Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The night before his death, I ran into "Ernie" who was working off duty at Publix . He smiled that big cocky grin and said whats up Attaboy, we chatted as I always did when I saw a fellow officer. Ernie remarked that he was going to accept a job at FDLE working in missing and exploited childrens section which fit him perfectly, as he was a DCF investigator, prior to joining TPD full time. I make my goodbye, and strolled off. I did not know it was a farewell goodbye. I arose the next day and while driving to work at LCSO " all hell broke
loose on the radio". It became clear a commrade had fallen .I made my way to the crime scence as everyone else did, and stood there helpless in disbelief, and I will never forget that feeling
Later in the year I took a job with the State Attorney, and listened to the radio traffic on a tape for this incident, I will forever remember the chill going up my spine, during the silence after Ponce called 10-97, and them Greg calling 10-97, one can only imagine the awful terror felt by Greg as Greg remarked "Ponce is down , he's hurt real bad". I ask myself why does God take the good and kind, and can only find solice when I think of that big cocky smile on Ernies face during our last meeting. It is forever etched in my brain. Rest peacefully fallen commrade we wil never forget you

Jeffrey L Atteberry
Former TPD officer

July 8, 2011

It was pouring rain and I had just rolled up on the crash. Weems and 90 East at the Circle K. I was worried because I was kinda new at this and as Deputies we did not work crashes until a few weeks prior. Up rolled Ponce, "I'll help you GIO." He directed me through it and we became close friends. He wanted me to leave the S.O and come to work for T.P.D and he couldn't understand why I wanted to stay. I miss you Brother and I know your gardening in heaven, GIO

Warrants Deputy
Leon County Sheriff's Office, Tallahassee, Florida.

July 7, 2011

I never knew Ponce but I remember hearing what happened on the radio. I was 20 years old and lived in Tallahassee at the time. When I heard of the events, I thought to myself "God how terrible for the Officer and his family". Fast forward 9 years later and I found myself wearing a badge, a vest and carrying a gun as a cop in a suburb of Chicago. It's been almost 23 years but your name will be forever remembered. Rest in Peace brother.

Officer Lance Pahle
Geneva Police Dept.

May 18, 2011

Ponce,

It's been 22 years today. May you rest is peace knowing that your legacy lives on in the halls of TPD and the community. You are missed and loved.

Stephanie Anderson
Former TPD Communications/Current Niceville Police Communications

July 8, 2010

Tonight I have the honor of reading Ernie's name and EOW date at a memorial service at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in DC. I'm here attending the FBI National Academy Session 238 and tonight we honor those who have served and gone before us. I knew Ernie before he started working at TPD. We used to workout together.

Jay Etheridge

Special Agent in Charge Jay Etheridge
FDLE - former TPD Officer and friend of Ponce

July 29, 2009

I would see Ernie at the gym where we both trained. He always had a smile on his face and was a genuinely nice guy. I had been away from Tallahassee for two years when I heard about his death. Although we were not close friends, I felt as though I lost a brother. I have many friends and acquaintances in law enforcement, God Bless Ernie and all who put their lives on the line every day for our safety.

David Friedlander
Friend

March 9, 2009

Officer Ponce de Leon...Thank you for your service to Tallahassee and to our country. May your name and memory be everlasting.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired

December 6, 2008

Officer Ponce de Leon your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 25, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 8, 2007

Ernie; From a 'civilian' friend, this memorial site was found; a testiment to how many lives your life affected. I found observances from brother officers and others who u touched before we lost u, nothing short of overwhelming. In my mortal life, I will never forget having the 'real world' expieriences that we shared; IA will never know. I I miss U as I know family and brother Officers do, and should...words do not begin or describe; the love I have for you! Your Bro. Officer; Bart 532x

K-9 Sarge 532x
tpd brother

September 6, 2007

Ponce- It's been 19 long years since that horrific day in 1988. I'll never forget that terrible day and how our Dept. came together to aid our fallen brother. You are forever remembered as a kind and loving man who loved Law Enforcement and service to others. May God continue to Bless you as you watch over us all.

Sgt. Walt Beck Retired
Tallahassee Police Dept.

July 9, 2007

My father, Wilton Dozier spent over 32 years with the Tallahassee Police Department. His last position was serving as a partol Sgt. Ponce was on his squad when he was killed. Ponce had a great smile, warm heart and was polite to everyone. I will always remember seeing Ponce just a few days before he was finally called home. He said he wanted to know when my dad was going to retire because he did not want to work for anyone else. We will always miss you Ponce, love you forever!!! And I will NEVER FORGET YOU!!

Detective Garret Dozier
Leon Sheriff's Office

March 29, 2007

Ponce you were an amazing man, funny and serious, but always a joy to be around. The events of July 18, 1988 are always remembered by those who knew you well. Such a horrific day, and still we await justice. You will always be loved.

Kathleen M. Schoff
Tallahassee Police Dept

September 23, 2005

God Bless you Officer Ponce de Leon. You are loved by those who knew you, and still loved and honored today and always.

Officer
Metro Nashville Police Department

April 8, 2005

Ponce:
I remember July 8,1988 too clearly as I was a Detective at the Leon County Sheriff's Department when your call rang out. We (like every other cop on duty in Tallahassee) raced to the scene, praying all would be ok.
You made your mark at TPD and with the kids of Tallahassee that you helped along the way, not to mention the citizens you served. You'll never be forgotten, my friend. You are in a better place now.
Mike Bradford; LCSD, TPD

Mike Bradford
Tallahassee Police Dept. Ret

I did not know "Ponce" personally, but know him only from a FSU Prof. Gearge Kirkham treaining video in which he appeared. I still get chills when I hear the recording of the TPD dispatcher repeatedly calling him on the radio and getting no response.

From what I understand he was a very popular officer with a great sense of humor. Being a retired police officer and FSU grad I am always deeply touched when a Tallahassee officer goes down. My deepest condolences to all who knew him.

Det./Capt. Steve Marshall M.A.
AAPEX Security & Investigations

Ponce
I will never forget your ability to crack a joke when I was a young officer. Your willingness to back anyone up will never be forgotten. Watch over us and protect as as we carry out the job you started. You will never be forgotten!

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

Ponce,
It has been a long time, but you have not been forgotten. I remember you everday I clinch my vest to go to work. I remember you every time I walk into Publix, as if you would still be doing your off-duty there. Sometimes I go by your gravesite and see little rememberances my co-workers still leave for you. We will never forget you.

Officer Sherry Thompson
Tallahassee Police Department

Earnest and I were very good friends. I met Earnest when he worked with the Dept. of Juvenile Justice. He loved kid's and always talked about going to work in law enforcement so he could put his juvenile experience to better use trying to influence kid's before they could go bad. When Earnest started with the Tallahassee Police Department we worked several cases together and Earnest kept his goal to assist kid's. Most of his close friends, fellow law men and kid's knew him as "Ponce". I will never forget him as he was truly
a friend and fellow officer. "Gone but never forgotten".

Paul

Det. Paul Sauls
Leon County Sheriff's Office