SARASOTA – It was a somber day on the Suncoast for Florida Highway Patrol State Troopers as they lay to rest one of their own. State Trooper Joseph Bullock was killed in the line of duty and received law enforcement and military honors at the Sarasota National Cemetery.
“He was the very first person that I saw, day one, after graduating the academy, and he is what set the standard for who I am today,” said State Trooper Mellow Scheetz.
Trooper Scheetz of Troop L on the Treasure Coast was trained by Trooper Bullock. She credits him for getting her to where she is today with FHP.
“His integrity, his thoughtfulness, his kindness, his humor was passed down to me and everybody else in the Fort Pierce District,” said Trooper Scheetz. “He’s a tremendous man with a tremendous impact and I love that we’re getting an opportunity to show that and express that to everybody.”
Bullock was honored not only for his 19 year career with FHP but also for having served in in the Air Force. His mother was presented with the American flag in his honor, and several law enforcement agencies from across Florida and the U.S. showing up to pay their respects.
“I can definitely say he made his mark,” said FHP Sergeant Dylan Bryan. “He was an outstanding young man, true friend, unbelievable sense of humor…and he’ll be sorely missed.”
Sgt. Bryan a close personal friend of Bullock says the news of his death left him speechless.
“We know that there’s an inherit risk with the profession that we’ve chosen, but this is a calling, it takes a special person to dawn the badge… go out, sacrifice so much for people you don’t even know,” said Sgt. Bryan.
FHP Lieutenant Greg Bueno says anyone who’d like to honor Trooper Bullock can donate to the FHP Broken Spoke Club.
