Baker County honors fallen officers

Baker County honors fallen officers

"Officer Down!" These two words are the coldest, most feared and gut-wrenching that appear in law enforcement vocabulary. Unfortunately these words are heard many times each year as 

officers pay the ultimate price for their dedication to their community and their country.

Five officers were honored during tonight’s memorial service at the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. These law enforcement officers were our community’s sons, fathers brothers, and neighbors. They began their watch with an ever-present and steadfast determination to protect and serve. They selflessly paid the ultimate price.

This was the twelfth annual Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Day held by Sheriff Joey Dobson and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.

Speaking near the permanent memorial stone located in front of the BCSO, Sheriff Dobson said, "We hold this service to honor and remember those who served and died and dedicate it to those who still live and serve."

The somber ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the BCSO Honor Guard and 

Speaking near the permanent memorial stone located in front of the BCSO, Sheriff Dobson said, "We hold this service to honor and remember those who served and died and dedicate it to those who still live and serve."

was followed by an emotional rendition of the National Anthem by Miss Julie King.

The keynote address was by Kenneth Jefferson, the senior Public Information Officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Officer Jefferson, who’s family is originally from the Sanderson area, spoke eloquently about the service and sacrifice of those who chose to serve as police, fire or rescue. "They are our brave and courageous heroes of the community," he said.

Investigator David Morgan and Deputy Mike Hauge were chosen to receive the Joey Burtner Scholarship Award. The scholarship to the Institute of Police Technology and Management at the University of North Florida are in memory of Joseph Burtner, a 23-year old Sanderson resident and JSO officer slain during a shootout in 1995. The two grants were arranged through Russell Arrend of Macclenny, past director of the Institute. They were presented tonight by Bob Jacobs of IPTM.

Deputy John Hardin received the Morris Fish Award for outstanding officer of the year. This award honors Baker County Deputy Fish who was shot and killed in the line of duty while apprehending a bank robber in 1966.

A 21 gun salute honored the fallen

Other awards were given to Deputy Pete Quinley, who was honored with a special volunteer award for his selfless service to the BCSO and community. Isaac Simmons was named Explorer of the Year. Communication Officer of the Year was Jennifer Williams. The Detention Deputy of the Year award went to Thomas "Bubba" Dyal, Jr.

The ceremony included the traditional roll call of fallen officers, taps and concluded with the presentation of a 21 gun salute.

"It’s our hope that these officers’ ultimate sacrifice will not only always be appreciated but remembered," said Sheriff Dobson. "Our endless gratitude and respect go out to their families for their sacrifice and the hero they represent will not be forgotten."

In Memory Of:

• Rufus "Rufe" Thrift
  Baker County Sheriff’s Office
  Deputy Thrift was killed in the line of duty on September 17, 1904, during the famous "Baxter Rebellion." Deputy Thrift was gunned down by numerous individuals during this violent altercation. His name is engraved on the permanent memorial stone in front of the BCSO. 
• Sherman Lee Scott
  Florida Highway Patrol
  Trooper Scott was killed in the line of duty by an escaped prisoner during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 10 in 1965. The prisoner was shot and killed while being transported to the Baker County Jail.
• Morris Fish
  Baker County Sheriff’s Office
  Deputy Fish was killed in the line of duty in 1966 attempting to apprehend a bank robber. His killer was tried, convicted and sentenced to death. The sentence was later commuted to life in prison. Officer Fish’s name has been engraved on a permanent memorial stone placed in front of the BCSO. A local law enforcement officer is honored each year by receiving the Morris Fish Award for excellence and dedication to service.
• Leon Walker
  Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
  Wildlife Officer Walker was killed in the line of duty during a fatal crash in which he was pursuing a suspect for fire hunting. The suspect fled the scene, but was later arrested, charged and convicted of fleeing and eluding.
• Joseph Burtner
  Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
  Officer Burtner was killed during a shootout with a man who had barricaded himself inside a house in Jacksonville. Burtner was a 1990 graduate of Baker County High School and had been a member of the JSO only six months when he was killed. Each year a scholarship in his honor, is awarded by The Institute of Police Technology and Management at UNF to two law enforcement officers from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.