Holmes County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Tuesday, September 17, 1996
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Lonny Lee Lindsey
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On the night of September 17th, 1996, my nephew responded to a call about the state line liquor store being robbed and the robbers had already made their escape. As a lone officer, and despite his ill health, my nephew made an extra turn that would be his last. Upon seeing a truck broken down on the side of the road in the vicinity, my nephew stopped to offer his help. Two men, who Lonny had recognized from school, turned their heads, claiming their muffler broke and they had it under control. Lonny, analyzing the vehicle, noticed the gun and bag of cash in the front seat. Making his way to his vehicle, he quickly alerted the only other officer on duty, calling "Holmes County #7, I believe I found the suspects who robbed the liquor store." His next and very last radio contact was
"Shots fired, shots fired! #7 down!"
Nobody will understand the loss of Officer Lonny Lee Lindsey like his family, friends, and his fellow officers. The loss of a hero who died doing his best to protect what was right. My nephew was so special to every one of us. I love you Lonny and you will never be forgotten.
Shannen Lindsey Jenkins
Aunt
July 17, 2024
I’m from Holmes County and I remember Deputy Lindsey and the tragic event that took is life. He was, and is, a hero. The last time I saw him he had pulled over a friend from Blountstown over for speeding up on highway 2. We were heading to Dothan. He was about to write him a ticket and when he recognized me in the back seat and said “since you’ve got him in the back seat I’ll let you off with a warning.” About a month or so later he was gone.
May God continue to bless and comfort his family.
Charles Fish
Holmes Countian
June 24, 2024
Thank you for being thoughtful
and unselfish twenty-five years ago when you answered that call. I know you wanted to help but we sure miss you, love you and will never forget you!
Aunt Rita
October 16, 2021
Deputy Sheriff Lindsey,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Holmes County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
September 17, 2021
Your incredible selfless actions that day are the true meaning of hero. Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 17, 2020
Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Lindsey.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
September 17, 2019
True dedication from a Hero....RIP
Sgt Yoli Trujillo, Retired
Corpus Christi (Tx) P.D.
September 18, 2016
Rest in peace.
Sgt. Jim Russo
September 18, 2016
The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.
Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.
A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9
Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association
August 20, 2016
We released 17 balloons for you this morning, one for every year you've been gone. They say you never know how bright a light shines until it is snuffed out. Your light was worth so much more than people realize. I miss you so much.
Victoria Lindsey
Daughter
September 17, 2013
Gone but not forgotten... Thank you for your sacrifice for your fellow man and community... We will never forget!!
Ofc. S. White
Holmes WorkCamp
September 16, 2013
Continue to rest in peace Deputy Lindsey, you will never be forgotten..
Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL
September 17, 2012
Rest in Peace, Deputy Lindsey. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
February 13, 2012
Today is Father's Day 2011, and this is still one of the toughest days without you Daddy. It seems like you are always waiting in the next room, just around the corner, standing just outside the front door. I can still remember the crazy things we used to do together, and that is what keeps me going everyday. I love you Daddy.
To all those who have posted, or will post a reflection on here:
I would just like to take a moment to thank you all for your kind words and thoughts to the family that have yet to be addressed. I read these messages from time to time, but have never gotten a chance to tell you all how much we appreciate all the thoughts and prayers sent our way and still being sent our way, even after almost fifteen years. We understood when Daddy died that we had been inducted into some family network, but I don't think we ever realized how large that family is, spanning across the entire United States. Thank you all for thinking of us, and please accept from me, on behalf on my entire family, our condolences on your own losses.
Victoria Lindsey
Daughter
June 19, 2011
My dear sweet brother, how I wish I was able to spend more time with you but God had a greater plan for you. You will always be my HERO. I love you.
Correctional Officer M. Bowser
Sister, Holmes Correctional Institution
February 3, 2011
We will never forget a hero... The pain in your families heart is a great today as it was in 1996, so may God be with them and continue to guide them on their journey.
Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler FL
Anonymous
September 17, 2010
Another Christmas with out you, 13 years later and we still miss you.
I love you and think of you often, Aunt Patty
Patty Lindsey
Aunt Patty
December 11, 2009
Thank you for your service, you have not been forgotten.
Coming from a small agency, (3 Road Patrol Deputies per Shift) I can relate to your story. Responding from home for additional 94 on your day off is absolutly incredible and makes you a true Hero. I wish there were more like you out there.
Rest easy Deputy...
Deputy and Firefighter
Florida
September 17, 2009
To the family and friends of Deputy Lonny Lindsey and his fellow officers:
On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Lonny's memory on the thirteenth anniversary of the day he so tragically lost his life. His heroism, valor and bravery will be forever remembered.
Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.
This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Deputy Lindsey gave to his community and the citizens of Florida, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 17, 1996.
Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05
Anonymous
September 17, 2009
You have not been forgotten. Continue to watch over your loved ones.
Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
August 20, 2009
Thank you Deputy Lindsey for your courageous service to Florida and to our country. May your name and memory be everlasting.
Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired
December 22, 2008
I miss you daddy and I know in my heart we will be together again some day in a better place.
Joseph Lindsey
May 1, 2008
11 years later and I still miss you. I often Wonder what our life would of been if you were still in it.
I love you so much and wish I could tell you just one more time.
Aunt Patty
Patty Lindsey
Aunt
October 24, 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
Thank you for your service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.
Police Officer
August 27, 2007
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