RECENTLY FALLEN: Columbus (OH) Division of Police Officer Tom Hayes

Over three decades ago, Columbus (OH) Division of Police Officer Tom Hayes suffered a gunshot wound during an attempt to arrest two teens on a curfew violation on December 18, 1979.

At approximately 2:25 am, Officer Hayes approached the teens to take them into custody, when a struggle transpired. During the altercation, the suspects removed a handgun and shot 30-year-old Officer Hayes in the back, paralyzing him from the waist down. 

Seven-year-veteran Officer Hayes suffered serious health issues the remainder of his life as a result of the shooting; one of his legs was amputated six years ago. After the incident, he continued to work as a civilian sketch artist for the Columbus (OH) Division of Police, until 31 years later, he finally succumbed to his injuries at the age of 61.

Officer Tom Hayes is one of the 15 officer fatalities recorded thus far in 2011, and one of two fatalities from Ohio. He is survived by his wife. “For all the pain and suffering and agony he has been through, he never showed it,” said Officer Hayes’ wife, Mary. “He was my hero.”

For more on this story, go to:

http://www.officer.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=2&id=56416

RECENTLY FALLEN: Sumter (SC) Corporal Charles Richard Nesbitt, Jr.

On Friday January 21, 2011, Sumter (SC) Corporal Charles Nesbitt and Master Patrolman James Cox were returning to Sumter from a prisoner transport to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. At approximately 3:00 pm, their patrol car collided head-on with an SUV on Highway 521.

Critically injured, the officers were transported to a nearby hospital where Master Patrolman Cox was treated for his injuries. Sadly, 39-year-old Corporal Nesbitt succumbed to his wounds, and was pronounced dead approximately an hour after the collision. The driver of the SUV involved in the accident was injured and transported to a hospital for treatment; his medical status is still unknown.

To date in 2011, there are 15 law enforcement officer fatalities, three of which resulted from traffic incidents, including Corporal Nesbitt. 

Corporal Charles Nesbitt, Jr. had served with the Sumter (SC) Police Department for 10 years, and is the first officer to die on duty in Sumter police force history. “He was very close with his wife and parents,” said Sumter (SC) Deputy Chief Russell Roark. “He was very dedicated to the community and someone you could count on,” he said.

For more on this story, go to:

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13910983

http://www.officer.com/web/online/On-the-Street/SC-Officer-Killed-in-On-Duty-Collision/21$56393

RECENTLY FALLEN: Two Miami-Dade (FL) Police Officers Killed in Shootout

The Miami-Dade (FL) Police Department tragically lost two peace officers on Thursday January 20, 2011 to violent gunfire sparked by a hunted fugitive in a Miami home.

At approximately 11:00 am, Officer Roger Castillo and Officer Amanda Haworth, 44, joined a team of agents to serve a first-degree murder warrant for a repeat offender wanted for an October 2010 slaying.

Upon entering the residence, the 22-year-old suspect—Johnny Simms—allegedly released shots repeatedly at the warrants division force of agents from point-blank range, lethally striking two and injuring one, before Officer Oscar Placencia returned a fatal shot at the suspect. 

Twenty-one-year Miami-Dade (FL) veteran Officer Castillo was slain at the crime scene, while fellow 23-year veteran Officer Amanda Haworth was transported to a hospital where she died during surgery. According to authorities, both agents were wearing bullet-proof armor and police identification.

The vicious ambush that took two law enforcement members was the first cluster killing in decades for Miami-Dade (FL). “Two angels from our police department were murdered today and I’m angry about it,” Miami-Dade (FL) Police Director James Loftus said during a moving press conference. 

Out of 10 total fatalities in the first month of 2011,  three are from Florida. To date, gunfire-related fatalities account for seven deaths, including two from Miami-Dade (FL): Officers Castillo and Haworth. In the recorded history of Miami-Dade (FL) law enforcement, Officer Haworth is the third female officer mortally shot on duty. She is survived by her teenage son.

“Today, our community lost two more heroes. Our hearts ache for their families and their loved ones who are dealing with incomprehensible grief, loss, and shock,” said John Rivera, President of the Miami Chapter of the Police Benevolent Association. “These two officers were loving family members, friends and our neighbors. They wanted to serve their community and make it a better, safer place for all of us,” he said.

For more on this story, go to:

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2011/01/21/two_miami_police_officers_killed_in_shootout/

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/21/us/21miami.html

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/01/20/2026296/our-worst-nightmare-two-officers.html

RECENTLY FALLEN: Livonia (MI) Officer Larry Nehasil

The first-ever Livonia (MI) Police Officer killed by gunfire on duty—Officer Larry Nehasil—was fatally wounded by a burglary suspect during a shootout on Monday January 17, 2011 in Oakland County, Michigan.

At approximately 6:00 pm, Officer Nehasil was surveying an area ten miles north-northwest of Livonia, when he witnessed two suspects allegedly wanted for several burglaries attempting to break into a house. 

When police tried to detain the suspects, gunfire erupted, striking 48-year-old Officer Nehasil.  Terribly injured, the 20-year Livonia (MI) Police veteran managed to return fire and kill one of the gunmen. The remaining suspect was arrested by officials and taken into custody.

In addition to his two decades spent with the Livonia (MI) P.D., Officer Nehasil also served the Wayne County (MI) Sheriff’s Office. “He stood in the gap to protect others from harm and for that Officer Nehasil will always be remembered as a hero,” said Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. 

Officer Nehasil is the third Livonia (MI) officer fatality in history. He is one of the seven gunfire-related fatalities to date in the first month of the New Year.

Officer Larry Nehasil is survived by his wife and two kids, who proudly affirmed in a released statement that he “died doing the job he loved, serving the city in which he grew up as a child with pride and honor.”

For more on this story, go to:

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/livonia-police-officer-killed-in-walled-lake-20110117-wpms

http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/state&id=7904143

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41135975/ns/us_news/

RECENTLY FALLEN: Davie (FL) Officer Rogerio Morales

Three days after he collapsed during a physical agility test for his agency’s SWAT team tryouts, Davie (FL) Police Officer Rogerio Morales succumbed to his injuries on Thursday January 13, 2011.

According to officials, autopsy results indicating an exact cause of death have not yet been released, but the 27-year-old officer, described as “very physically fit,” is thought to have had a fatal heart attack.

After his sudden collapse, a paramedic administered first aid at the scene, and Officer Morales was taken to a hospital for treatment. He remained in a coma for three days until his death.

Officer Rogerio Morales is survived by his wife, whose moving words at her husband’s service touched hundreds of mourners in attendance. "I still remember our routine each night. I kissed you good night and tapped you on the stomach to make sure you were wearing your vest," she said. "Now I stand in our bedroom alone and hear nothing but silence. I pray to God and hope to understand one day why you are gone."

For more on this story, go to:

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-01-17/news/fl-rogerio-morales-memorial-20110117_1_police-officer-swat-tryouts

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/01/14/2016927/officer-dies-days-after-collapsing.html

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/fl-davie-officer-collapse-20110114,0,304740.story