There were many heavy hearts this week not only for the officers and citizens of Charlotte County, but for officers all over the state of Florida. A local hero, Sergeant Michael Wilson, was on a call for a domestic disturbance, was shot, and passed away in the line of duty.
Today, thousands of locals lined the streets off the procession route with signs and American flags to show their support as hundreds of officers, firefighters, paramedics and others drove the stretch of Sgt. Wilson’s district.
Our family has known the Wilsons for many, many years, as Mike (as many called him) grew up going to school with my older brother and my mother had all three of his children in class throughout their preschool years. We proudly joined along with thousands of our neighbors, as we watched the procession from the parking lot of HoneyBaked Ham in Port Charlotte.
Our favorite memory of Officer Mike will forever be when he pulled over my Nana for speeding on her way to church. He gave her a ticket instead of a warning, as he didn’t realize that she was the “Hall Nana” as he would called her, at the time. We’d laugh about this incident together for years and Nana would NEVER let him live it down. Needless to say, I think he was forever slightly afraid of this 90 year old woman.
In honor of Sgt. Wilson, here is a video (Sgt Mike Wilson’s Procession) of this overwhelming, yet powerful experience that exemplifies the true picture of patriotism and when people come together to support one another through tough times:
Although it’s an unfortunate time for us all to pull together, it reminds me of one simple thing about this wonderful country in which we live – freedom.
God, I love this country.
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Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has put together a donation fund to help financially support the Wilson Family.
For more information about Sergeant Michael WIlson and the Charlotte County Sheriff Office, visit the Charlotte County Sheriff Office Facebook page or the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office official website.
More details on this fallen hero’s tragedy: Sergeant Michael Wilson – End of Watch – August 5, 2013
Sgt Michael Wilson’s funeral coverage from Fox 4 News, 10pm segment – “Stg. Mike Wilson remembered as hero at funeral service“
Ashley Harris | Blog 