Trooper Phillip A. Black

I don’t know what compelled me to look up Officer Black’s passing today. I was a teenager and working at a restaurant off of I-95 in the Pompano Beach/Ft. Lauderdale area. As I was driving home to Coral Springs , late one night, I hit something on the railroad tracks and blew out a tire. It was late, I was alone and scared. Officer Black observed my car with the emergency flashers on from the overpass on I-95. He had the foresight to come and investigate, By the time he found me, I was hysterical. He showed such compassion for a frightened teenaged girl. He calmed down, changed my tire and sent me safely home. I was blessed to see him and his sweet wife one time after that experience when they came to dinner at the restaurant where I worked. I subsequently went off to college in Gainesville. I received a phone call from my mother one day, telling me of Officer Black’s tragic passing. I was devastated to learn of this tremendous loss. I’ve never forgotten his kindness and compassion toward me when I was so young and vulnerable. Rest in peace, Officer Black.

Sandra Giacalone
Recipient of his kindness

February 20, 2024