Fallen Officers Memorialized in Mural

On Wednesday evening, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Police Chief Jane Castor will unveil phase one of a memorial project at the District 3 headquarters to honor fallen officers.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m. at 3808 N. 22nd St.

The Hallway of Heroes will honor Officer Dave Curtis and Officer Jeff Kocab, who were killed a year ago during a traffic stop.  Cpl. Les Richardson painted a mural along the entryway to District 3 where Curtis and Kocab worked.  

There also is a glass etching with their badges illuminated with a blue LED light. Detective Larry Brass created the officer's badges with pavers in the walkway leading into the Hallway of Heroes.

Groundbreaking on a phase two memorial garden will start next month. Curtis and Kocab's squad came up with the memorial garden idea for a place for quiet reflection. Last year, District 2 dedicated a memorial garden in honor of Cpl. Mike Roberts. Roberts' widow visits the garden often.

The garden and the Hallway of Heroes were strategically placed.  As officers pull into District 3 each day, they will drive by the garden.  Once they park their cars and walk into the building, they will walk through the Hallway of Heroes and past the etching.

Want to go?

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where:  Tampa Police District III, 3808 N. 22nd St.

RSVP to: Anna.Richardson@tampagov.net or 813-242-3851