|
County Commissioner Al Higginbotham (District 4) awarded the family members of Sgt. Ronald Harrison and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office with a commemorative plaque at County Center.
|
The family of fallen Hillsborough County Sheriff Sgt. Ronald Harrison and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office were honored with a commemorative plaque by County Commissioner Al Higginbotham and the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The board approved a resolution establishing the permanent designation of the Sgt. Ronald Harrison Memorial Roadway located at the intersection of Kings Ave. and Lumsden Rd., where Harrison was shot while traveling home from a DUI checkpoint.
The plaque awarded to the Harrison family by Higginbotham reads, "A grateful county honors the memory of Hillsborough County Sergeant Ronald Harrison for his unquestionable valor and commitment in his 27 years of service to the citizens of Hillsborough County. We appreciate and honor Sergeant Harrison for giving us the ultimate sacrifice in service to the citizens of our county."
On August 15, Harrison was shot by 24-year old Michael Phillips while stopped in his police car at a light on S. Kings Ave. in Brandon. According to police reports, Harrison died from gunshot wounds to his chest. The police found Harrison (55) in an unresponsive state and he was later pronounced dead at Brandon Regional Hospital.
Harrison left behind three daughters (Ronnee Harrison, Nitika Everhart-Jennings and Tanisha Drummond) and one son (Reginald Drummond), all of Tampa; three grandchildren (Shayeh Jennings, Ariyana Jackson and Amari Drummond); and many friends and relatives. All four of Harrison's children were on hand to receive the award.
"I first want to thank you for this opportunity of remembering our father. He definitely went beyond the call of duty and I know he is smiling down on this one. We are very grateful for the love and support we received from Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the surrounding counties. This is another great award and recognition that my father is receiving. Thank you," says Ronnee Harrison.
Sheriff David Gee, who was also in attendance, says, "The memorial will serve as a stark reminder on how quick things can change in the business of public safety and I want to tell you that I am proud to live in a community that would honor Sgt. Harrison in this matter and I want to thank the residents of Brandon for allowing us to share in their community and have his name there forever so we can remember and not forget his sacrifice."
For more information, please contact Jess Johnson or Deanna Hurley at 272-5740.
|
