SARASOTA – The Florida Highway Patrol will honor the life and career of a state trooper killed in the line of duty.
Trooper Joseph Bullock was shot and killed Wednesday while helping a stranded motorist in Martin County. A memorial service is planned for Thursday February 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Bayside Community Church in Bradenton.
Bullock a 19 year veteran of FHP will be laid to rest at the Sarasota National Cemetery. FHP Lieutenant Greg Bueno says almost 600 state troopers from all across Florida will be in attendance.
“We want to make sure that we pay our respects and everything that we can do to honor his memory and his 19 year career service with the Florida Highway Patrol, and also pay respect to his family for their sacrifices,” said Lt. Bueno.
The cemetery ceremony for Trooper Bullock is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. at the Sarasota National Cemetery. The ceremony is open to the public. Trooper Bullock will receive a full law enforcement honor.
Florida Highway Patrol only procession beginning at the Robert Toale and Sons funeral home, located at 1221 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton to Bayside Community Church – East Bradenton Campus located at 15800 FL-64 Bradenton. Procession begins at approximately 8:45 a.m.
Procession Route:
- Depart Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home
- Left on 53rd Avenue (State Road 70)
- Left on Lorraine Road
- Right on south access to Bayside Community Church
- Arrive at Bayside Community Church (Estimate arrival 9:30 a.m.)
At the conclusion of the Memorial Service, there will be a multi-agency law enforcement procession from Bayside Community Church to the Sarasota National Cemetery, located at 9810 SR 72, Sarasota. Procession begins at approximately 1:15 p.m.
Procession Route:
- Exit south entrance/exit of Bayside Community Church
- Left on Lorraine Rd South
- Right on University Parkway West
- Left on Interstate 75 South
- Exit onto State Road 72 (Clark Rd East), turn left
- Right on Veteran’s Blvd South
- End at Sarasota National Cemetery, anticipated arrival time 2:00 p.m.
Law Enforcement Honors will occur at the Sarasota National Cemetery. The honors ceremony will consist of the honor guard flag presentation, 21-gun salute, flyover and last call.
FHP welcomes anyone wanting to support the family of fallen Trooper Bullock along the procession route. Lt. Bueno is asking members of the public standing on the sidewalk or shoulder area not to obstruct travel lanes and exercise an abundance of caution during the procession.
Donations in honor of Trooper Bullock may be mailed to: FHP Broken Spoke Club, P.O. Box 11178, Tallahassee, FL 32302, or via the FHP Advisory Website: fhpadvisorycouncil.org. In the comment section of the donation, indicate Donation for the FHP Broken Spoke Club.
