Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service, both military and LE, and always know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

June 24, 2020

I was on medical transport from Hendry C.I. When this incident happened. Was already in Ft. Myers when control room told me to return to institution immediately. Sad day.

Retired
Fl State Correctional Officer

June 24, 2019

We all know it can happen,
When we put our Colors on.
It only takes an instant,
Then one of us is gone.

Day to day we walk our beat,
In God we put our faith.
'Cause we're the law inside the wall,
We keep the Public safe.

You've done the job that few can do,
Your shift is at an end.
Farewell my Brother,
Rest in peace,
On you we could depend.

Lt. Larry E Peoples, (Ret.)
Florida Department of Corrections

June 24, 2019

Rest in peace Correctional Officer Griffis.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 1, 2019

Officer Griffis,
On today, the 29th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a LEO but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army-especially in Vietnam. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

June 24, 2016

Fred and I served in the US Army together at Ft. Stewart from 80-83. he was a good guy and a great maint. Sgt. we lost touch after I got sent to Korea in 82. He will be greatly missed

SSG. Lee Brown
FRiend, fellow NCO 2/21 Inf. Ft Stewart, Ga

March 27, 2016

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 24, 2015

Another selfless officer who was taken too soon. Undoubtedly, you showed the same bravery in Vietnam. Thank you for your service to this great country and thank you for your service for your community. God bless you and your family.

Andrew Tarnowicz

December 10, 2014

We will never forget... You sir are a hero who will forever be remembered. Continue to rest in peace CO Griffis.

Deb Azure

June 24, 2013

Officer Griffis,
The bravery and commitment to duty you displayed that day is truly remarkable and inspiring. It's men like you who make this such an honorable profession. My wife is also a detention officer with the same agency where I am a shift supervisor. We will keep you in our prayers from this day forward. The men and women I serve with will learn of your courage and sacrifice and we will honor you always. Thank you for the service and protection you provided for our great nation. You have my deepest respect my brother. Rest easy. Honore Semper

Herb Fernandez
Detention Corporal
Midland County Sheriff's Office TX
Senior Honor Guard Member

June 24, 2013

My words cannot bring the comfort that is needed for the surviving family. I do not understand when a person has no concern for life. This touched my heart because not only because today is fathers day but this C.O; had love ones and fellow C.O's and LEO's that also loved him. May God bring comfort to those who know and love this State of Florida C.O. Retire Florida LEO, Larry

Ret. Lt. L.Chatfield
Florida

June 16, 2013

Rest In Peace My Brother.
We as CO's never get the recognition we deserve, until something like this happens. Rest Well Brother!!

J.E. Roberts COIII
TDCJ

June 16, 2013

Fred, I did not have the pleasure of knowing you. Reading your story, Sir, you are a hero. Rest in Peace my friend. I have five of my buddies up there from my agency the Little Rock Police Department. These guys were killed during my career. Don McGuire, David Barnett, Henry Callanan, Joseph Tucker Fisher and Jack Cooper. You fellas rest in peace. Bless your families and co-workers.

Sgt. Marty Garrison
Ret. Little Rock Police Dept.

June 16, 2013

Ms. Griffis, Your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Lt

June 16, 2013

My brother Fred was everything to me. Growing up together we looked out for each other. We were looking forward to spending more time together after his retirement from the Army. Now I visit him at his grave (where I am now), at his name on the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in DC, in my pictures and in my memory.
Rest in peace, Fred.

Susan Griffis
Sister

June 12, 2013

Fred was my first cousin, who I was just getting to know better during the last several years of his life. Up until Fred got stationed in Georgia back in the 1980's, his service to our country in the U. S. Army kept him overseas for most of his 20-years in the service, so we rarely got to see him. But when he got stationed in Georgia, he would come home to attend family reunions held at the old Pine Grove Church in Raiford, FL. Fred would usually stay at my parents house for those visits, so we got to spend some time together.
Fred was a gentle, kind hearted, and very brave man who I wish I had the opportunity to have known even better. Fred was several years older than I, so I considered him a role model.
I have missed him for the last 26 years and will never forget him!

Dale Traylor
1st Cousin

June 11, 2013

I know complete and earthly justice will not bring you back to your family. I pray that as the execution of Van Poyck on June 12, 2013 occurs there will be some level of closure for your family. Thank you for your service, both at home and abroad.

Cindy Hatcher Warren
Mother of Ofc. David Curtis, Tampa PD, EOW 6/29/10

June 10, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 27th anniversary year 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 who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
I also thank you for your service to our country as a Vietnam vet.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace

I pray for solace for those who call you beloved, especially your brother and thank him for sharing his memories through his reflection.

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

November 13, 2012

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all for us, and you sir are a hero. May you continue to rest in peace CO Griffis... My prayers are with your family today and always.

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

June 24, 2012

Fred Griffis was my brother. He served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, having spent three years serving in Vietnam Nam and more than a decade training other soldiers to protect our country. After he retired from the Army he was hired as a Corrections Officer and was killed preventing the escape of a convicted murderer.

Fred is deeply missed by our family, on who's behalf I want to thank all of you for the wonderful and moving comments you have left here to honor his memory. I also want to thank you for your service to keep our communities safe. Your dedication and courage is inspirational.

Mr. Ronald Griffis
Brother

May 28, 2012

I was told about Officer Griffis when I was in the academy. It gave me a lump in my throat. It made me realize what a hero is. It also meant that I had to live up to what he had done. Ever since my first transport, i always tell the other Officer (or Deputy now) that if we are ambushed, no one will get the keys. Some of them look at me like I'm crazy. Others understand. Its just how me, and some other folks are in this line of work. I hope I can be as brave as you were that day Officer Griffis. I hope it does'nt happen to me or anyone else. May you rest in peace. Thank you for so bravely giving your life for us. I'm sorry it had to be this way.

Deputy
Pasco Sheriffs Office, FL

April 15, 2012

Rest in Peace, Correctional Officer Griffis. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

May your soul rest in eternal peace!

SA Stephens
USICE

December 19, 2011

you have not been forgotten....

Concerns of Police Survivors
South FL Chapter

July 1, 2011

Officer Griffis is really a true hero, and a great man of integrity. He stood up unarmed to a bunch of punks trying to start trouble, and did what he was sworn to do. This is the kind of Law enforcement officer I would like to be, " a good one"

REST IN PEACE, AND KEEEP WATCHING OVER US OFFICER GRIFFIS
THANKS FOR ALL OF YOU SERCIVE!

EXPLOER T. PARRISH JR.
LCSO, FLORIDA

June 24, 2008