Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace, Trooper Young. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

My uncle was a great example of a Florida State Trooper. He is missed everyday. Jeff told the suspect, he could drive away if he just wouldn't shoot him. This coming from a man on his knees in a ditch, pleading for his life. BUT, Daniel Burns decided to pull the trigger on my uncle after several minutes to think about what he was going to do.
This thing of a man is still breathing in our state prison, there is no excuse for it, not at all.

I love you Jeff and I am working on bringing Daniel burns to justice for you and our family.......

Debbie Smith

January 16, 2012

My heart and prayers are with the family of this hero, may you know that we have not forgotten... Trooper Young, continue to rest in peace sir and thank you for your service, protection and dedication. We will never forget the sacrifice you made.

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

deb

August 18, 2011

It was my privilege to serve with Jeff for 2 years at Manatee SO. He was a true professional - firm and fair to all he encountered. You couldn't ask for a better man to have your back.
Jeff fiercely loved his family, friends and his work in law enforcement. After 24 years, I still grieve the loss of my friend - Jeff's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Theresa Greene, Ex-Deputy
Manatee County

June 8, 2011

I only had the blessed opportunity to be a part of your life for three years. During that three years I learned so much about you and what a wonderful person you were. Victor always felt you were more of a brother to him than an uncle. It does not seem fair that you were taken away from your family and friends and that MONSTER is still sitting on death row! I always hoped grandma would live to see that monster put to death but she didn't. However, she is in a much better place taking care of her baby boy again. You are missed by many friends and your family.

Debbie Cullars
Niece by marriage

June 14, 2010

The Night Jeff was killed I was returning from Tampa. As I got to the Manatee River I saw a sea of blue lights. I saw my chiefs truck on the side of the road and stopped. He grabbed me and said, "it's Jeff Young and he's dead". my heart sank. Jeff sometimes stopped by the firehouse to use the bathroom or discuss a run. I remember him like others on this site for his ability to locate drug dealers. He was dedicated and a nice guy. When I saw his body on the side of the road in the ditch and the wounds that suggested that he died begging for his life, i am filled with anger and sadness. I cannot imagine what goes through your mind as something like that happens to you. Nobody should die doing their job. If i remember correctly, he just had a son and was so proud. My prayers are with him and his family. Jeff's soul will not rest until his murderer is put to death. I look forward to that day

Lieutenant (ret.) Russell Randolph
Braden River Fire Rescue

May 16, 2010

I still miss you Uncle Jeff!!

Debbie Smith
Niece

October 10, 2009

Rest easy Trooper

Deputy & Firefighter
Glades County, FL

August 28, 2009

21 years have passed and people still think of you with fond memories.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

August 18, 2008

What a pleasure to read these reflections and learn of this great man and hero. I honor Trooper Young on this day.

Angel in Alabama

March 15, 2008

So many times during the last twenty years I have driven over the bridge bearing Trooper J.D. Young's name and wondered who he was, why the bridge was named after him, and what kind of life he lived. Finally tonight, I googled him and found these lovely tributes to an officer, a gentleman, and a beloved son, husband, father who touched many lives and left the world a better place than it was when he came into it. Now when I drive over the bridge I can put a face and a soul to the name that made me so curious for so long, and bless Trooper Young and his family and friends for remembering him in such a loving way. I join them in this moving tribute and will thank Trooper Young for his service and his sacrifice every time I cross the bridge that bears his name.

Perry Barber
private citizen, Florida resident

January 6, 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

December 12, 2007

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 2, 2007

Well Brother... It has been 20 years ago today. I just want to say, "Thanks for watching out for us". I still think of the Academy days. Until next time my friend...

