The U.S. Honor Flag arrived at Orlando International Airport on Monday morning from Miami-International Airport to honor, the 157th police officer in the United States killed in the line of duty.
From Orlando International Airport, the flag will be transported to Lakeland to honor Officer Afnulfo Crispin, who died last Wednesday, after being shot in the head on Sunday night.
Lakeland Police, led by Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will collectively greet the pilot with ultimate reverence in respect to the precious treasure the pilot will hand deliver inside the Orlando International Airport.
Florida leads the nation in the number of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2011.
“Sadly this year Florida is leading the nation in the number of officers killed by gunfire. Seven officers have been killed by gunfire this year alone in Florida. We can not go into 2012 without seriously taking absolutely every step to needed keep our officers safe,” said U.S. Honor Flag Founder and President, Chris Heisler, in a statement. “Regardless of economic price, budget, and/or strain, Florida cops can not continue to die on the streets of the nations ‘Sunshine State’.” Leaders of Florida, take notice and protect those who protect the nation, added Heisler.
Officer Crispin, 25 years, was shot in the head one week ago as he was checking out three suspicious subjects in the 1900 block of Crystal Grove Lane.
An additional tribute to Officer Crispin will be the U.S. Honor Flag Memorial Gloves. The memorial gloves are worn by select Honor Guard members that will hold the U.S. Honor Flag during the funeral services. These gloves upon interment of Officer Crispin will be presented to the surviving family. U.S. Honor Flag Memorial Gloves are used only for holding the U.S. Honor Flag and are exclusively presented to survivors and/or or those whom have demonstrated extraordinary acts towards those in service to American citizens.
Police have arrested 19-year-old Kyle Williams in Officer Crispin’s shooting. He has been charged with shooting to death a law enforcement officer.
