FLORENCE-The Florence Police Department held a Memorial Ceremony and Awards Presentation on Friday, May 19 at Memorial Grove (located at the intersection of E. Mobile Street and Royal Ave in downtown Florence).
This ceremony recognizeD the fallen and celebrated those who have excelled in the last year.
The keynote speaker this year is Presiding Lauderdale County Judge Gil Self.
The Quad Cities was on hand to capture the event in photos:
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End Of Watch Tribute Florence Police :
David R. Young
Dates of Service:
Hired: 1–6–93 End of Watch- 5–3–07
Died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash while attempting to stop a reckless driver.
Known For
- Always Smiling
- His love for family
Remembered for
His love for God and his family and fairness in dealing with the community.
Served as
Patrolman, Traffic Officer, Diver, Negotiator, Firearms Instructor
Family
- Donna Young McDaniel- Spouse
- Aimee Wood- Daughter
- David James Young- Son
- Kenneth Young- Father
- Ann Young- Mother
- Donna Brown- Sister
Personal
He was a man of integrity. Joking and having fun was one of his priorities in life. He had a contagious laugh and when he smiled, everyone around smiled with him. He was tender-hearted and would give you the shirt off his back if he thought it would help you. He had a booming voice even when speaking softly. It was said that God had given him an internal microphone. He was an inspiration to others to be the best they could be. He was a loving and caring person who made an impact on everyone he met.
Grew Up
Middle Tennessee and South Alabama
Schools
- Livingston Elementary School
- Mobile City Schools
- Scottsboro High School
- Emmanuel Baptist College
Military
Air Force- 1981- 2003
Civic Service
- Leukemia Light the Night Walk
- American Heart Association
- “The Great Race”
- FLW Bass Tournament
- Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride and Tribute
Awards
- “Top Gun” (Academy Class Top Firearms Award)
- Purple Heart
- Life Saving Medal
- Perfect Attendance Award
- Lipscomb Leadership Award
- Chief’s Distinguished Service Medal
- Numerous Certificates of Commendation.
Steven Lee Ticer
Dates of Service
Date of Hire: 8–3–77 End of Watch: 5–12–88
Died from injuries sustained from being hit by a drunk driver while investigating a call for service
Known for
“Family First”
Remembered For
His dependability, dedication, drive, and passion for service. “He is dedicated, and a true asset the Police Department.” -A quote from Capt. Jack Carr in Officer Ticer’s evaluation report.
Served as
SWAT Operator on the Florence Police Department’s first Special Operations Team, Traffic Unit Member, Invesitgator, Mounted Patrol Officer, Uniformed Patrol Officer.
Family
- Brenda Ticer- Wife
- Chris Ticer- Son
- Arnold Ticer- Father
- Betty Ticer- Mother
- Rayford Ticer- Brother
- Angie Haddock- Sister
Grew Up
Florence, Al
Schools Attended
Bradshaw HS
Military Service
US Army- 1972–1976.
Served in the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and as a Martial Arts Instructor.
Civic Service
Nominated by the Florence Jaycee’s in 1980 for “Officer of the Year”.
Awards
Numerous Letters of Commendation for Politeness, Efficiency, and Courtesy.
Doys E. Whitehead
Dates of Service
- Hired 2–25–87 as Jailer for the City of Florence Police Department.
- Hired 8–19–89 as a full time Police Officer with the City of Florence Police Department.
- End of Watch 6–20–91- Died from complications with injuries sustained in a car wreck while responding to a call on-duty.
Known for
Being a wise man, lived his life with a “common sense” attitude.
Remembered for
Being very mature and an all around “Squared Away” Officer.
Family
- Bille J. Whitehead- Wife
- William E. Whitehead- Son
- Donald W. Whitehead- Son
- Tonya L. Whitehead- Daughter
Personal Info
Favorite Quote: “As long as the horse is willing to go to the water, you can lead it.”
Schools Attended
- Coffee High School- Left in the 10th grade to join the US NAVY.
- Completed his GED while in the US NAVY.
Military
Served in the US NAVY for 10 years (Vietnam Veteran).
Grew Up
Florence, AL.
Civic Service
Served as an evangelical Freewill Baptist Preacher in the Southern Baptist State Line Conference.
Awards
National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal
Other Employment
Was a carpenter by trade and worked at a variety of construction companies, owning his own business before being hired by the City of Florence.
Hobbies
Hunting, Fishing, Boating
Leo Glover
Known for:
Being a fair officer who believed in education and giving people the benefit of the doubt.
Remembered for:
Putting his family first and his ability to motivate his co-workers
Served as:
Patrol Officer, Radar Officer and Traffic Officer
Family:
- Martha Glover Twiss- Spouse
- Casey Glover- Son
- John Glover- Son
- Mark Glover- Son
Personal Info:
Loved sports, especially baseball and basketball. Self taught musician (guitar and bass guitar)
Grew Up:
Killen, AL before moving to Central/Florence Area
Schools Attended:
Central High School
Military Service:
Army Reserves- MP (6 years)
Civic Service:
Helped form the first Police league softball and basketball teams
Awards:
Numerous Certificates of Commendation
Worked at:
- Culpeppers Bakery
- As a delivery man for a local florist
- Gas station attendant
- Insurance agent
- Florence Police Officer
