Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I first became familiar with this incident when I was in college and saw the movie that was made about it. A few years later this was one of the incidents my academy class learned about for training purposes. A few years after that while attending the Homicide Conference my agency hosts every year, I had the pleasure of meeting a Sergeant who was one of the investigators from the local PD who handled the investigation. These two brave FBI Agents and all of the other Agents who were part of the investigative team, surveillance and subsequent critical incident, as well as their families, will always be in my thoughts and prayers for the change their lives took that terrible day and their heroic actions. Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

April 11, 2021

Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescant in pace. Amen.

Don Whicker

January 24, 2021

Agent Grogan, I did not know you back in 1986, but I lived in Miami at the time in the vicinity of the robberies and the shootout where your life was taken. I remember thinking then how very brave you and agent Dove were to confront the evil men that were perpetrating violent crimes on innocent victims in Southwest Miami in those days. I read the biographies of both you and agent Dove, and I will pray for your wonderful souls tonight. I also pray for the safety and well-being of the many law enforcement officers who protect the citizens of this great and free country. Your service is so greatly appreciated by me and my family every single day. May you, agent Dove, and all fallen law enforcement officers rest in the peace that you so greatly deserve.

David Rakouskas
Citizen of Miami in 1986

September 14, 2019

Rest in peace Special Agent Grogan. A very sad day in MIami for the FBI!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 28, 2019

That day was a sad one. RIP Agent Dove. The sacrifice you and Agent Grogan made changed how L/E officers everywhere approach suspects.

Deputy Constable
Anonymous

April 23, 2018

What a sad day for Dade County. Rest in peace Agent Grogan. Bravery and honor together make a dynamite pair.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 11, 2018

Agent Grogan,
On today, the 32nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Agent who was also killed in that shootout for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 11, 2018

You and your family were thought of on this day. Our prayers are always with you. God bless

Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

April 13, 2017

This incident happened while I was in the Police academy. Terrible day for Law Enforcement.

Rest in Peace Agents Grogan and Dove. True Hero's.

"Blue Lives Matter"

Steve Van Slyke, retired K9 Officer
El Cajon Police Department

April 11, 2017

I was a cop with Pinecrest for 10 years. Every time I drove by 122 and 82, I remembered that horrific day where two angels were taken from us. RIP Agents Grogan and Dove.

Officer Eduardo Blineau Jr (retired)

April 12, 2016

On this 30th anniversary of your death, you are not forgotten. Special Agent Benjamin Grogan will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service and valiant sacrifice. The lessons of your sacrifice have proven invaluable to our profession. There is no doubt that others survived because you were among the first of those "in the arena" on April 11, 1986.

Sgt. G.H. Williams
University of NC Greensboro Police Dept.

April 11, 2016

It's hard to believe it's been 27 years. My partner and I (USSS) were in Lake Worth doing interviews when we received word of the shooting. I've never forgotten your sacrifice. Rest in peace.

L. A. Bykowsky
ATF K-9 Handler, retired
K-9 L. E. EOW 5/10/09

April 13, 2013

Ben, I attended your funeral so many years ago. I was serving my first week in Miami as a new DEA Special Agent. Your bravery and steadfast dedication to duty will always be remembered. Rest in peace.

Supervisory Special Agent James Benisek
DEA

April 24, 2012

A Hero is honored today

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 11, 2012

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

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 11, 2012

You were a Hero Sir, I remember watching training footage of your incident in college, during my law enforcment training. Many students have seen it and learned from it. You made the ultimate sacrifice but saved lots of life, more than you know. Thank you for your service Sir. RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

January 31, 2012

I was 10 years old when you died,your passing left a void in my soul that i still feel today 25 years later.You were more than an uncle to me,much more like a father figure.I'll always remember our fishing trips out to the Everglades,and i can assure you everyday that lots of people think of you.

eric romer
nephew

May 28, 2011

Brother Ben, we worked together in Kansas City and I'll always remember your dedication to duty, God and Country, and your unquestionable integrity and honor. Rejoice in Heaven, my brother.

B. Tim McCoy, Former Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation

May 24, 2011

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

March 26, 2011

RIP my Brother

Deputy S. Yates
Covinton County Sheriff's Dept. (Mississippi)

July 9, 2010

Ben-

You died on the day of my birth, I myself am now a Police Officer. Know that the next generation of Law Enforcement has not forgotten your sacrafice...rest easy Brother, keep an eye on us from above.

Police Officer
Phoenix Police, Brother in Blue

February 27, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-third anniversary 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

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Lasater

April 12, 2009

YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NHV

May 5, 2008

Remembering you on the 22nd anniversary of your sacrifice, God Bless You sir, Rest in Peace.

Michael Roberts

April 11, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

March 20, 2008