Corporal Gregory A. Cohn
Florida Highway Patrol

August 18, 2007

I remember Jeff from back in the early 1980's, before he went into the FHP. I was working at the K-mart in west Bradenton on Manatee Avenue back in those days while going to college. Some of my friends and coworkers would always gather at the sporting goods counter and talk about guns, target shooting, and hunting. That's how I got to meet and know Jeff. He was good friends with a couple of the guys that worked in the sporting goods department. I remember Jeff as being a really friendly and easy-going kind of guy, smiling and laughing while we all talked about whatever. I moved away from Bradenton in 1983 and went to college/lived in Daytona Beach during the time that Jeff passed away. I remember hearing about the incident from my friends and family back in Bradenton and it really shocked and saddened me,....... to know that something violent like this happened to someone that I knew personally! I had sort of forgotten over these past years on how Jeff looked, but I was reminded when I saw his picture in the FHP website. And it saddens me to see his face again after 25 or so years have gone by, knowing that he's gone,..........but never forgotten!!! Vic

Vic Doriot
Friend

August 16, 2007

My dad was his partner at the time and I was about two years old. I don't remember Trooper Young but I still have a stuffed animal he gave to me when I was small. I have always heard good things of this man. He will always be remembered!

Stephanie

February 27, 2007

I worked with Jeff early in my career with FHP while stationed in Miami. We routinely backed each other up on calls, and chatted afterwards in passing while patrolling our zones. Jeff was a very friendly, pleasant person, always smiling and positive about his job. He was a dedicated trooper, and made friends wherever he went.

Big Bill - Brother Trooper
FHP Pilot -

January 25, 2007

I will never forget reading about the circumstances of Trooper Young's death. My heart still aches for such a senseless loss. I was an officer myself, at the time, in Clearwater, Florida; and I am still in law enforcement today. I want his family & friends to know that even someone who had never met him deeply regrets, and continues to feel, their loss. Our Law Enforcement family never forgets our losses and we can only trust that the peace of God continues to sustain you until you meet again.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD

October 23, 2006

I used to see trooper young at Wendy's on occasion and he was always a nice and friendly fellow. Trooper Young once stopped me for a minor traffic violation but did not issue a citation. I am saddened to learn of his death. My sympathies to his family.

Rev. Leon M. Roberts
First Christian Church

January 13, 2006

I remember the night this took place. I was 7 and my father was called out to search on horseback. I remember listening to the scanner with my mom, who was a wreck, fearing for all involved LEO's safety. Whenever I think about that or see your picture on the academy wall, it sharpens my officer safety awareness. If nothing else good could come from this, that is at least one thing. Thank you.

Deputy Aaron Bowen
Manatee Co. S.O.

January 9, 2006

Jeff;
Gone, but never, NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Your kindness spans the years, never to be forgotten.

September 13, 2005

Jeff, it has been over 18 years now and you are still in my thoughts. Being classmates in the Academy was an experience we all still cherish. It still seems like yesterday when we were both in Miami and you told me of your transfer back home. That was the last time I saw you. I know you are watching over me because of some real close calls I have had. Jeff, one day when I am called up, just greet me at the gate and show me Heaven's Highway. I know it's better than here... Until then my friend.

Corporal Gregory A. Cohn
Florida Highway Patrol - St. Augustine

August 25, 2005

K9 Deputy Mike Pennell and myself were sent from Hillsborough County to assist in any way possible. We were the 2 lead Deputies pushing the suspect into the Little Manatee River where he was apprehended by Fish & Game Officers in boats. This was the most heart wrenching incident in my law enforcement career. I still think about Jeff to this day, and say a little prayer for he and his family. Jeff was part of a big family of officers that still miss him to this day. The hundreds of officers that were there that day along I-75 from 5 or 6 different agencies, will never forget.

Joseph Barbarise Ex-Deputy
Hillsborough

April 11, 2004

Its hard to realize 16 yrs have passed. Jeff was not only a true professional, he was also measured as a great person. The 1-75 corridor was a haven for drug dealers and smugglers moving shipments from the SW coast, north. Jeff and his partner were in the middle of that battle and worked with and in support of the Sarasota and Manatee Country Sheriffs Narcotics Units to interdict crack cocaine shipments from Lee County where it was being manufactured. Jeff was one of those guys you know you can trust your life with, but also had fun doing the job with.
You are still missed.

Curtis Shewchuk, Capt. Retired

September 11, 2003

I was on duty in nearby Polk County, FL, the day this occurred. I remember getting the BOLO and proceeding to the county line area looking for the suspect vehicle just in case he had headed our way. God bless Trooper Young and his family & friends. He died trying to make this world a better place for us all and I have no doubt he continues to be rewarded for it at that place where there is no more pain and sorrow. Until we see you again ....

Deputy Sheriff
Polk County Sheriff's Office, Bartow, FL