Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Groves,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death 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 t extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

September 18, 2024

I met Trooper Groves while working a part time job at one of the Lake Worth service plaza on the Florida Turnpike. He was absolutely one of the nicest guys I ever met. One of the saddest days of my life, was when I learned of his passing, after being shot in the line of duty. Continue to RIP Fred.

Don Maxcy
Palm Beach Co. Fire Rescue

June 20, 2023

How I met Fred was my son and Fred's son, Michael, played Tee-ball together. I was just starting out in law enforcement with less than a year at WPB PD when Fred was taken from us by four drug-running thugs. He was alone on the turnpike and one snuck up behind him with a gun. I still vividly recall the hospital chaotic ER with all those big Troopers with tears on their cheeks, then later at my first (sadly, of many) police funeral. After the funeral back at his house, you couldn't move sideways because all his Brothers were there to pay their last respects to Fred's wife and children. My wife, my family, all of my and Fred's friends from baseball, and a few older Troopers I knew tried their best to get me to get out of law enforcement. I just retired on July 1, 2022.
My wife, son, and I talk frequently about Fred and miss him to this day. I followed Michael's baseball career through high school where he played for Wellington HS, but I lost contact after that. Fred was one of the kindest, funniest LEOs I ever met. Rest in Peace, Sir. We have the watch.

Ofc John Connacher
Lake Clarke Shores PD (Ret)

October 4, 2022

Fred Groves was my Grandfathers sisters oldest son. I met him a few times in the 70s when i was 5 to 13 years old.( I was born in 1970). He was from the Newport News, Virginia area. His Mom was one of my Favorite Aunts. She Babysit me a lot in the 1970s. I met FRED a few times when he would come home for Family Visits. I was a young kid but I'm remember him being a strong man, who went out of his way to make me laugh and smile. He once ate some of his moms dogs biscuits just to make me laugh. Even though i only met him a few times, He made a strong impact on me. I know his Mom loved him a lot and missed him greatly. His whole family missed him a lot. I remember my Grandmother and Grandfather watching the court case closely after he was killed. My Family missed him a lot, including me. I know it took a great toil on his Mother after he was killed. I just want to say I'm grateful people still remember him and his sacrifice to our GREAT COUNTRY! Theres not to many of our Family left now, but his memory lives on with me. Thanks for remembering what a member of my Family Sacrificed for our Great Country ! God Bless, Ryan Kemp

Ryan Keith Kemp
I Guess He is my First Cousin,OnceRemoved

February 6, 2021

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 18, 2020

RIP Brother

Trf Ofc. (ret) G V Daunhauer
Jacksonville Sheriff Office

September 18, 2019

Rest in peace Trooper Groves.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 18, 2019

Rest in peace.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

September 18, 2018

I was about 2 years old when you passed, and I remember growing up my mom (Nancy, your sister) always told me about all the good you did for people. You never looked down on anyone. She still has your picture in her room. Even going to grandmas house she was always saying what a great person you were and how she missed you. THEN I find this website and I read through all the comments and see how many lives you touched. And all the good you did . You were truly a gift from God. Wish you could of been here to watch us all grow up.. RIP Uncle Fred..

Megan Braswell (Parker)
Niece

March 28, 2018

Over thirty years later, I still remember "What's Up Bubba" each time we met or saw each other, the jokes, laughter and family time. I often think of you and reflect on the the good times we spent together. The house warming gift presented to me after the purchase of our new home . My Brother, My Friend, you are truly missed.

Trooper Jonas C. Jacobs
Florida Highway Patrol (Retired)

March 9, 2018

Fred Groves was one of the kindest most generous men I have ever known. Dedicated to his family, friends and his job as a State Trooper. I saw him pick up hitchhikers that were void of hope and put them up in a hotel with a good meal and a few bucks. He will always be an inspiration to me of good person should strive for. Always in my heart, Rest in Peace Fred.

DOS (Retired) Annamaria Parrish
Florida Highway Patrol (Dispatcher)

August 9, 2017

I still think a lot about Fred or as some of his many friends called him "Bubba"
I rode a lot with Fred in Troop L and Troop K. We all Miss Fred especially this week.

Lee Stone
FHPA

May 19, 2016

Mr. Groves,

I remember so much about you and your family and how you would try to keep all us neighborhood kids out of trouble. I wish you were alive today to clean up the neighborhood and make it home again. You helped us all grow into the people we are today. You were the best and I miss you so very much.
When I got the news you were killed all I wanted was revenge, but then I thought about what you always told us, revenge isn't worth the outcome. So I let the courts handle it and only one got the sentence that they both should have got. I hate them for taking you away from your family, friends, and us to soon.
You are forever in my heart and I will see you again someday.
Kathy Poore Rippey

Katherine Rippey
friend

January 26, 2016

I think of you often, you were my friend then and will always remain in my heart and my memory. I look forward to seeing you again in the resurrection.

