Officer Danese "Dan" B. Crowder
Wildlife Officer Danese "Dan" B. Crowder, 28, was fatally shot May 3, 1974, while attempting to arrest a subject for killing deer when the season was closed. Officer Crowder had stopped the subject’s vehicle on a rural road south of Mayo in Lafayette County when he was shot with a rifle as he stepped from his vehicle. A subject was apprehended May 5 and charged with the crime. In August 1974, the subject was convicted of first degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Crowder began his career with the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission in September 1970. His Florida National Guard background and love of the outdoors made him an outstanding officer. In a fitting tribute, the Commission honored Officer Crowder by posthumously awarding him its highest award, the Distinguished Service Citation.
Colleagues and loved ones remember Officer Dan Crowder, who made the ultimate sacrifice as a conservation law enforcement officer for the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.
Video and Audio
- Video About Fallen Officer Dan Crowder
- Incident Summary by Retired Lieutenant Colonel Gregg Eason
- Memorial Marker Dedication Video - Jan. 10, 2024
- Interview with Bill Crowder, Brother of Fallen Officer Dan Crowder
- Interview with Maureen Crowder, Daughter of Fallen Officer Dan Crowder
- Interview with Retired FDLE Special Agent Dallas Herring
- Interview with Retired Captain Ed Tyer
- Interview with Retired Major Bruce Hamlin
- Interview with Retired Major Don Arnold
- Interview with Retired Captain Barry Cook