Babcock Ranch Telegraph

Fallen officer Christopher Taylor receives full honors at Babcock Ranch




Riders from many counties and cities in Florida join in the funeral procession for Deputy Taylor. STEVE MITSKAVICH / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH

Hundreds of residents lined Lake Babcock Drive at Founder’s Square on Nov. 30 to pay their respects to Charlotte County Deputy Christopher Taylor, who died at age 23 in the line of duty while on a Nov. 22 traffic stop on I-75.

The public memorial service was held at the Field House, which hosted thousands of law enforcement officers from around the state and area government officials and staff, along with the friends and family of Deputy Taylor.

Deputy Taylor was given full honors, including an honor guard that remained with his casket throughout the proceedings, bagpipers, a bugler playing “Taps,” a 21-gun salute, and a flag-folding ceremony.

According to Claudette Smith, a spokeswoman for the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Babcock Ranch location was chosen for the service because the Field House could accommodate the anticipated number of attendees expected. She said law enforcement units arrived in squad cars, motorcycles, and even helicopters, representing many counties throughout the state, including several state agencies and officers from as far away as New York City.

TAYLOR

TAYLOR

“The Lee County Sheriff ’s Office volunteered to take over our operations for the day so that our deputies and staff could attend,” she said. “He was well-liked and known for his broad smile and work ethic.”

“I can honestly say I’ve never seen so many first-responder vehicles in my life,” remarked Edgewater resident Bubba Ash.

Deputy Taylor served the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for 15 months. He attended the police academy and was pinned as a deputy in February. He grew up in the area and graduated in 2018 from North Fort Myers High School. He is survived by his parents and fiancee.

Motorcycles for traffic control extend the length of a football field.

Motorcycles for traffic control extend the length of a football field.

Engine 16 of Charlotte County gets into position to the east side of Founder’s Square.

Engine 16 of Charlotte County gets into position to the east side of Founder’s Square.

Firefighters honor Deputy Taylor. STEVE MITSKAVICH / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH

Firefighters honor Deputy Taylor. STEVE MITSKAVICH / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.