CRIME

Memorial service pays tribute to fallen law enforcement

Collin Breaux
cbreaux@pcnh.com

PANAMA CITY - Law enforcement officers killed on duty are not forgotten by their brothers and sisters in Bay County.

Local law enforcement departments held a memorial service Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Panama City to honor them. The event was the 2nd annual memorial in Bay County, after the first held in May 2018.

Eight local officers were recognized, seven killed on duty in Bay County: Bay County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Charles Scott killed in 1917, BCSO Deputy Will Pledger killed in 1935, Bay County Constable’s Office Constable Wayne Coram killed in 1951, Panama City Police Patrolman Jerry Wells killed in 1973, BCSO Sgt. Floyd Moore killed in 1986, BCSO Deputy Don Johnson killed in 1999 and Panama City Beach Police Sgt. Kevin Kight killed in 2005.

Ryan Seguin, a Deputy with Broward County Sheriff’s Office killed in 2006, was also recognized since he has family in Bay County. Elected officials, community members and law enforcement filled the church to show respect, and the names of fallen officers in 2019 were read.

“To my brothers and sisters in law enforcement, 2018 presented to us more challenges than we could ever imagine with the active shooter incident in Briarwood and Hurricane Michael. I’m so proud of the way you responded to these incidents with courage and conviction,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford. “I’m honored to serve with you. You represent the best in this community. ... Let us never forget the sacrifices of our fallen comrades and hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity to honor their memory.”

The songs “The Weight of the Badge” and “Taps” were played, and there was also an Honor Guard and 21-gun salute.

“These men, like so many men and women who today choose to answer the call to serve and protect, did so emulating the highest attributes we seek in our servant leaders,” said Panama City City Manager and guest speaker Mark McQueen, whose son is a BCSO deputy. “These men display the four C’s which are the hallmarks of distinguished service to their fellow man: courage, candor, competence and commitment. Their magnificent service serves as a beacon for what right looks like and encourages each of us to press on.”

Capt. Rick Warden with the Florida Highway Patrol said one lost law enforcement officer is too many.

“Yet, if you think about the solemn occasion that we’re now sharing, we’re doing it in tribute to them and the families that lost a loved one, society that lost a peacemaker. We keep the peace so everyone can enjoy the lifestyles we have come to know here in this country,” said Warden. “If that call comes in, we’re going to respond.”