The calling to the mission of law enforcement has resonated in the hearts of men and women from every town, hamlet, and city across our country for over 150 years.
In Broward County, the fallen officers and their K-9 partners, like those across our nation, have represented the continuum of ultimate sacrifice each day in protecting and serving our community.
The first law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty in Broward County was Marshal John Clifton with the then Dania Beach Police Department. His End of Watch, March 7, 1914. The magnitude of the dangers Marshal Clifton faced 110 years ago were different, but not the personal risks he took to protect our community. Marshall Clifton was gunned down in the line of duty, responding to a domestic violence dispute. Justice was never delivered. The following year, the Marshal who took over after Marshal Clifton’s murder, was himself murdered in the line of duty responding to domestic violence murder suicide.
Broward College Institute for Public Safety created a Law Enforcement Memorial to honor and remember law enforcement officers and K-9 partners who gave their lives while serving our community. This year, we honor and remember the 83 law enforcement officers and 7 K-9 partners who died in the line of duty.
When our law enforcement heroes gave the ultimate sacrifice, most of us slept comfortably, or went about our business without any awareness of the moment they were putting their lives on the line or the close calls that preceded that ultimate sacrifice.
For families of the fallen, however, they always carried the burden of fear and the worst possible moment long before the fallen gave the ultimate sacrifice to our community. That fear and knowledge for the families began the moment the fallen were pinned with the Badge and swore to protect our community. From that moment on, each day or night, each shift, each training mission, families always were fully aware of the risks, praying their law enforcement loved one would come home safe. Until that tragic moment …
Our commitment to the fallen and their families can never be measured by ceremonies and speeches, by pins or proclamations, or moments of silence or the jarring sounds around us from the salute in honor. For us as a community, as we receive the dividends each day of the work and sacrifice of our law enforcement community, even when we have no insight to all that has been done to protect us, when another hero is stolen from us in the line of duty, we have irrevocable debt that must be paid. A debt that was lodged when the fallen swore to uphold and protect, and we were linked at that moment to the fallen forever to honor their sacrifice and embrace their families.
While we remember and honor the fallen, let us also reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who continue to serve on the front lines with courage and professionalism to ensure the safety and well-being of our entire community. May their dedication be met with sincere support and appreciation, now and always.
Join me at the Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony as we pause to honor their memory and extend our deepest gratitude to their families and loved ones, who carry the weight of the ultimate sacrifice each day.
May 2nd, 2024
7:00 pm
Broward College Central Campus
Between Buildings 21 and 22
3501 Davie Road
Davie, Florida 33314