
Circle of friends in early 80's.

May 9, 2018

Jeff, You were always a great friend, never a time I talked with you that your answers were always on point. so hard to believe almost 25 Years have gone by. I remember best some of the Funny times hanging out at Anita's Americana uniform shop with you and busting on the people coming in wanting all the toys... Miss you Bro. Anthony

Anthony Antolini
DHHS/ASPR/NDMS US Government

October 19, 2017

I also can't believe it has been 20 yrs since that horrible night. I know you are in a far far better place and smiling right now at all the people who still remember you. You are a hard one to forget with that killer smile. My kids always ask is Jeff coming to babysit us they too couldn't wait to see you. I can't wait to see you again my brother from another mother! God is preparing a place for us and he has to take some of the best to get it ready for all the rest! I miss you still!

Melody T. Friend
His best friend's sister

June 14, 2016

Jeff was a good friend and a golfing buddy at times. He had a good sense of humor and actually got down on his knees on the golf course to "praise" me after I made Chief. Funny funny guy. I think about him often.

Chief Midge Heathcote
Belleair Beach PD

November 19, 2015

It has been 22 years...My mother is now 90 years old with dementia and she brought up how Officer Tackett helped her with something at her home the day before he was shot ....even dementia cannot diminish or erase the times he helped the residents he swore to protect and serve...he is definitely not forgotten...

Deborah Schnader/Alma Smith
former Belleair resident

September 13, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

I was working in a small police department in Citrus County the night this happened and I still remember like it was yesterday.
It bothered me so much when you were taken especially the manner. I pray that your family are still well.
I hope your resting easy brother....

Cpl. Jack Presti-Retired
Inverness Police Department

June 23, 2014

Jeff,


I still visit your grave...I hate to say lately it hasn't been weekly...but I do try. I will continue for as long as I live. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten!

Joe

June 22, 2014

Jeff,

I still remember the last time I visited you back in March of 1993. My brother Jason and his friend Matt joined me on a wild ride through one of the worst blizzards of the 20th century. We barely made it through the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee from our home in Northern KY. It was our Spring Break from college and when we arrived, the beaches were a mess from the storms and it even sleeted while we were there. I recall you played basketball with us, visited the beach, and just hung out a bit while you were off work. I still think of you every time I hear the theme song to the “Cops” reality series...you always liked that show. I know that being a police officer was your dream and you thankfully were able to live it. The world is a better place today because you followed that dream, saving lives, helping people, and being a role model for others.

I’ll keep checking in on your mom.

Your cousin Jeremy.

Jeremy

June 13, 2014

A tribute to you on the 21st anniversary. Rest easy Officer Tackett.

Ashley Dalena
Explorer Sgt at Gastonia Police Dept, NC

June 13, 2014

Remembering you this evening brother. GOD's peace to you and to your family.

L.A. Marotta. Sgt. Retired
Clearwater Police

July 11, 2013

Miss you buddy not a day goes bye that we do not think of you. Many years have passed I know your with us looking out for us. Miss you brother. Our lives will never be the same.

Kevin Archer
Friend

June 14, 2013

We never got to meet, though we were supposed to. I ended up marrying your childhood friend Melanie. We'd only known each other for a short while when you were taken. She spoke so highly of you and wanted me to meet you, so sure we'd be friends. She was so devastated when you were killed. I think it really caused her to think hard about marrying a cop. The thought of Alice paging you and not getting a response haunted her. She's always been on me to wear my vest and be careful, and answer my phone quick when she calls. Sorry we never got the chance to meet, rest in the arms of angels brother, we've got the watch now.

Lt. Dennis Bolender
St. Petersburg Police Dept.

June 13, 2013

Your family still misses you but we have good memories to hold onto.

Aunt Linda

Linda Warren-Skinner
aunt

June 13, 2013

Can't believe it's been 20yrs. I think about you often and miss some of your antics. I know you would be proud of the person I have become. Love you always...Alice

Alice Tackett Dalena
None

June 13, 2013

Rest easy, Belleair 101. I'll miss backing you up on calls and sharing some Skoal...

Sgt. Randall Chaney
Largo PD

June 13, 2013

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero. May you continue to rest in peace Officer Tackett.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

June 13, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 19th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

November 19, 2012

Almost twenty years now Jeff... does seem like yesterday though. I know Alice will always miss you and what you did not get to do while here on earth. Your spirit carries her still. She remains true to the BLUE and supports LEO's with her husband Gary and daughter (now a police Explorer) standing beside her.
Anyway: the below was written for fundraising for (your) The Jeffery Tackett Bill - Florida 1995. Which passed BTW.
So - here it is-

From: Protecting All They Love, The Jeffery Tackett Song
Caron / Favetta

1101 be 10-51 sig 21 occurring now, complainant states she hears someone outside her home.

Please try to understand
I gave all that I can
to make sure you could close your eyes at night,
and wake up to the light, where all was safe and sound, no harm would be around,
I was so proud...

In a blinking of an eye
he took my gun
and pointed it at me, no time for me to shoot or run
the bullet left the barrel like an arrow with a flame
why am I alone tonight, and who am I to blame...

Please try to understand
I gave all that I can
to make sure you could close your eyes at night,
and wake up to the light, where all was safe and sound, no harm would be around,
I was so proud...

Did you know I'm still alone
in the dead of this night,
No sirens fill my ears,
am I going die?
A blade of grass just caught a tear that just rolled off my cheek
I cry for my wife Alice as my body's getting weak...

Please try to understand
I gave all that I can
to make sure you could close your eyes at night,
and wake up to the light, where all was safe and sound, no harm would be around,
I was so proud...

Officer Jeffery Tackett X7 at 2320 hours.

Sgt Denise Caron Nestor
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

August 5, 2012