Law Enforcement Ambassador & Guardian Spotlight: Gary Jones

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund enjoys the support of a special group of volunteers: Law Enforcement Ambassadors and Guardians. Law Enforcement Ambassadors are active and retired law enforcement officers from city, state, federal and military law enforcement agencies, while Law Enforcement Guardians are volunteers who support and honor law enforcement but are not sworn officers, allowing citizens, family members and corporate supporters to work closely with the Memorial Fund in achieving our goals.

Earlier this month, Law Enforcement Ambassador Gary Jones partnered with his local Books-A-Million in Tallahassee, to hold a special all-day book fair in support of the Memorial Fund. Gary—who was a police officer in Florida for over 36 years and retired as a captain with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in 1993—has written a number of non-fiction books based on cases in Florida. His love of law enforcement, volunteer work, books, and education came together to inspire the idea of a book fair. Gary reached out to the store manager and began planning the event—as a way to honor the memory of Officer Ponce de Leon, who was killed in the line of duty 25 years ago, and to support the Memorial and the law enforcement profession. 

The Tallahassee Books-A-Million designated July 8th as Officer Ponce de Leon Day at their store. Throughout the day, when a customer showed the cashier a special voucher, the store donated a portion of book sale proceeds to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. A table near the store's main entrance offered visitors some materials and information about the Memorial and the forthcoming National Law Enforcement Museum. 

It turned out to be a great event that not only raised awareness about the Memorial Fund, but drew attention to the important efforts of law enforcement officers—like Officer Ponce de Leon—in Florida and across the country.

Ambassador Gary Jones also holds book signings during National Police Week in the Memorial’s Visitors Center & Store, and donates a portion of his personal book sales to the Memorial Fund.