Police Memorial

Trooper Kimberly Hurd was struck and killed by a drunk driver while talking with the driver of another car she had stopped on I-95. The drunk driver who struck Trooper Hurd, a retired police officer, fled the scene, but a woman and her daughter who were behind him got his license number. The 51-year-old driver was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to five years. Trooper Hurd had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for six years. She was known as the “Queen of DUI arrests.” In her last three years she made 409 DUI arrests, more than any other Broward County officer.

Officer David Brower was killed in a motorcycle accident while on duty. He was a United States Coast Guard veteran and had served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 14 years.

Trooper Donald Jennings was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic at an accident scene. Trooper Jennings had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for 11 years.

Patrolman Bryant Peney was shot on the night of January 5, 1996, during a foot chase with a subject. Patrolman Peney had tried to stop the subject while he was hiding in a bush along a highway. While the suspect was running, he turned and fired at Officer Peney. The bullet entered his arm, nicked his vest, and entered his chest. A manhunt involving approximately 200 police officers produced the suspect about nine hours later. The suspect was convicted of four counts, including first-degree murder, and was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole by the jury. The judge presiding over the case reversed the jury’s decision and sentenced the suspect to death, but the conviction was then commuted to life by the Florida Supreme Court after an appeal. Patrolman Peney had served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for six years.

Special Agent Emir Benitez was shot and killed during an undercover cocaine buy. He had attempted to purchase cocaine but was robbed by the dealer. He and three other agents returned to the apartment, but a group of people in the apartment began to fight with the agents and the dealer opened fire, striking Special Agent Benitez in the head. The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in a federal prison. Special Agent Benitez had served with the Drug Enforcement Administration since its creation. He had previously served with the U.S. Customs Service for four years.

Special Agent Shaun Curl was shot and killed while driving a fellow agent home. Agent Curl was driving the second agent home because the second agent was drunk. During the trip, the second agent awoke and shot Agent Curl in the head three times and in the chest twice. The agent who shot Special Agent Curl was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Agent Curl had served with the United States Department of Justice – Drug Enforcement Administration for 10 years.

Deputy Michael Metroka was injured after being involved in a hit and run, and would later die of his injuries. Deputy Metroka and his canine partner were traveling westbound when another vehicle struck his patrol car. The suspect, a convicted felon, got out of his vehicle and approached the patrol car before fleeing the scene after removing a gun from his wrecked rental car. K9 Woedon, Deputy Metroka’s partner, exited the vehicle and chased the suspect before returning to stay with him until rescue crews arrived. The suspect was captured a short time later and was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death and sentenced to 30 years. Deputy Metroka had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years.

Deputy Michael Doane died approximately two weeks after being involved in a car crash that occurred as he responded to assist another deputy who had been shot in Lauderdale Lakes. The second deputy had been working secondary employment as a security guard at a nightclub when he was shot while chasing a shooting suspect. Deputy Doane was responding to assist the wounded deputy when his patrol car struck two parked trucks when he swerved to avoid another car. He remained on life support for 12 days. The suspect was charged with attempted murder for the shooting of the second deputy. Deputy Doane had served in law enforcement for a total of seven years.

Officer Charles Randall was killed in an automobile accident when his SUV patrol vehicle crashed on the L-5 levee near the Holey Land Wildlife Management Area. Officer Randall succumbed to his injuries two days after the accident. In January 2004, an offshore patrol boat, the C.T. Randall, was named in Officer Randall’s honor. He had served with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for almost three years.

Deputy Philip Billings was shot and killed while working an off-duty security detail at a car dealership. The two suspects were found dead in what is believed to be a murder-suicide four days later. Both suspects had been questioned by detectives following the murder but were released pending further investigation. Deputy Billings had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for 18 months.

