The Osceola County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony held on Monday, May 17, was a solemn and heartfelt event that paid tribute to the fallen officers who dedicated and sacrificed their lives while serving and protecting the community. This annual ceremony, which took place in Osceola County Courthouse Square, served as a powerful reminder of the commitment and bravery exhibited by law enforcement officers.
The ceremony, which began with a beautifully reverent version of our National Anthem sung by Alieah Hemans, included St. Cloud Police Chief Douglas Goerke, Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland, Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez, and the event’s keynote speaker Deputy Chief Yuberky Almonte from the Osceola County Corrections Department.
Annually, the ceremony aims to provide healing and comfort to the families of the fallen officers, and is a time for reflection and remembrance, as well as an opportunity to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by these brave men and women in uniform. Family members of
During the memorial ceremony, officers from various agencies in Osceola County, both line of duty deaths and non-line of duty deaths, were honored, highlighting the unity among different law enforcement agencies as they stood together to remember their fallen comrades.
Family members of slain Kissimmee Police Officer Matthew Baxter were in attendance once again. Officer Matthew Baxter’s wife, along with daughters Zarah, Sophia, and Isabella placed a blue flower during the ceremony Baxter. Relatives of Sgt. Richard “Sam” Howard, who was shot in an ambush with Officer Baxter on Aug. 18. 2017 also placed a flower in his memory.
The Law Enforcement Memorial closed with a symbolic “10-7 Last Call” before a multi-agency 21-gun salute took place on the steps of the Historic Osceola County Courthouse, followed by the playing of Taps by trumpeter J. Craig Wagner, the playing of bagpipes by Bob Cunningham, and the retiring of the colors.
The annual Osceola County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony holds deep significance for the community and law enforcement agencies alike, as it brings together officers from various departments and provides a platform for the families of fallen officers to receive support from a compassionate Osceola County community.
