Hundreds pay tribute to fallen JSO officers

Mayor, families join in emotional ceremony in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Families of fallen Jacksonville officers joined Mayor Lenny Curry and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on Wednesday to proclaim it "Police Memorial Day."

The emotional tribute honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the city.

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The ceremony began with families being escorted by members of JSO to the Police Memorial Building, where flags were flown at half staff.

One by one, 61 names were called: each one a JSO officer who died in the line of duty.

Hundreds of officers stood shoulder to shoulder, honoring their fallen brothers.

"It's a small token of what we all feel in terms of our gratitude for those families, and we are just trying to thank them for their sacrifices,” Sheriff Mike Williams said.

A 21-gun salute was followed by a "missing man" flyover and a flag presentation.

"It's just a sad occasion,” said Delores Wiggins, a widow of fallen officer Wilbert Wiggins Sr.

Wiggins and her daughter were tearful during the ceremony, still missing a husband and father who died while working in the traffic unit in 2002.

"My husband was well-liked. He spent 41 years at the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and gave his life for the citizens of Jacksonville, Florida,” Wiggins said. “He is greatly missed."

Wiggins said she will always remember how caring her husband was and hopes ceremonies like Wednesday's will keep his memory alive.

"(He was) very outgoing. His officers used to call him dad,” Wiggins said. “He tried to take care of everybody. He put his friends and his family first."

Williams said the support for his officers is a testament to their bravery and commitment to keeping the community safe.

"I think it's a credit to the men and women of this agency who come to work every day knowing that,” Williams said. “And literally do put their lives on the line every day for this community.”