Mancini died west of Ghazni, Afghanistan, when a weapons cache prematurely exploded. He was assigned to the 486th Civil Affairs Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve, based in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Detective Todd Fatta was shot and killed while serving a search warrant on a registered sex offender suspected of being involved with child pornography. Detective Fatta was part of a task force of 15 officers who had gone to the home to serve the warrant. The officers entered the house and, as Detective Fatta turned a corner inside, the suspect opened fire. One round from a high powered weapon struck Detective Fatta in the chest, penetrating his bullet-resistant vest. Another officer was shot in the hand and shoulder during an exchange of gunfire with the suspect. Both officers were transported to a local hospital where Detective Fatta succumbed to his wound. The suspect was arrested inside the house by task force members, and was sentenced to life in prison. Detective Fatta had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for nine years.

Patrolman Jose Diaz was killed after falling from a highway overpass, on I-95 near the interchange with I-595, while assisting other officers perform a felony traffic stop of a suspected police impersonator. Because of the darkness, the area between the two highways appeared to have a solid surface. Patrolman Diaz attempted to take cover on the other side of the overpass barrier and jumped over it. He fell and landed on the ground, approximately 110-feet below. He was transported to Broward General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Patrolman Diaz had served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for two-and-a-half years and had previously served with the New York City Police Department for 14 years.

Deputy Ryan Seguin was struck and killed by the driver of a vehicle as he and his partner made a traffic stop on I-595. As Deputy Seguin was speaking with the traffic violator, another vehicle struck the stopped vehicle and Deputy Seguin. Deputy Seguin’s partner was slightly injured by flying glass and debris. The driver who struck Deputy Seguin pulled to the side of the highway where he was taken into custody. He was charged with two traffic charges and driving on a suspended license, but was not charged in connection with Deputy Seguin’s death. The driver pleaded guilty to driving on a suspended license, careless driving and driving with unsafe equipment. He was sentenced to six months probation, 150 hours of community service and ordered to pay $2,800 for Deputy Seguin’s funeral costs. His license was also suspended for one additional year. Deputy Seguin served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for three years.

Deputy Brian Tephford was shot and killed when he stopped two suspicious vehicles. Deputy Tephford called for an additional unit to assist him. After the second unit arrived, one of three men approached Deputy Tephford’s patrol car and opened fire, striking both deputies. Deputy Tephford was sitting in his patrol car running the suspects on the computer when he was shot. Both deputies were taken to the Broward General Medical Center, where Deputy Tephford died from his wounds an hour later. The second deputy sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The gunman and his two accomplices were arrested a short time later. All three were charged with Deputy Tephford’s murder and the attempted murder of the other deputy. All three were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. Deputy Tephford had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for six years.

Sergeant Christopher Reyka was shot and killed while checking on two suspicious vehicles in a convenience store parking lot. He had parked next to the two vehicles and was checking their license plates. As he exited his patrol car, an occupant of one of the vehicles also exited the car and opened fire, striking Sergeant Reyka several times. Customers of the store immediately called 911 to report the shooting. Sergeant Reyka was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds a short time later. The suspect fled the scene and remains at large. Sergeant Reyka was a U.S Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years.

Officer Michelle Lawless was killed in an ATV accident in the Holeyland / Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area while on patrol for poachers. Her ATV struck a metal gate and overturned, trapping her underneath. After she failed to respond to a routine radio check for her location, another officer went to locate her and found her pinned beneath the vehicle. She was flown to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Officer Lawless had served with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for five years.

Deputy Paul Rein was shot and killed by a prisoner he was transporting in a medical van to the Broward County Courthouse. The prisoner was already serving a life sentence from a previous conviction and was en route for trial on robbery charges. The suspect was riding in a medical transport van because he claimed to be having back pain. During the transport, the suspect was able to overpower Deputy Rein and take control of his service weapon. The suspect then shot the deputy twice and left him in a parking lot at the intersection. Several citizens called 911, and deputies responded to find Deputy Rein wounded. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his wounds. The escapee was captured after a citizen saw him at a pawn shop and alerted police. He was in possession of Deputy Rein’s service weapon when he was arrested. He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received another life sentence. Deputy Rein, a U.S. Army veteran, had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years. The Broward County Detention Center on Blount Road displays Deputy Paul Rein’s name in honor of his service.

Officer Alex Del Rio was killed in an automobile crash while attempting to stop a speeding motorist. He observed a motorist speeding eastbound on Sheridan Street. Officer Del Rio followed the car and then had to take evasive action to avoid hitting a taxi cab. Officer Del Rio lost control of the patrol car and crashed into a tree in the median. His vehicle was immediately engulfed in flames. Officer Del Rio had served with the Hollywood Police Department for nine years.

