Sweetwater Police Department Honors Fallen Officer James Beasley Jr. After 35 Years

Honoring a Fallen Hero

• 🕊️ A special ceremony was held on National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor Officer James Mathis Beasley Jr., the only officer killed in the line of duty for the Sweetwater Police Department.
• 🗓️ The ceremony took place over 35 years after Officer Beasley was struck by a fleeing felon in 1986.
• 📍 The memorial service was held at Vista Memorial Gardens in Miami Lakes, with flags across Florida flying at half-staff.

Acknowledging Sacrifice

• 💔 Sweetwater Police Chief Sergio Diaz expressed the seriousness with which he takes honoring officers' sacrifices, stating that it was one of his first acts as chief to contact the family.
• 😔 The department had never held a grave site memorial for Officer Beasley until this ceremony.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Three of Officer Beasley's four surviving children attended the ceremony to witness the recognition of their father's service.

Legacy and Remembrance

• ✨ The children shared that while they always remembered their father, it was deeply meaningful to have the department and city officially honor him, making them feel like he was not forgotten.
• 🎖️ In a touching tribute, Officer Beasley was posthumously promoted to Sergeant, and an ID was created for him, which his family found incredibly moving.
• ✅ The chief emphasized that the message to the family was clear: their father's service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.