Stories Behind the Names

• Highway plaques were recently unveiled to honor three Seminole County (FL) sheriff’s deputies—George Pfeil Sr., James Cleveland Jacobs and Robert Moore—who lost their lives in the line of duty. Dep. James Cleveland Jacobs (EOW: 9-14-1922) was shot and killed while chasing after a thief who had stolen a pair of another man’s trousers. His killer was executed by hanging. Dep. Robert Moore (EOW: 6-9-1975) died of smoke inhalation when an inmate charged with purse snatching set fire to the jail, killing Dep. Moore, the purse snatcher and nine other inmates. Dep. George Pfeil Sr. (EOW: 12-29-1977) was shot and killed when he exchanged gunfire with an armed robber at a pharmacy. His killer was sentenced to death and, in 2000, was the first criminal in Florida history to be executed by lethal injection. At the plaque dedication ceremony, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lenma paid tribute to these fallen heroes, saying that those now serving the Sheriff’s Office “walk in the shadows of giants.” https://www.officer.com/features/honoring-the-fallen/news/55247397/fla-sheriff-unveils-signs-honoring-fallen-deputies?o_eid=2978G1804412H5G&oly_enc_id=2978G1804412H5G&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|2978G1804412H5G&utm_campaign=CPS241202026&utm_medium=email&utm_source=OFCR+Newsday

• On February 18, 1988, Boston (MA) Police Detective Sherman Griffiths (aka the "Gentle Giant"), was shot and killed during a drug raid. He left behind a wife, Deirdre and two young daughters, Hilary and Melanie. One of his brothers, Billy, was already a Boston cop when Sherman died. Several years later, four other brothers, Tommy Griffiths, Brian Griffiths, Jimmy Coyne and Kevin Coyne would give up their other professional careers to become Boston police officers. They wanted to help finish the job that Sherman had started. They wanted to make a difference. And a generation later, Sherman's nephew, Tom "TJ" Griffiths, Jr., would do the same, becoming a police officer with the Harwich (MA) Police Department. Sherman would receive no greater honor than the legacy of law enforcement service that he inspired--not just in how he died but in how he lived.

• Chicago (IL) Police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso, 32, was shot and killed on 3-1-23 while trying to apprehend a gunman who was chasing a woman down the street. The 5-year Chicago police veteran leaves behind a wife. https://policetribune.com/chicago-police-officer-killed-by-gunman-during-foot-pursuit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chicago-police-officer-killed-by-gunman-during-foot-pursuit

• Spartanburg County (SC) Deputy Austin Aldridge, 25, was shot and killed responding to a domestic disturbance call on 6-21-22. Exactly eight months later, on 2-21-23, his wife, Jessica, gave birth to their baby daughter, Claire Austin Aldridge. “Life is very different and we are forging a new normal. There are still many hard moments. Sweet Claire has brought new joy and reasons to smile. We are blessed even in the storm. We must find a way to focus on the good and continue life’s journey,” the family said in a Facebook post. Widow Of Slain Deputy Gives Birth To Couple's Daughter 8 Months After His Murder - The Police Tribune

• Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was shot and killed on 2/18/23 while responding to an incident near campus. University President Jason Wingard called the shooting “a gut-wrenching reminder of our police officers’ daily bravery and sacrifices to protect our students, faculty, staff and community” as Philadelphia and the nation deal with “an unprecedented epidemic of violence.” Suspect arrested in slaying of university police officer | AP News

• Fountain (CO) Police Officer Julian Becerra died on 2-11-23 from injuries he suffered 10 days earlier when he fell from a bridge while pursuing a carjacking suspect. https://www.kktv.com/2023/02/12/fountain-police-officer-julian-becerra-passes-away-after-falling-bridge/

