Correctional Officer Fred Sidney Griffis, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida

Correctional Officer Fred Sidney Griffis

Florida Department of Corrections, Florida

End of Watch Wednesday, June 24, 1987

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Fred Sidney Griffis

Correctional Officer Fred Griffis was shot and killed during an escape attempt during a prisoner transport in West Palm Beach.

He and an armed escort officer were jumped by two armed suspects in front of a doctor's office on North Olive Avenue, near Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard. The men disarmed the armed officer and demanded that Officer Griffis hand over the keys to unlock the van and free the prisoner. Officer Griffis did not comply and instead tossed the keys away. When he tossed the keys the suspect shot and killed him.

Both suspects were apprehended after a chase in which they fired at pursuing officers.

The man who shot Officer Griffis was apprehended and sentenced to death. He died in prison on July 17th, 1999, from injuries he suffered while fighting guards who were attempting to search his cell. The other subject was also sentenced to death and was executed on June 12th, 2013.

Officer Griffis was a U.S. Army veteran who served three tours during the Vietnam War. He was decorated seven times for bravery, including four Bronze Stars and three Oak Leaf clusters, all given for heroism. An Army Ranger and expert rifleman, he was cited twice for saving the lives of fellow soldiers.

Officer Griffis had been assigned to the Glades Correctional Institution for three weeks after retiring from the military. He had previously worked at the facility for one year prior to his time in the military He was survived by his mother and sister.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 1 year
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Executed in 2013

escape attempt, transport

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Minister Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
I'M PRAYING MINISTRY: Devoted to Prayer and God's Word
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA