Florida Feds Demand Year-Round Respect for the Badge

Sixty officers died in the line of duty in 2022, gunned down, ambushed, or simply caught in the crossfire of a violent world. While the nation briefly acknowledges their sacrifice during National Police Week, the FBI’s Florida Special Agents in Charge are demanding a change: consistent, year-round respect and support for the men and women who put their lives on the line.

The FBI offices in Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa have tallied 92 fallen FBI agents—a stark reminder that protecting the American public isn’t a desk job. These agents, along with their local, state, and federal partners, battle everything from drug cartels and child predators to terrorists and cybercriminals. It’s a dirty, dangerous business, and the feds want the public to acknowledge that reality, not just for one week in May.

“It takes a special kind of person to run *toward* the chaos when everyone else is running away,” stated SAC Sherri E. Onks of the Jacksonville division. “They knowingly face danger every day, and too many don’t make it home. A week of gratitude is nice, but it’s not enough. These officers need, and deserve, our unwavering support, 365 days a year.”

The FBI’s involvement isn’t limited to headline-grabbing cases. The feds are deeply embedded in investigations covering a wide range of criminal activity across the state. From dismantling drug trafficking networks and dismantling organized crime rings, to prosecuting public officials engaged in corruption, and battling the ever-growing threat of cybercrime, the FBI works hand-in-hand with local law enforcement to keep Florida safe.

SACs Jeffrey B. Veltri (Miami) and David Walker (Tampa) echoed Onks’ sentiments, emphasizing the critical need for collaboration. “We’re not an island,” Veltri said. “Our success relies on strong partnerships with every law enforcement agency in this state. We stand with them, not just during Police Week, but every single day.” Walker added, “The dedication and bravery of these officers is truly inspiring, and we must never take their service for granted.”

The message from Florida’s top federal investigators is clear: a simple ‘thank you’ is a start, but it’s time to move beyond symbolic gestures and provide meaningful, sustained support for the individuals who are sworn to protect our communities. The feds aren’t asking for accolades; they’re demanding recognition of the constant danger faced by law enforcement and a commitment to honoring their service, not just when the headlines demand it.