• Riverside County (CA) Deputy Darnell Calhoun, 30, was shot and killed on 1-13-23 while responding to a domestic violence call. He left behind a pregnant wife. His death comes just a couple of weeks after another deputy from Riverside County, Isaiah Cordero, 32, was shot and killed during a traffic stop on 12-29-22. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Biano said, “Nationwide, we’re confronting these situations with armed individuals, that, over what seemingly seem to be minor disagreements, are willing to engage law enforcement in life and death gun battles.” 30-year-old deputy shot dead, leaves behind pregnant wife (msn.com)

• Brackenridge (PA) Police Chief Justin McIntire was shot and killed by a carjacking suspect on 1-3-23. Police chief killed, officer wounded in Pennsylvania shooting - CBS News

• U.S. Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, 38, was killed on 12-7-22 when his all-terrain vehicle crashed while chasing a group of illegal immigrants near Mission, Texas. Agent Gonzalez is the sixth Border Patrol agent to die in the line of duty this year. “The death of an agent who dies while securing our nation’s border is a tremendous loss to our organization and our nation,” said U.S. Border Patrol Chief Agent Raul Ortiz. Border Patrol agent killed chasing illegal migrants in Texas (nypost.com)

• Carrollton (TX) Police Officer Steve Nothem was struck and killed on 10-18-22 by a passing vehicle while backing up another officer in a DWI investigation. The former Marine is survived by his wife, and four young children. North Texas police officer killed in the line of duty (kwtx.com)

• Bristol (CT) Police Sgt. Dustin DeMonte, 35, and Officer Alex Hamzy, 34, were shot and killed on 10-12-22 in an apparent ambush attack while responding to a domestic violence call. Officer Alec Iurato, 26, was seriously injured in the shooting. It appears their killer lured officers to the scene with a 9-1-1 call and then opened fire on the officers when they responded to the emergency call for help. https://abcnews.go.com/US/police-officers-killed-injured-overnight-shooting/story?id=91430674

• Polk County (FL) Deputy Sheriff Blane Lane, 21, was serving an arrest warrant on a wanted felon when he was shot and killed on 10-4-22. Sheriff Grady Judd said, "This young man was game on of every minute of every day. It was his dream. He was living his dream. He was an immensely talented deputy." https://www.cbsnews.com/tampa/news/polk-county-deputy-shot-and-killed-in-the-line-of-duty/

• Richmond (IN) Police Officer Seara Burton, 28, died on 9-18-22 more than a month after being shot in the head during a drug-related traffic stop. She was set to be married nine days after the shooting. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/indiana-police-officer-28-dies-5-weeks-after-she-was-shot-in-the-head-during-a-traffic-stop/ar-AA120Gat?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=69748b6cf612443795e2391eea9d1958

• On this, the 21st anniversary of 9/11, the deadliest day in law enforcement history, we wanted to share an article written by Craig W. Floyd, CBB’s founder and CEO, written one week after the terrorist attacks. He visited New York City and chronicled his experience in this article entitled, “Reflections from Ground Zero.” https://www.police1.com/terrorism/articles/reflections-from-ground-zero-UYwvgcLtM5C8fCgr/

• Cobb County (GA) Sheriff’s Deputies Marshall Ervin and Jonathan Koleski were shot and killed on 9-8-22 while serving an arrest warrant at a Marietta home. Two shooters ambushed them as they arrived to serve the warrant, with one firing from a car and another shooting them from the home. Both suspects were arrested. https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/cobb-county/2-cobb-county-deputies-killed-line-duty-identified/BJ5UCB63BZH3ZACBQ5OTTAXTYQ/

• Montgomery County (MD) Sheriff’s Deputy James Tappen Hall was shot on October 23, 1971, attempting to arrest a burglary suspect. He died three days later, leaving behind a wife and two children. His killer was recently arrested, more than five decades later, thanks to the tireless efforts of two cold-case detectives. Montgomery County police make arrest in decades old homicide - The Washington Post

