'We are family': Former, current and future TPD officers hold first-time get-together
It was a simple yet powerful event.
It was an opportunity for many former Tallahassee Police Department officers to catch up with friends and reminisce. It was an opportunity for current and future officers to stop in and say hello. It was also an opportunity to embrace, encourage and honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty.
"It was a chance for many to just come by to eat, laugh, cry and share in fellowship," said Tallahassee Police Department chaplain Kelly Burke. "We want to encourage and support. ...
"We are family."
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Paying tribute to fallen TPD officers
More than 200 people attended the afternoon get-together at Northside Community Center two weekends ago.
The first-time event was part reunion, part celebration, part homage.
A cake with an inscription "TPD Legacy of Heroes" was front and center on a table that featured an array of desserts and barbecue-type foods.
A slide show and moment of silence paid tribute to fallen TPD officers over the years, including Sgt. Dale Green and Christopher Fariello.
Sunday, Nov. 13, marked 20 years since Green, 47, was killed in the line of duty when he was ambushed while responding to a home-invasion robbery. Green, who was married with three children, was shot four times.
In June, Fariello, 34, was killed when a fleeing suspect turned his car around into oncoming traffic at the intersection of North Monroe Street and Capital Circle Northwest, colliding with Fariello's patrol car. Fariello was frequently first on scene to answer 911 calls for service, TPD said.
Green's daughter and Fariello's parents attended the event at the community center.
Officers share a special bond
Sandra Harrison, who retired in 2019 after nearly 30 years as a TPD officer, enjoyed the opportunity to strengthen friendships, reinvigorate spirts and meet recruits who will soon join the department.
Local businesses donated gift certificates. A bounce house and other inflatables were set up outside of the center for children. Sgt. Allan Morris and others cooked chicken on the smoker.
"We share a special kind of bond," said Harrison, whose mother was a South Florida police officer.
"Not everybody feels it. Usually the people who don't feel it usually don't stick with it. It's a unique job and it comes with a unique after life even when you are not wearing the uniform any longer.
"You still look out for people, you still try to help people."
A passion for Tallahassee, community
There have been 203 line-of-duty deaths this year in law enforcement, according to the Officer Down Memorial Fund.
Additionally, departments across the country have grappled with staffing shortages.
Burke believes law enforcement is "still a noble calling."
Lt. Maria Mercurio, a 23-year TPD officer, said it was rewarding to meet former officers who had retired even before she joined the department.
It was opportunity to connect the generations.
"It was fun to talk to them, listen to them and see the different times," said Mercurio, a graduate of Florida State. "It still seems people are the same.
"We have a passion for the community."
Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: TPD chaplain Burke organizes event for former, current, future officers
