First Annual Vigil Honored Fallen Officers

The St. Petersburg Police Department’s (First) Annual Candlelight Vigil Memorial Service was held on Monday, May 20, 2013. The event commenced at 7:30 p.m. at the Heroes of the St. Petersburg Police Law Enforcement Memorial at Demens Landing Park in downtown St. Petersburg. The park entrance is located at First Avenue South and Bayshore Drive.

This year was the first memorial service since the monument was completed and dedicated in October of 2012. It was presented to the City of St. Petersburg by the Heroes of the St. Pete Police, Inc., a non-profit organization.

The service started a tradition of a candlelight vigil during the month of May commemorating police officers, past and present, who by their faithful and loyal devotion have rendered a dedicated service to their community. An engraved, ceremonial bell was brought to the site and rung once for each fallen officer as their name was read. The solid brass 24 pound bell is engraved with “St. Petersburg Police – Fortis Heroes” and will be kept at the police station during the year. The bell’s clear tone rang out in remembrance in the beautiful waterfront park.

Although this ceremony commemorated the fifteen fallen officers of the St. Petersburg Police Department, it honors all officers that have lost their lives or have become disabled in the performance of their duty.

The public was invited to the May 20th event to remember our fallen officers and to share our respect and reverence for the dedication of all law enforcement officers with all members of our community.