• Elwood (IN) Police Officer Noah Shahvanaz, 24, was shot and killed on 7-31-22 during a traffic stop. Officer Shahvanaz was a five-year military veteran and had been serving with the Elwood Police Department for 11 months. https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2022/07/31/elwood-police-officer-shot-and-killed-during-traffic-stop-sunday/65387519007/

• Clark County (OH) Deputy Matthew Yates, 41, was shot and killed responding to a shots fired call on 7-24-22. Deputy Yates was a 15-year veteran of the department. https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/ohio/deputy-killed-during-hours-long-standoff-mobile-home-park-clark-county/530-7e7008cf-aecd-4c08-8c67-cd5c74b093b4

• Rochester (NY) Police Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz was shot and killed during a cowardly ambush attack on 7-21-22 as he and his partner sat in their marked patrol vehicle. A man approached their vehicle and fired 17 shots striking both Officer Mazurkiewicz and his partner, Officer Sino Seng, who survived the attack. Just hours earlier, the mayor of Rochester had declared a local state of emergency due to a surge in gun violence. Suspect in custody after Rochester officer killed, partner shot in 'cowardly ambush': Officials - ABC News (go.com)

• DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was kidnapped, tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. The man accused of killing him, a Mexican drug lord, was finally re-captured last week. Mexican drug trafficker Caro Quintero, accused killer of Kiki Camarena, eluded recapture until last week - The Washington Post

• North Kansas City (MO) Police Officer Daniel Vasquez, 32, was shot and killed during a traffic stop on 7-19-22. Officer Vasquez had pulled over a vehicle for a traffic violation (expired tags). According to police, the driver of the vehicle shot Officer Vasquez five times with a rifle “because he did not want to go to jail or have his vehicle towed.” Officer Vasquez’s sister described her brother, saying, His dream was to be a police officer because he wanted to serve the community. He wanted to be a hero.” Suspect Allegedly Killed Mo. Police Officer During Traffic Stop | PEOPLE.com

• Detroit (MI) Police Officer Loren Courts, 40, was shot and killed on 7-6-22 while responding to a shots fired call. As he and his partner arrived on the scene just two minutes after the 9-1-1 call, they were met by gunfire from an assault rifle. The suspect was killed by other arriving officers. Officer Courts was a five-year veteran of the department and left behind and wife, as well as a 9-year-old daughter and a 15-year-old son. BREAKING: Detroit Police Officer Killed By Active Shooter - The Police Tribune

• Spartanburg County (SC) Deputy Austin Aldridge, 25, was shot and killed in an ambush attack as he was responding to a domestic violence call on 6-21-22. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/sheriff-deputy-dies-after-being-ambushed-house-call-south-carolina?utm_campaign=article_rail&utm_source=internal&utm_medium=article_rail

• El Monte (CA) Police Corporal Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana were shot and killed on 6-14-22. They were responding to a possible stabbing call at a local motel when they were met by gunfire upon their arrival. “They were acting as a first line of defense for our community when they were essentially ambushed while trying to keep a family safe,” said El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona. The assailant had a long criminal history and was out on probation when he murdered the two officers. El Monte Police Corporal Michael Paredes, Officer Joseph Santana IDed after being killed in shootout at motel - ABC7 Los Angeles

• Wicomico County (MD) Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard, 41, was shot and killed on 6-12-22 while attempting to apprehend a fugitive wanted on multiple felony warrants in multiple jurisdictions. The Wicomico Sheriff’s Office paid tribute to Deputy Hilliard, saying he "was a son, a husband and a father to three beautiful children, a brother to those he worked with, and an exemplary public servant to the citizens of Wicomico County and to the State of Maryland." https://www.cbsnews.com/news/glenn-hilliard-sheriffs-deputy-shot-killed-maryland/

• White Mountain Apache (AZ) Police Officer Adrian Lopez Sr., 35, was shot and killed during a traffic stop on 6-2-22. Officer Lopez had only been with the department since January and had previously served as a Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer. During the subsequent pursuit of the suspect Sgt. Lonnie Thompson was wounded. Tribal Chairman Kasey Velasquez called Officer Lopez “a beacon of light, a bulwark against the darkness.” https://apnews.com/article/arizona-native-americans-shootings-38a66564cf93c5b01c63831de276e194

