Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial

09/02/2026

Thank you to Rodda Construction for their generous donation to replace and upgrade the lighting on the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial 💙

09/01/2026

As we begin the month of September, we remember three of Polk County’s fallen heroes whose End of Watch anniversaries occur this month.

Sgt. Ronnie O’Neal Brown
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: September 8, 2009

Constable Frank Dixon
Polk County
End of Watch: September 22, 1932

Deputy Vernon “Matt” Williams & K-9 DiOGi
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: September 28, 2006

Throughout this month, we will share each of their stories and remember the lives they lived, the families they left behind, and the sacrifice they made serving the citizens of Polk County.

Please take a moment this September to remember their names.

A Hero Remembered Never Dies.

Learn more about Polk County’s fallen heroes:
https://polkfallenheroes.org/roll-call/

An Eternal Record of Service and Sacrifice. Since the first watch began in Polk County, brave men and women have stepped forward to protect our families, our homes, and our way of life. This Roll Call serves as a permanent tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. We remem...

08/25/2026

Thirty-nine miles. Thirty-nine fallen heroes. One promise: they will never be forgotten.

On Saturday, November 14, 2026, riders from across Central Florida will come together for the Fallen Heroes Ride—39 Miles for 39 Heroes.

The ride will begin at the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial in Lakeland and travel 39 miles to Lake Wailes Park in Lake Wales. Every mile will represent one of the fallen heroes whose names and legacies we are honored to preserve.

Advance registration is $35 per motorcycle, passengers ride free, and advance registration includes an event T-shirt.

Register at www.polkfallenheroes.org/events.

You do not have to ride to support the mission. Please share this post and help us make this a tribute worthy of Polk County’s 39 fallen heroes.

08/23/2026

Today we honor Deputy Sheriff Christopher Broadhead of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

End of Watch: August 23, 2021

Deputy Broadhead served Polk County for nearly 10 years as a patrol deputy and as a property crimes, robbery and homicide detective. Throughout his career, he received numerous honors, including the Medal of Valor, a Sheriff’s Commendation and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Deputy Broadhead was only 32 years old when he died from complications of COVID-19 contracted in the line of duty.

As we mark five years since his passing, we continue to honor his service, remember his sacrifice and keep his family in our thoughts.

A Hero Remembered Never Dies.