JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is taking time on Tuesday to remember the lives of law enforcement officers who died serving their communities.
JSO, along with the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 5-30, held their annual Police Memorial Day Observance -- Tribute to Our Fallen Officers. The event took place 10 a.m. at the Fallen Officers Memorial Wall in front of the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
The men and women of JSO and surviving family members and friends were there to honor the 63 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty since 1840, protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Duval County.
Sheriff Mike Williams delivered a message, along with a presentation of the Police Memorial Day proclamation by Mayor Lenny Curry. There was also a rifle salute by the JSO Honor Guard, a "Missing Man" flyover by JSO and partnering agencies and music played by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department's Pipes and Drums.
The 2021 service also included the unveiling of Police Lt. Christopher Cunningham's name on the Fallen Officers Memorial Wall. Cunningham died Aug. 5, 2020, following complications from COVID-19, which he contracted in the line of duty, according to JSO.
The following road closures will also be in effect before and during the ceremony:
- Duval Street between Palmetto Street and Franklin Street is scheduled to be closed from approximately 8 a.m. until after the ceremony on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
- A. Philip Randolph Boulevard from Adams Street to Beaver Street is scheduled to be closed from approximately 8 a.m. until after the ceremony on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
If there is light rain, the ceremony will still take place outside with a modified program, the release says.