Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Monday, January 8, 1979
Add to My HeroesRonald D. Florence
Officer Ronald Florence, Officer Fred Lucy, and Officer Charles Thompson were killed in a plane crash while en route to pickup a prisoner in Panama City, Florida.
The Cessna 411, which had been seized several weeks prior, developed engine problems within minutes of taking off from Craig Field in Jacksonville. The pilot attempted to return to the airport was forced to attempt an emergency landing in a field along Beach Boulevard. The plane struck a telephone pole and then the roof of a car dealership before coming to rest. All three officers were killed on impact.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsRest in Peace Officer Florence. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Florence Family and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey
January 6, 2024