Sarasota County honors fallen law enforcement officers

Image 1 of 3

In Sarasota County, a crowd gathered Tuesday to honor those law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

It was a solemn service as 10 yellow roses were placed on a wreath.

Each rose represents a law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty.

People couldn't help but think of the service happening simultaneously for fallen Highlands County Deputy Gentry.

"It's difficult for us to put the badge on and go to work, but you have to do that you have to carry on,” explained Colonel Kurt Hoffman with the Sarasota Co. Sheriff's Office. “One foot in front of the other, go to work and do the job. Almost a dozen law enforcement officers killed in Florida this year, but if we don't go to work and protect our citizens that wouldn't be the way we'd honor their lives."

Agencies from Sarasota, North Port and Venice joined together for the memorial – the county’s 33rd.

Sadly, each year they say the list of names they honor continues to grow.