Senator Lauren Book’s Amendment Honors Fallen Officers Statewide
HB 385, a bill relating to transportation sponsored by Senator Manny Diaz Jr. (R-Hialeah) and Representative Bryan Avila (R-Miami Springs), today passed through the House and Senate and has moved to Governor DeSantis’s desk for signing. While the primary content of this bill pertains to Miami-Dade County transportation issues, it contains a critical amendment filed by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) identifying all fallen Florida Highway Patrol officers who have not been recognized for their service with an honorary transportation facility designation.
“The brave men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol work day and night to keep our most dangerous roadways safe—sacrificing time with their own families, to protect and serve ours,” says Senator Lauren Book. “I want to thank Senator Diaz and Representative Avila for allowing this amendment to their bill to ensure those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty are honored for their bravery.”
Senator Book’s amendment creates designations for 26 officers in various counties in honor of their ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of the State of Florida, including:
- Trooper Chelsea Richard – a single mother who served with the Florida Highway Patrol for nine years before being killed in the line of duty. She has been called “a real hero” and “the best mother.”
- Sergeant George A. Brown III (“Andy”) – six months after his wife died of cancer, Andy was killed in the line of duty, leaving behind a 13-year-old son, Tucker. A second-generation trooper, a Lance Corporal in the Marines, and a Law Enforcement Pilot for FHP, Sergeant Brown was a kind and well-respected man, remembered for his humor and empathy.
- Trooper Bradley S. Glascock – a 24-year-old new recruit who served with the Florida Highway Patrol for one year before being shot during a traffic stop at a tollbooth in Miami. Glascock’s death was FHP’s motivation purchasing bullet-resistant vests for all troopers is attributed to this case. Glascock’s family and friends remember him as kind, gentle with a heart of gold.
“I am glad to team up with Senator Book to honor our fallen law enforcement officers in this legislation,” says Senator Diaz. “It’s the right thing to do.”
While the core of HB 385 relates to Miami-Dade County, Sen. Book’s amendment recognizes fallen officers from across the State of Florida.