John D. Black
Friend

November 4, 2015

With all the mess going on around the nation this name came back into my mind. I remember being 10 yrs old when this happened, went to grade school with the family. This has forever stuck with me, the thought that these officers are fathers\mothers\husbands\wives.... family to someone. I can't imagine what it must have felt like for the Groves family back then and all these years. Just know that you are not forgotten and all those who serve are kept in thoughts and prayers!

Robert Harter
friend

September 14, 2015

We will never forget the heroes who gave their all, and you sir are a hero. May you continue to rest in peace Trooper Groves.

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

September 18, 2012

Out of all the calls I worked as an EMT, this is the one that I will never forget. We all tried so desperately to save you, but God had a better place for you when he called you home that day. Although I didn't know you personally, we often worked Turnpike accidents together. I truly admired your professionalism and your love of people that was so obvious.
To become the man that you were, I know it took wonderful parents. And I know that you, in turn, passed along your traits to your own children.
You will certainly continue to live on, passing along your values from generation to generation. Yours will be a great legacy. :)

Mary Raiman
SAVES Ambulance

July 11, 2012

Fred was such a great gut and good backup whenever needed. After all these years I still think about him.

Rick DeGroff, Retired
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

March 5, 2012

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

Officer 11169

February 9, 2012

My old friend Fred who I met when I 1st arrived in Florida circa 1974. Our wives worked together which was how I was introduced, and boy I was the lucky one!

I still recall hearing the fateful news and my instincts told ne it was you who had been shot before they ever announced your name. I guess since I knew your work shift and territory, not that hard to figure out!

A lot of time has passed my old friend, but you are not forgotten, and will long be remembered, so reat well!!

Vern Barclay
An old friend

December 30, 2011

You were such a kind, sweet, and giving man. RIP, and I know you and my grandmother Mollie, Capt. O'Brian, Betty, Trooper KD, Annie, and all the other FHP family is there in heaven sharing laughs and having good times! God speed.

Mollie-Michelle Jones
family member

December 23, 2011

We will never forget... HEROES live forever and you sir are a hero. Continue to rest in peace Trooper Groves...

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

Deb

September 18, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 26th 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.

Fred, you were an amazing man who impacted many lives. From your reflections, I see that you are missed and loved by so many. May your spirit continue to soar.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 18, 2010

I remember Mr. Groves when I was growing up down the street from him. I remember how he use to watch over all the kids in the area, and try to keep us out of trouble.
When I was 15 or 16 years old I was in a car wreck and he was the responding officer. I felt a lot better knowing that he was there for not only me but my mom when I was taken to the hospital. We had no way to get home or to get my medicine, so he stopped at Eckerd's in Palm Springs so that I could get my pills. Then he took us home (about 5 houses from him).
I was in Buffalo, NY at the time that it happened and I was torn apart wondering who could harm such a special man. There is no way for them to know that he is the reason that most of us stayed out of trouble.
I remember one time when a friend of mine went missing and a body of a young girl had been found. He came to my house and had me go to his house so that his wife and he could be there just in case. It was her and they both put their arms around me so that I could cry.
I never got a chance to tell him that he was/is a very special person to all the kids that were growing up in the neighborhood. I never got the chance to tell his wife that my heart is broken right along with hers. I never was able to tell his kids how much he loved them.
The first chance I got to come back to FL, I went by his grave, and I could have sworn I heard him say "girls don't be out to long after dark cause this world isn't what it use to be".
He also was like a father to me as I didn't have one, and when he could he would spend time with his family and at times I would come down to go swimming in his pool.
I really miss him and his family as they were moved out by the time that I got back to FL. He was my inspiration to get my GED and later go to college...........
THANK YOU MR. GROVES FOR ALL THE SMILES AND FOR YOUR FRIENDSHIP

Kathy

Kathy Poore Rippey
neihbor and friend

July 2, 2008

i worked with fred for many years during the good times alone with the bad on the 11 to 7 shift.and our fishing trips with his small son which we used to call bubba,fred you have been gone a long time now but a day does not go by were i dont stop and think about the good old days for a long time evertime i did paperwork somewere on that page i would write T.O.I.F.F..PEOPLE WOULD ASK ME WHAT THAT MENT
WHICH IS FOR (THIS ONE IS FOR FRED )BROTHER I MISS YA SOMEDAY
WELL PATROL THE STREETS AGAIN TOGETHER

REST IN PEACE

joseph de la riva jr
fhp troop L

May 24, 2008