ORANGE PARK — It was a day of solemn gratitude and remembrance on May 7, as local law enforcement came together to honor 12 fallen first responders during the annual Police Memorial Week Ceremony.

Members of the community, local and state leaders and law enforcement officers from around the county were invited to the special morning ceremony at Moosehaven, honoring the courage, sacrifice and unwavering dedication of the blue brotherhood.

Sheriff Michelle Cook said it was a day to reflect, remember and rejoice.

"Know that your loved one impacted every single one of us in such a way," she told the families. "Remember the sacrifice they gave."

Other guests included Florida Rep. Aaron Bean; Clerk of Courts Tara Green; Major Ansel Lewis; Green Cove Springs Police Chief Shawn Hines; Orange Park Asst.Police Chief Cody Monroe; Clay County Judges Hector Murcia-Bustos, Steven Whittington and Ray Forbess; Clay High Criminal Justice senior Gavin Brundle; and Clay County Commission Chair Kristen Burke, who read an official proclamation for the occasion.

The families of the 12 Clay County police officers were escorted in, and each were given a white flower to commemorate their loved one. During the reading of the names, they ventured to the front where the family placed the flower on the memorial table.

Those honored included CCSO Det. David White, who was shot and killed during a drug investigation in 2012. He was posthumously named the agency's 2011 Deputy of the Year for his work to reduce the illegal pill trade in Clay County. 

Also honored was Sgt. Eric Twisdale, who passed away from complications related to COVID-19 in 2020. Twisdale was awarded the agency's Lifesaving Award and also recognized as Deputy of the Year.

The program closed with the traditional 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”