As you remember these fallen officers, take comfort in recalling that they dedicated their lives to the same principles of honor, duty and courage that brought you to the badge. Such a life is truly rich. Take strength in knowing that when an officer falls, our resolve to serve those in need is not diminished. Our dedication to protecting those in danger is not weakened. Our commitment to remembering those with whom we shared the badge does not fade.

Godspeed, brothers and sisters. You fought the good fight. Now rest in peace…

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August 15, 2005

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Fla. Officer, K-9 killed in accident

Officer Down: Roy L. Nelson Jr. - [New Smyrna Beach , Florida]

Biographical Info

Age: 36

Additional Info: Officer Nelson was a seven-year veteran and the first New Smyrna Beach police officer to lose his life in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Officer Nelson was responding to a call with his K-9, Ceasar when witnesses say a pick-up truck pulled into his path causing him to lose control and crash. Both died in the crash.

Date of Incident: August 13, 2005

Suspect Info: Police are looking for a white pickup truck, possibly a late '90s model Ford F-150. At this time police are calling the accident a non-contact hit and run since the cars didn't actually collide.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- Investigators with the Florida Highway Patrol were back on the scene of a deadly crash Monday as they tried to find out who ran a New Smyrna Beach police officer off the road and never stopped. Adding insult to injury, police said someone vandalized the makeshift memorial to Officer Roy Nelson, Jr. overnight.

Just when Nelson's comrades thought their grief couldn't get any worse, it turned to anger Monday morning when they learned someone had walked away with a piece of the memorial they worked so hard to build.

Nelson's colleagues are now using a staple gun to secure his ever-growing roadside memorial after they discovered a patch left in his memory had been stolen overnight. One sergeant called it a slap in the face to a department that's still very much in shock over its first-ever death in the line of duty.

For full story, visit: Officer, K-9 Killed In Accident; Item Stolen From Memorial

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