Loved ones honor detective 5 years after line of duty death

Det. David White killed in meth house raid in Middleburg

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Dozens of Clay County law enforcement officers gathered Thursday to honor Detective David White, who was shot and killed five years ago during a meth house raid in Middleburg.

He was 35 years old.

White is buried at the Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery in Green Cove Springs, and every year on Feb. 16, those who were close to him hold a memorial.

The emotional stories shared Thursday revealed White's death has impacted not only his family but the entire Clay County community.

"Dave was the ultimate good guy," said his widow, Jennifer White. "Never did I think I would be standing here after five years without Dave and still feel a sense of peace."

Jennifer White said she has no anger in her heart and described their relationship as a fairy tale.

"I know beyond a doubt that he loved the children and me completely and totally,” Jennifer White said. “We were the most important thing in this world to him, and it was the most amazing story. We were blessed with two sweet babies, but I'm the only one who gets to see them grow up."

During the ceremony, a wreath was laid at his grave site and Sheriff's Office Director Barry Abramowitz, who was right behind White that fateful night, described his close friend as a warrior and read a poem.

Members of the Sheriff's Office didn't want to talk about the tragedy but instead celebrated White's life. They said he was friendly and loving and had a distinct sense of humor.

"When you felt down, you talked to Dave. If you wanted to see the man with the perfect life, you went to Dave." Abramowitz said.

White was an Army veteran and served nine years with the Sheriff's Office before he made the ultimate sacrifice. 

White is survived by his wife and two children. Jennifer White said she's honored that his legacy will live on through a foundation in his name that offers scholarships to men and women to attend the police academy.