Jacksonville Police Memorial Service Draws Crowd of Hundreds for Candlelight Vigil

Published by Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation on May 18, 2022May 18, 2022

The Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation has been a proud supporter of the Jacksonville Police Department since 2018, the year the Foundation funded the Fallen Officers Memorial Wall. The memorial is designed to honor the memory of Jacksonville police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty over the city’s history. This monument features three statues flanking a black granite wall engraved with the names of each fallen officer.

On April 11, 2022, hundreds of community members came together at the Fallen Officers Memorial Wall in Jacksonville, Florida to pay tribute to the 64 Jacksonville law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty since recordkeeping began in 1840. In attendance were families of fallen officers, law enforcement, first responders, civilians and representatives from the Finker-Frenkel Family Foundation, who helped build the memorial in 2018.

The 10-foot, granite memorial wall is flanked by three statues and impressively stands in front of the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Highlights from last month’s service included a 21-gun salute accompanied by an emotional rendition of “Taps,” a motorcade of law enforcement officers, a riderless horse, and a stirring interpretation of “Amazing Grace.” For the first time, the ceremony was held at night, which enabled the organizers to include a candlelight vigil.

“This memorial symbolizes courage, valor, and our everlasting commitment to remember our fallen and their sacrifices in serving and protecting our community,” said Sheriff Mike Williams, addressing the crowd during the service. “The thin blue line never wavers as we continue to carry on the legacy of our fallen. Each thread woven into the patches that adorn our uniform also tell a story representing the gravity that comes with the oath.”

“Here in Florida, we love our Blue,” stated a representative of the Finker-Frenkel Foundation. “To the families of our service members, your pain does not go unnoticed. Your loved ones’ commitment to serve lives on in our community forever.”

To watch a video recap of the ceremony, click here.