Officer Rogerio Morales died after suffering heat stroke and collapsing while participating in tryouts for his agency’s SWAT team at Markham Park on a 77-degree day. Rescue personnel arrived approximately 10 minutes later and found Officer Morales in cardiac arrest. He was transported to a local hospital where he remained in a coma until passing away three days later. Officer Morales had served with the Davie Police Department for two years.

Deputy Chris Schaub was killed in a motorcycle accident. It is believed that Deputy Schaub was attempting to catch up to another vehicle to perform a traffic stop and did not see an approaching car as he made a left hand turn. He was flown to Broward Health Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries approximately four hours later. Deputy Schaub had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for 22 years.

Deputy Sheriff Daniel Rivera succumbed to injuries sustained ten days earlier when he was involved in a single-vehicle crash along I-95h. He was en route to the sub-station when his patrol car left the roadway during a period of rain. The vehicle struck a tree on the passenger side, causing Deputy Rivera to suffer severe head injuries. He was transported to Broward Health North where he remained in critical condition until passing away. Deputy Rivera had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for ten years.

Deputy Michael Ryan suffered a fatal heart attack after being involved in a short foot pursuit in the parking lot of the Main Jail. The subject had attempted to bring a knife into the jail while visiting an inmate. He was told to take the knife to his vehicle. As Deputy Ryan escorted the man outside the man ran, with Deputy Ryan in pursuit. Deputy Ryan collapsed and was transported to Broward Health Medical Center where he remained until passing away. Deputy Ryan had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for just under 14 years.

Deputy Benjamin Nimtz was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of South Military Trail and SW 10th Street while responding to a domestic violence call His patrol car collided with a pickup truck in the intersection. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Deputy Nimtz had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for 16 months. He was one week from resigning from the department to move to Indiana.

Deputy Shannon Bennett died as the result of complications after contracting COVID-19 while on duty. Deputy Bennett had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years and served as an SRO.

Sergeant Corey Pendergrass died after contracting COVID-19 while on duty. He had served with the Lauderhill Police Department for 20 years and had previously served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for three years. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Lieutenant Aldemar Rengifo died after contracting COVID-19 during an exposure while on duty. Lieutenant Rengifo had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years.

Special Agent Daniel Alfin was shot and killed while executing a search warrant as part of an investigation involving child pornography and violent crimes against children. A team was making entry into an apartment when a subject inside opened fire. The subject was found deceased inside of the apartment a short time later. Special Agent Alfin had served with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 12 years.

Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger was shot and killed while executing a search warrant as part of an investigation involving child pornography and violent crimes against children. A team was making entry into an apartment when a subject inside opened fire. The subject was found deceased inside of the apartment a short time later. Special Agent Schwartzenberger had served with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 15 years.

Sergeant Shane Owens died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty at the Broward County Main Jail. Sergeant Owens had served with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years.

Detective Jon Cooke died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Detective Cooke was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Hollywood Police Department for 23 years.

Officer Jennifer Sepot died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Officer Sepot had served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for four years.

Sergeant Patrick Madison died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Sergeant Madison served with the Coral Springs Police Department for 15 years.

Officer Yandy Chirino was shot and killed after responding to reports of a suspicious person pulling on door handles to find unlocked vehicles. The man began struggling with officers when they attempted to detain him. He drew a concealed handgun and shot Officer Chirino during the struggle. Other officers were able to take him into custody and then rendered aid to Officer Chirino. He was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital in a police car but succumbed to his wounds a short time later. Officer Chirino had served with the Hollywood Police Department for four years. He had been the recipient of five supervisor’s commendations and had been recognized as Officer of the Month in June 2020.

Officer Charlie Herring was killed in a motorcycle crash while on routine patrol when a falling piece of a palm tree fell and struck him. The impact caused him to fall from his motorcycle. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Officer Herring was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Pembroke Pines Police Department for 21 years. He had previously served with the Starke Police Department for three years.