• Lebanon (PA) Police Lt. William Lebo, 63, was shot and killed on 3-31-22 responding to a domestic disturbance call. Lt. Lebo was a 40-year veteran of the department and was planning to retire on May 1. Two other officers were also shot and seriously injured. https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/31/us/lebanon-pennsylvania-shooting-officers/index.html

• Buffton (OH) Police Officer Dominic Francis, 41, was struck and killed on 3-31-22 while deploying stop sticks in an attempt to stop a fleeing vehicle that was traveling at speeds in excess of 120 mph on an interstate highway. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost paid tribute to Officer Francis, saying, “A hero has died and a community is shaken . . . Officer Francis’ valor will live on and never be forgotten.” https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/northwest-ohio-statewide-manhunt-chase-pursuit-hancock-county-bluffton-university-oshp-officers-deputies-interstate-75-thursday-3-31-2022

• Henrico (VA) Police Officer Trey Marshall Sutton, 24, was killed and another officer was critically injured in a car crash on 3-30-22 while transporting a criminal suspect. Officer Sutton had just graduated from the police academy in February of this year. Virginia’s Governor, Glenn Youngkin, said the incident is a reminder that the men and women in law enforcement “put their lives on the line every day to protect their communities.” https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/two-police-officers-and-two-others-injured-in-three-vehicle-crash-in-henrico/article_359d942a-d061-54ac-804e-b206d483d546.html

• Pennsylvania State Troopers Branden T. Sisca, 29, and Martin F. Mack III, 33, were struck and killed during the early morning hours of 3-21-22, while responding to a report of a man walking along I-95. Authorities have said that the crash is being investigated as “DUI-related.” https://www.foxnews.com/us/pennsylvania-troopers-killed-crash-philadelphia-identified

• Sgt. Barbara Fenley of the Eastland County (TX) Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty on 3-17-22 while trying to evacuate people in the path of a wildfire. Sgt. Fenley was a 19-year law enforcement veteran. “As a state, we have great appreciation for her service, for stepping up, for doing what law enforcement officials do every single day,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said. “They put their lives on the line to preserve and protect their communities. And that is exactly what she did,” https://www.lawenforcementtoday.com/deputy-killed-trying-to-evacuate-people-from-the-path-of-a-wildfire/

• Pierce County (WA) Deputy Dom Calata was shot and killed while his SWAT unit was attempting to arrest a felon who had barricaded himself in his home. The incident occurred on 3-15-22 and Deputy Calata, 35, died the following day from his wounds. Deputy Calata is survived by a wife and 4-year-old son. Another deputy, Rich Scaniffe, was also shot in the incident and is in serious condition. Two deputies shot while arresting repeat felon facing life (lawenforcementtoday.com)

• Two Joplin (MO) law enforcement officers were shot and mortally wounded while responding to a disturbance call. Corporal Benjamin Cooper, a 19-year veteran, died on 3-8-22. He left behind a wife and two daughters. It has been announced that Officer Jake Reed will not recover, but plans are underway to transplant his organs to help save other lives. Officer Reed is survived by his wife, whom he married in 2021. https://www.lawenforcementtoday.com/man-killed-after-inflicting-mortal-wounds-on-two-officers-wounding-a-third/

• Winona (MN) Special Policeman Mathew Hamilton, 51, died of an apparent heart attack following a struggle with a vagrant at the local train depot. His death occurred nearly 150 years ago on 12-3-1874. Meet the officer murdered right after the American Civil War (lawenforcementtoday.com)

• Massachusetts State Trooper Tamar Bucci, 34, was killed in a vehicle crash that occurred shortly before midnight on 3-3-22. Trooper Bucci was assisting a motorist in a broken down vehicle when a tanker truck struck her vehicle. Trooper Bucci was just two years into her “dream job” when she was tragically killed. https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/state-trooper-injured-in-crash-on-i-93/2660720/

