Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Phillip Black was a kind and gentle man who was constantly concerned about me driving up and down I-95 to Florida Atlantic University from Pompano Beach. I attended fairly late at night after teaching elementary school all day. His son was my student at the time of his murder. When I bought a new car, he recommended that I remove the plate on the front with my name because he said it would put me in harm's way. When he came to pick up his son from school, he would spend time in the classroom helping me clean the desk tops. A true and deeply felt loss even at this very moment. Thank you, Phillip. Your lessons were well-learned.

Claudia McCulloch

December 18, 2013

I saw a story about this incident. WOW what a brave and selfless man Trooper Black was. Sir Thank you for your Service . May God Bless.

Former Federal AGent
INS

July 20, 2013

Thank you, sir, for your service to the citizens of Florida, and for your brave sacrifice to ensure the safety of others!! I saw your death (and that of the Canadian officer) featured today on TV. RIP sir!!

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta (SC) Dept. of Public Safety

July 20, 2013

I SERVICED WITH PHILL IN THE USMC (61-64). HE WAS MY TEAM/LEADER IN THE 2ND FORCE RECON CO. THE TEAMS CONSISTED OF FOUR MEN. PHILL WAS MY BEST FRIEND. WE BOTH WERE FLORIDA RESIDENTS, PHILL BEING FROM LAKE WALES AND I FROM AUBURNDALE WE SPENT MANY WEEK-ENDS IN HIS 66 "VET" TRAVELING HWY 17 TO AND FROM CAMP GEIGER, NC. HAVING READ ALL THE REFLECTIONS FROM HIS TIME AS A TROOPER, I CAN REPORT THAT THIS EXTRAORDINARY MANS ABILITIES DID NOT BEGAN WITH THE FHP THAT IS THE WAY HE WAS HE WAS ALSO A MARINE'S MARINE. AS I STATED BEFORE WE WERE BEST FRIENDS, HE BEING A SGT. ME A L/CPL HE GAINED MY RESPECT AND OTHERS NOT BY RANK BUT BY EXAMPLE. HE SAVED MY LIFE ONCE IN THE WATERS OFF THE COAST OF ST.THOMAS VI. IN A TRAINING EXERCISE. I COULD GO OWN WITH MANY OTHER EXAMPLES OF THIS MAN'S TRUE ABILITY. NOT ONLY WAS MY FRIEND, HE WAS MY HERO ALSO.

LARRY SHELTON
2ND FORCE RECON USMC

July 1, 2013

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero.. Continue to rest in peace Trooper Black.

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

February 20, 2013

I vividly remember the day this shooting happened. My father was going to South Florida as a Lieutenant in Miami. A seemingly fun day with a friend riding with your dad is somthing I have experienced numerous times, but you never think it could go south like this.

I've only heard positive things about Phil Black. He was a man's man. There are troopers, and then there are men like Phillip Black. Christian, hold your head high and be very proud of your dad. You have my abiding respect. Convey this to the rest of your family, all of you still have us to call on, and we will be there.

My father, Capt. R.S. Howard died 09-22-09.

Best to all of Trooper Black's family

Scott

Senior Trooper Scott A. Howard#684
F.H.P. Statewide/St. Augustine District

January 14, 2013

Dad...you were taken from me at age seven yet I remember everything you taught me about life. I wish you could have been here for so many things...especially the birth of my first child, Phillip Christian Black. He would have been honored to have you for a grandfather and he would make you proud. There will always be an empty place in my heart that can never be filled. I will love you always and make sure you are never forgotten!! To all the people that wrote coments about you I say thankyou for your touching memories. Love always....your son, Christian Black.

Christian Black
Son

October 24, 2012

Proof that while you may be gone, you are never forgotten.

Today, while shopping in an Agway Hardwre in Middlebury VT, I was wearing my FHP Trooper Memorial T shirt. When asked by an employee if I was connected with the FHP. He had a young friend by the name of Phil Black who, years ago, did some work for him. He spoke of knowing him and his family. I responded I was retired from FHP Aux and was just joining when Trooper Black was killed.

It was pleasing to find this man and his memories of Trooper Black.

So many years have passed and there are three names on the memorial now that I knew and worked with as a member of the Auxiliary for 32 years. God bless our Troopers and their families.

Lt Col Lewis Mitten, FHPA Retired

August 4, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Your memory will always be honored and revered for time never diminishes respect. I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your faimly and friends for shariing their memories of you in their reflections.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 20, 2012

Continue to rest in peace Trooper Black, we will never forget...

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

February 20, 2012

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

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

I never forget your ultimate sacrifice Phillip.

Anonymous

February 20, 2011

Heroes live forever and you sir are a HERO. We will never forget the sacrifice that you and your family made for us. Continue to rest in peace.

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

Anonymous

February 20, 2011

Trooper Black, Sir may GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY! A HERO & INSPIRATION to ALL that knew you and those of us who never got the chance too! In two weeks it will be 33 years since you were murdered! Your service and life will NEVER be forgotten! GOD must have needed a special TROOPER in Heaven and thats why you are 10-8 up their! The citizen's of Florida lost a true HERO when you were taken! Thank You and may your story be a guiding light to all who were the BADGE!

