News Release

Slain officer’s memorial dedicated at Brooker Creek Preserve

October 8, 2007
Contacts: Gary Morse (863) 227-3830 or Officer Joanne Adams (863) 581-6990

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Twenty-three years after her brutal murder in northern Pinellas County, the life of wildlife officer Margaret E. “Peggy” Park still has a significant impact on family, friends and fellow officers. A polished stone marker, located only yards from where she lost her life, was dedicated to her memory Monday.

Located at Brooker Creek Preserve, the monument commemorates Park’s dedication and sacrifice to conservation. The marker was placed through the efforts of Pinellas County’s Environmental Lands Division.

Park’s family, friends, a representative from the governor’s office, other government officials, law enforcement officers, fire and rescue personnel, and local land managers, some who knew her well, were in attendance.

“My family and I are very moved, and we appreciate the efforts of all the people who have worked to create and dedicate a memorial to Peggy,” Betsy Park, younger sister to Park, said. “Keeping her memory alive is of paramount importance to us.”

Park, a Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission wildlife officer, was alone on routine patrol off Keystone Road on the night of Dec. 3, 1984. She discovered two men stealing copper wire from a power substation. Park confronted the two, who then knocked her to ground and wrestled her service revolver from her.

A detailed investigation into Park’s murder resulted in the men being caught, convicted and sent to prison.

“Peggy's death has had a profound impact throughout the law enforcement training community, which continues to reverberate even today,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) law enforcement spokesperson Kat Kelley. “Law enforcement trainers throughout the world continue to be presented with a case study of Peggy's untimely death and receive training on how to better equip and train female officers for survival.”

At the time of her funeral, Park’s ashes were scattered over a favorite spot she visited frequently: an eagle’s nest near the memorial site. She now keeps eternal watch over that which she loved so dearly.

“She was a stellar officer – hardworking, dedicated and professional. She was missed at the time of her death over two decades ago, and she is still missed today,” said Col. Julie Jones, director of the Division of Law Enforcement for FWC.