• Arkansas Department of Corrections Sgt. Joshua Caudell, 29, was shot and killed on 2-28-22. Sgt. Caudell was part of a K-9 unit asked to assist local police in a manhunt. Sgt. Caudell is survived by a wife and three children. His brother said, “Josh was somebody every young boy should grow up to be.” https://www.fox16.com/news/local-news/friends-family-remember-fallen-dept-of-corrections-officer/

• Huntington Beach (CA) Police Officer Nicholas Vella died in a helicopter crash on 2-19-22 responding to a "disturbance fight call." Officer Vella, 44, was a 14-year police veteran and is survived by his wife and teenage daughter. https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2022/02/20/huntington-beach-police-helicopter-crashes-in-newport-beach/

• Bridgewater College Police Officer John Painter, 55, and safety officer Vashon “J.J.” Jefferson, 48, were shot and killed on 2-1-22 responding to a call about a suspicious man on campus. Authorities later found multiple guns connected to the assailant, who was arrested shortly after the shooting. A police colleague of the two officers said, “They really saved a lot of lives yesterday. This thing could have turned out very, very bad.” Bridgewater College shooting: students mourn killings of campus officers - The Washington Post

• Harris County (TX) Sheriff’s Corporal Charles Galloway, 47, was shot and killed during a traffic stop on 1-23-22. After he was pulled over, the assailant exited his vehicle and fired multiple shots from what is believed to have been an assault weapon while Corporal Galloway was still in his patrol car. Harris County Pct. 5 deputy killed during traffic stop in Houston | khou.com

• New York City Police Officer Jason Rivera, 22, was shot and killed 1-21-22 responding to a domestic disturbance in Harlem. His partner, Wilbert Mora was also shot and critically wounded. https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/21/us/nypd-officers-shot/index.html Love this opinion piece by Maureen Dowd entitled, "Rhapsody for a Boy in Blue!" It tells the story of the life and death of NYPD Officer Jason Rivera, who was murdered earlier this year. https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/opinion/dowd-rhapsody-for-a-boy-in-blue/?msclkid=1f14ee02cf0411eca3f778cedf2f53c2

• Memphis (TN) Police Officer Corille Jones was killed in a traffic crash while on duty on 1-20-22. Remembering and honoring a fallen law enforcement hero. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2022/01/20/memphis-police-officer-killed-after-being-struck-east-shelby-drive/6591236001/

• 2021 was the deadliest year in law enforcement history. Based on preliminary data compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 458 federal, state, local, territorial and tribal officers died in the line of duty last year. The highest total previously was 1930, when there were 312 line of duty deaths. 2021 EOY Fatalities Report (nleomf.org)

• A summary of the 73 law enforcement officers murdered in 2021—the highest number since 2001—and a tribute from FBI Director Christopher Wray. The Cops Who Didn’t Come Home - WSJ

• New Haven (CT) Police Officer Diane Gonzalez died on January 10, 2021, from injuries suffered in a traffic crash 13 years earlier. Officer Gonzalez was responding to an emergency domestic violence call when she crashed into another officer’s vehicle. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for the last 13 years. The other officer in the crash, Sgt. Dario “Scott” Aponte was killed instantly in the crash. After 13 years in a coma, New Haven officer involved in a crash that killed her fellow officer has died - Hartford Courant

• Bradley (IL) Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic, 49, was shot and killed on December 29, 2021, by a repeat felon. She was shot with her own weapon while she pleaded for her life. Her partner, Officer Tyler Bailey, was also shot in the arrest incident and is in critical condition. Illinois prosecutors seek death penalty for duo that executed police officer while she begged for her life | The Post Millennial