Detention Deputy G. Carew
Seminole County Sheriff's Office, FL J.E.P.C.F.

February 6, 2009

We weren't friends, we were colleagues. Our lives couldn't be more different, to be so similar. I was a young, enthusiastic, reckless paramedic who you counseled, cajoled, even criticised (when I deserved it). We never socialized, just worked the scenes together. I didnt appreciate your dignity and integrity at the time, as I thought we would have years together in the brotherhood of public service... Yor professional demeanor never wavered, from the Pompano labor camps to the interstate, from a call to back up(protect) EMS, to a fatal traffic call.I have relived that early morning alarm bell, the rush to the rest stop, the news that you were gone, thousands of times in these 32 years that have passed. I think of you often and wish I could have said "Thanks" to you just once.
Thanks, Phil...

Roger Walker
Paramedic BCEMS

July 6, 2008

Trooper Black,
On today, the 32nd anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Florida. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. It took another 14 years, but your murderer finally got the justice that he deserved.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

February 20, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 12, 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

Trooper Black was a hero to my family and friends. Trooper Black was on the scene that horrible early evening a car being repaired in the Pompano Beach Skating Arena parking lot ran over 8 children. I can still remember the screams of those children as we lived across the street. My brother was one of those that was ran over and had it not been for Trooper Black passion for life, love for children, and true professionalism, all 8 of those children may not have lived through their injuries. He was not only quick to respond but his true fatherly insticts kept them from going into shock. He will always be in our hearts. Trooper Black did not call it a day of work that day, as this long day for him turned into many visits to the hospital to follow up with the kids. It saddens me that his children had to grow up without this wonderful father as all those children remember him to be. He will be remembered FOREVER!

Friend

August 29, 2007

This is for an extrodinary man & a true hero that I unfortunatly will not get the chance to meet in this lifetime. But he gave me many great things that I am forever greatful for.An incrediable son (which is my husband)and a beutiful loving wife that I get to call my mother-in-law.Of all the stories I've ever heard about him, he was not only an incrediable officer but a fun loving man that touched so many lives that I am compelled to write this reflection.We know he is watching over us everyday and his two beautiful grandchildren.(Phillip-age 11 and Megan-age 4.)Thank you to all the officers that participated in the arrest of Walter Rhodes and bringing some closer to our family.We also like to say thank you for all your kind words. And of course most of all to every single officer that goes out there everyday risking there lives for a safer tomorrow. God Bless You All!!!!

Eva M. Black
daughter-in-law

April 12, 2007

Heroes and the sacrifices they make will never be forgotten. Trooper Black, you are a true hero and you are not forgotten.

SPO
Salem, Va

February 20, 2007

When I first moved to Broward County, Florida in 1977, I would drive by the rest area where you died, and swear that someday I would become a cop. And I did. As a Deerfield Beach Police Officer, that rest area was in the City that I had been working for. And everyday, I would drive by that memorial that was placed there with the flag of Canada and our flag, flying side by side. The sight of it made me proud.
Now, after 27 years of law enforcement, and in another agency, I still look to that spot where the rest area once was, and still immediately think back to you. Though you died only months before I got here, you sir, moved me by the sight of that memorial.
Since the death of Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippet, I have promised myself I would be a police officer, and seeing that memorial made me make it happen. You did your job well, my brother, now rest in peace and know that your death has only served to inspire me, and many others to carry on the fight and to serve and protect.

Detective Ron Tomassi
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office

September 8, 2006

I remember vividly spring of 1975 when my wife and I broke down on alligator alley 80 miles from civilization save for the indian reservation. We were were staring at the collier county sign for about 4hrs when your cruiser pulled up next to us. We were so relieved to see "state trooper" on your fender and know we were safe. You saw my wifes fear so you took us (and the wifes cat) to the broward side. I told you I wanted to get into law enforcement and you shared your stories with us during the ride to davies,fl. You took the time to help us get a radiator hose for our car and drive the 80 mile trek back to our car. I,ll never forget you even jumped the indian reservation fence to get water from the river for our car. You shared your story of the armed standoff you experienced with the indian in that reservation with no backup. Your wish was to get transferred off the alley detail. I promised you a detailed comendation letter to then director of highway patrol bob butterworth which was faithfully done by me as soon as i returned home. Mr butterworth put that commedation in your file. I was further inspired to pursue a law enforcement career by your dedication and example. We were devastated when we learned of your murder 1-yr later. I sent a card to your wife and son and can,t imagine the sorrow they endured. I entered law enforcement in june 1983 and am now in my 23rd year of service. I will never forget you brother! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers often. I,m sure you watch over all of us as we go x8 and will see you again I,m sure. SINCERELY, Gus

deputy A.M.(Gus) de Ibern
PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

March 25, 2006

THANKS TO THE GOOD WORK OF LT.PAUL HENRY FL HIGHWAY PATROL ,IN THE CAPTURE OF ONE OF YOUR KILLERS IN WASHINGTON STATE,IS BACK IN FL,HAS AGAIN BEEN SENTENCED,,YOU CAN REST

WANDA KIBBLE

November 2, 2005