Pasco Remembers its Fallen Heroes

When the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office pulls out the stops tomorrow night to honor its fallen, a new name will join the list.

A candle will be lit to honor the memory of, said Doug Tobin, spokesman for the sheriff's office. The 35-year-old deputy from Hernando County died July 3, 2011, on U.S. 41 in Pasco. He was engaged in a high-speed pursuit of a felon when the accident occurred.

Mecklenburg will join seven other law enforcement officers whose names will be read during the annual service. The memorial is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the Historic Dade City Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave. in Dade City.

"We have been doing the Pasco Law Enforcement Memorial since 2005," explained Tobin, who also serves as the event's emcee. "This will be a particularly sad memorial as we will have several immediate family members of officers' killed in the line of duty in attendance. This is one of the most fitting tributes to all law enforcement and the public is invited to attend and show their support."

Prior to Mecklenburg’s death, Pasco Lt. Charles Bo Harrison was the last law enforcement officer to die while on duty within the county’s limits. Harrison was shot and killed in 2003 while working surveillance in the Lacoochee area.

Deputy Sheldon Nicks was the first law enforcement officer killed in incorporated Pasco. He died in 1909 while helping his father, the Fivay Town Marshal, serve a warrant. Nicks was 23 when he was shot to death, according to the sheriff’s office website.

The annual service includes speeches from area law enforcement leaders, the reading of each officer’s name and a candle lighting ceremony.

"It is important as Americans, deputies, and as a community that we never forget the sacrifices of our heroes and their families," added Sheriff Chris Nocco. "This night is about their legacy and their lives that made a positive impact for all of us."

For more information, visit the sheriff's office online. The website lists a brief biography of each of Pasco's fallen officers.

The Names of the Fallen

Hernando Deputy John Charles Mecklenburg

End of Watch July 3, 2011

Pasco Lt. Charles Bo Harrison

End of Watch June 1, 2003

Trooper James Bradford-Jean Crooks

End of Watch May 19, 1998

Pasco Deputy John Herbert McCabe

End of Watch June 26, 1948

Pasco Deputy William Henry O’Berry

End of Watch Jan. 1, 1926

Constable Arthur Fleece Crenshaw

End of Watch Oct. 4, 1922

Prohibition Agent John Van Waters

End of Watch Oct. 4, 1922

Pasco Deputy Sheldon S. Nicks

End of Watch May 8, 1909