DADE CITY, Fla. – Pasco County held its annual Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service Friday. It was a chance for law enforcement, families, and the community to come together to honor those lost locally and nationwide.
- Law enforcement agencies from across county attended
- 134 officers killed in the line of duty nationwide in 2017
“I’m glad the community does this. I’m glad that it’s been able to shed light on a lot of other fallen officers and their families,” said Sandy Harrison, daughter of fallen Pasco County Sheriff’s Capt. Charles Bo Harrison.
Next month marks 15 years since Harrison, promoted from lieutenant posthumously, was fatally shot while sitting in his patrol car.
“We still have Capt. Harrison’s car in our impound lot,” said Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. “I saw it the other day, and it’s one of those things that brings you back to realize these were heroes in our community.”
Law enforcement agencies from across the county were in attendance. Theresa Kondek, widow of fallen Tarpon Springs Police Officer Charles Kondek, said the support she’s received from the public and especially the law enforcement community isn’t limited to events like Friday’s ceremony.
“We’ve never been alone, and it’s nothing for me to come home and have flowers at my door or to have someone visit one of my kids or bring them flowers. So, I’m grateful for that,” Kondek said.
“It never stops for these families. Every special event, their loved one’s not here,” said Gov. Rick Scott.
Sheriff’s office spokesperson Kevin Doll noted at the beginning of the ceremony that 2017 was a deadly one for law enforcement, with 134 officers killed in the line of duty nationwide.
Gov. Scott and other speakers spoke about the importance of continuing to support their families. He said an amendment will be on the ballot this fall that would offer family members of fallen law enforcement and military free tuition.
In the meantime, families said they’ll go on remembering those they’ve lost.
“We miss him. It’s easier, but it never goes away,” said Harrison.