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THE FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT MEMORIAL LOCATED AT ESPLANADE PARK IN FRONT OF THE BROWARD CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Honoring the Fallen
Fort Lauderdale FOP honors the memory of our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This page is a tribute to these brave men and women, whose courage and dedication to service continue to inspire us every day. We remember their lives, their service, and their legacy, ensuring that their memories are preserved and respected for generations to come. Explore the memorials dedicated to our fallen officers, and join us in paying homage to their profound contributions to our community and nation.
Legacy Tribute
In solemn remembrance, we individually acknowledge each Fort Lauderdale FOP officer who has fallen in the line of duty. Below, you will find portraits and tributes to these extraordinary individuals whose heroic sacrifices have not been forgotten. Each profile serves as a lasting testament to their bravery, selflessness, and enduring spirit.
End of Watch: August 14, 2021
Officer Jennifer B. Sepot
Officer Jennifer Sepot died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Officer Sepot served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for four years. She is survived by her husband, who is also a police officer, and her daughter.
Thank you, Officer Sepot. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: October 8, 2005
Officer Jose A. Diaz
Officer Jose Diaz was killed while assisting other officers perform a felony traffic stop of a suspected police impersonator. He served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 21⁄2 years and had previously served with the New York City Police Department for 14 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Thank you, Officer Diaz. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: January 6, 1996
Officer Bryant H. Peney
Officer Bryant Peney was shot on the night of January 5, 1996, during a foot chase with a subject. Officer Peney 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. He died in surgery at 0354 hours on January 6, 1996.
Officer Peney served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 6 years. He was survived by his parents and twin brother, who also served as a Fort Lauderdale Police Officer.
Thank you, Officer Peney. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: December 29, 1994
Officer David L. Brower
Officer David Brower was killed in a motorcycle accident while on duty. He served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 14 years.
Thank you, Officer Brower. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: May 25, 1989
Officer Frank A. Mastrangelo, Jr
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Officer Frank Mastrangelo and Detective Norman Eddy were killed in an airplane accident while returning to Fort Lauderdale in the agency’s plane. Officer Mastrangelo served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 10 years and was survived by his wife.
Thank you, Officer Mastrangelo. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: May 25, 1989
Detective Norman L. Eddy, Jr.
Detective Norman Eddy and Officer Frank Mastrangelo were killed in an airplane accident while returning to Fort Lauderdale in the agency’s plane. Detective Eddy served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 10 years and was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Thank you, Detective Eddy. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: August 24, 1983
Officer Charles E. Bruce
Officer Charles Bruce was killed in a motorcycle accident while on duty. He served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 22 years and was survived by his wife, daughter, and three sons.
Thank you, Officer Bruce. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: August 3, 1981
Officer Kenneth Petersen
Officer Kenneth Petersen and Officer John Alexander were killed in an airplane accident while on approach to the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. Officer Petersen served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 20 years and was survived by his wife and two sons.
Thank you, Officer Petersen. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: August 3, 1981
Officer John C. Alexander
Officer John Alexander and Officer Kenneth Petersen were killed in an airplane accident while on approach to the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport. Officer Alexander served with Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 8 years and was survived by his wife.
Thank you, Officer Alexander. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: November 12, 1977
Sergeant Gregory J. Conners
Sergeant Gregory Conners was killed when his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle being operated by an intoxicated driver. He served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 5 years and was survived by his wife and daughter.
Thank you, Sergeant Conners. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: July 21, 1974
Officer D. Walter Ilyankoff
Officer D. Walter Ilyankoff was shot and killed after responding to a robbery alarm at a local restaurant on a Sunday morning on North Federal Highway. He served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 14 years and was survived by his wife and son.
Thank you, Officer Ilyankoff. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: October 9, 1968
Officer Donald E. Kirby, Jr.
Officer Donald Kirby was killed in a motorcycle accident while on duty. He served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 2 years and was survived by his wife and two children.
Thank you, Officer Kirby. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.
End of Watch: April 5, 1947
Sergeant R. Dwight Johnston
Sergeant Dwight Johnston was killed in a motorcycle accident at W. Broward Boulevard and NW 7th Avenue while on patrol. He served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 4 years and was survived by his wife and two children.
Thank you, Sergeant Johnston. Your service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten.