Baker Co. FL - Police Memorial Day Honors Fallen Officer - Shot and Killed - Police Car and Shotgun Stolen
May 9, 2007
The Standard Florida
The Baker County Sheriff’s Department held a special memorial ceremony on May 3
to honor local law enforcement officers and commemorate the ultimate sacrifice
of those who gave their lives while serving the public. The yearly tribute is
held in conjunction with National Police Memorial Week, which culminates with
activities in Washington DC.
Included in the annual tribute ceremony was the presentation of annual awards
for local police officers. The fallen officers that were remembered were Deputy
Morris Fish, Deputy Rufus Archibald Thrift, State Trooper Sherman Lee Scott, and
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officer Joey Burtner.
The sheriff’s department honors Deputy Fish each year by presenting its’ top law
enforcement officer award, bearing his name.
Fish was slain in 1966 while trying to apprehend a fleeing bank robber. After
holding up a Kingsland Georgia bank at gunpoint, the robber eluded over one
hundred pursuing state and county officers. Deputy Fish picked up the pursuit at
the checking station on 121North and was on the scene when the getaway car
failed to make the turn onto 23C, and became bogged down in the ditch of the
road that was being paved.
While trying to handcuff the suspect a struggle ensued
and the suspect grabbed the deputy’s gun and killed him. He then stole the
police car and a shotgun.
