Memorial to honor slain officers

FLORIDA WEEKLY PHOTO When completed, the Fallen Officer Memorial will grace the entrance to the Police Department. The front of the Fort Myers Police Department on Peck Street is about to be enlivened by a "Fallen Officer Memorial," designed by Fort Myers High students in the school's industrial design department. The project faced numerous delays, everything from a rough hurricane season to faulty blueprints, said Major Glen Johnson, who is assigned to manage the project. However, it is expected to be completed in less than a year

The memorial, which will honor FMPD members killed while on duty, will also include a sculpture commissioned jointly by the police department and the Fort Myers Public Arts Committee. The piece will likely be made of bronze, Public Arts Committee Member Sharon McAllister said, but the chosen artist and the sculpture's specific form is still in the works.

"Students came up with the curved memorial wall, with the blue section in the middle that lights up," she said.

The entire project carries an estimated cost of $70,000, and will be paid for through public and private donations, which are being saved in a special account set up through Edison National Bank in downtown Fort Myers.

PHOTO COURTESY FORT MYERS POLICE DEPARTMENT An artist's rendering of the proposed Fallen Officer Memorial at the entrance to the Fort Myers Police Department. "We expanded the project from what it initially was," Johnson said. "It's tough getting money nowadays because it's just a different economy now."

Donations may also be claimed as tax exemptions, he said.

Some of the largest donations thus far include $5,000 from the Guy M. Strayhorn Charitable Trust. Strayhorn died in 1981 and is known for his contribution to public service. The check was presented by his grandson, attorney Bruce Strayhorn.

"It's a great cause, and my grandfather had a long history with the city of Fort Myers and its law enforcement," Strayhorn said. "I couldn't think of a more fitting tribute to address all his interests at the time than the Fallen Officer Memorial."

Also, The Defenders Motorcycle Club, a fraternal club for active and retired law enforcement, emergency services, military and public safety professionals, presented Fort Myers Police Chief Hilton Daniels with a check for $2,500 in May.

So far, donations total $27,619.

Four officers have died on duty, while serving in the city of Fort Myers.

Lieutenant Matthew G. Hisler died on Jan. 3, 1930 from gunfire.

Sergeant Logan L. Scott died on April 3, 1981 in a vehicle accident.

Detective Mark Alan Bolhouse died on Jan. 19, 1988 from an aneurysm.

Officer Daniel Matthew Starks died on Oct. 25, 2003 in a vehicle pursuit.

Contributions may be sent by check, made out to "The FMPD Fallen Officer Memorial Fund" at Edison National Bank, 2105 First Street, Fort Myers, FL33901, or call 332-6286.

The FMPD also welcomes donations of materials and licensed services that will lower the cost of the project.