Annual Volusia and Flagler County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors fallen officers

This year, the Port Orange Police Department served as the host agency.

  • By Observer Staff
  • | 1:00 p.m. May 22, 2026
  • Ormond Beach Observer
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Law enforcement agencies remembered fallen officers during the 2026 Volusia and Flagler County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony, held on Thursday, May 21, at Daytona Memorial Park.

This year, the Port Orange Police Department served as the host agency, according to a post on the POPD Facebook page. 

"This annual ceremony is a solemn and vital tradition, bringing together law enforcement agencies, families, and community members from across both counties to remember, honor, and pay tribute to the brave heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," POPD wrote. 

Port Orange Police Chief Manuel Marino opened the ceremony and Port Orange Mayor Scott Stiltner served as the keynote speaker. The Port Orange Police Department Honor Guard placed the memorial wreath.

The ceremony honored honored local officers and K-9s who have died since 1895, including Ormond Beach Police Officer Robert Grim, who died in 2004; and Cpl. Michael Bakaysa, who died in 2023. The Flagler County Sheriff's Office honored six of its fallen officers: Sheriff Perry Hall and Deputy Sheriff George Durrance, both who died in 1927; Sheriff Homer Brooks, who died in 1965; Deputy Sheriff Charles T. Sease, who died in 2003; Sgt. Francesco Luigi Celico, who died in 2011; and Deputy First Class Paul Luciano, who died in 2021.

 

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