SWFL honors fallen police officers during Centennial Park ceremony

Law enforcement and members of the public gathered to honor the memory of officers who lost their lives in a ceremony Wednesday morning at Centennial Park.

“Police work is a tough business,” said Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs.

A memorial was held for National Police Week and there were 17 roses representing fallen men and women of the badge.

Jerry Starks, a father of a fallen officer, was at a loss for words.

“I don’t think there are sufficient words to accomplish how that feels for a parent to lose a child,” Starks said.

Diggs stressed what comes with wearing the badge: “The duty, the honor, courage and giving the ultimate sacrifice.”

Bob Haas, a father a Hendry County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was killed in a car crash. He was deeply moved by the ceremony.

“It’s very touching. We consider ourselves all one big family,” Haas said. To get this kind of recognition is just, we really appreciate it.”

Starks added there should be more ceremonies like this nationwide to shed light and pay tribute to law enforcement.

“There’s not a broader outreach of remembrance throughout the community sort of saddens me in the times that we’re living in,” Starks said.

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