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) Police Officer Mia Goodwin, 33, was killed in a traffic crash on December 22, 2021. Officer Goodwin was in her patrol vehicle at an accident scene when a tractor-trailer hit a truck cab that in turn collided with her vehicle. CMPD officer dies in wreck on I85 in Charlotte | Charlotte Observer

• Louisville (KY) Metro Police Officer Zachary Cottongim, 29, was struck and killed while tending to an abandoned vehicle on December 18, 2021. https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2021/12/19/lmpd-officer-zach-cottongim-dies-after-being-hit-vehicle-64/8958910002/

• Mesquite (TX) Police Officer Richard Lee Houston II, was shot multiple times and killed on December 3, 2021, while responding to a disturbance in a grocery store parking lot. Officer Houston had served for 21 years and leaves behind a wife and three children. Mesquite police identify officer killed in shootout in grocery store parking lot (dallasnews.com)

• Big Stone Gap (VA) Police Officer Michael Chandler, 29, was shot and killed while conducting a welfare check on November 13, 2021. Virginia police officer killed, suspect in custody (apnews.com)

• Two Georgia law enforcement officers died hours apart on November 8, 2021, after being shot in separate incidents involving domestic disputes. Jackson County Deputy Lena Nicole Marshall was 49, and the single mother of three children. Henry County Officer Paramhans Desai was 38, and married with two children. https://www.ajc.com/news/hours-apart-2-georgia-officers-make-the-ultimate-sacrifice/5YJV6ITFIBHHZLDIMEFN7LESJA/

• Kingsville (TX) Senior Patrolman Sherman Otto Benys Jr., a 19-year police veteran, died on November 4, 2021, from a gunshot wound he suffered three days earlier while responding to a domestic disturbance. He is survived by a wife, two daughters and a son. Kingsville officer Benys dies of gunshot wounds (kristv.com)

• Harris County (TX) Deputy Kareem Atkins, 30, was shot and killed in an ambush attack while investigating a robbery on October 14, 2021. Survivors include his wife and a six-month old son, and two-year-old daughter. Two other deputies were wounded in the shooting. https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/harris-county-precinct-4-deputy-constbales-fatal-shooting/285-169a3b40-462a-455c-9a4c-ec8277f267f4

• May 27, 2021 - Stephen Arnold, a Jefferson Parish (LA) deputy died of the injuries he suffered in 2016 when he was shot five times serving a narcotics arrest warrant in New Orleans. JPSO deputy shot 5 times in New Orleans in 2016, dies from his injuries | News | nola.com

• U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died as a result of injuries sustained during the Jan. 6 riot, will lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol. Brian Sicknick, Capitol Police officer who died from riot injuries, to lie in honor in Rotunda (nbcnews.com)

• Two FBI Special Agents were shot and killed and three others were wounded while serving a warrant in Sunrise (FL). FBI agents killed in Florida: Suspect reportedly used doorbell cam, fired assault rifle through closed door | Fox News

• A Hancock County (MS) deputy, Ricky Adam, was shot and killed when he responded to an attempted suicide. Hancock County MS sheriff’s deputy dies after shooting | Biloxi Sun Herald

• New York City Police Sergeant William Brautigam, 47, has died of an illness related to his recovery efforts 20 years ago following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. NYPD veteran dies of 9/11-related illness nearly 20 years after attacks - New York Daily News (nydailynews.com)

• New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrott was shot and killed during a traffic stop by a drug trafficker. New Mexico State Police officer shot and killed on highway - ABC News (go.com)

• Ohio Natural Resources Officer Jason Lagore suffered a medical emergency and died while responding to a call that two people had fallen through the ice. Natural Resource Officer Jason Lagore Died in the Line of Duty | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)

• Tampa (FL) Police Officer Jesse Madsen, 45, was killed when his vehicle collided with a wrong-way driver on a Florida highway. Officials believe he intentionally veered his car into the wrong-way driver’s path to protect others. Officer veered into path of wrong-way driver to protect others, chief says (fox13now.com)