Local law enforcement remembers fallen officers

Local policed departments and sheriff's offices mark National Police Week.

By Amanda Morales
| 11:38 a.m. May 17, 2016

Members of the Guns n Hoses Pipes n Drums of Southwest Florida march through the Sarasota Memorial Hospital courtyard.

Sarasota
Neighbors

In recognition of National Police Week local law enforcement officers from Sarasota, Longboat and Venice gathered to commemorate fallen officers Tuesday morning at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System Chief of Public Safety Robert "Mickey" Watson addresses guest for the 2016 Law Enforcement Memorial.

Sunday, May 15 was the start of the week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day. The service recognized the passing of Ocala Police Officer Jared Forsyth, Okaloosa County Deputy Sheriff William Myers, Kissimme Police Department K9 Igor, Hialeah Police Department’s K9 Hector and K9 Jimmy.

Law enforcement officials wore black bands across their badges in memory of this lost while on duty. The ceremony comes days after the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office announced the passing of equine partner Patriot.

Patriot worked alongside partner Sgt. Chris Laster up until she died on Friday, May 13 as the result of a sudden onset of Equine Proximal Enteritis. She was a 17-hand, dark bay Swedish warmblood mare who was donated to SCSO in 2002.