Deputy Sheriff Robert O. Moore, Jr.

Deputy Sheriff Robert O. Moore, Jr.

Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch Monday, June 9, 1975

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Robert O. Moore, Jr.

Deputy Sheriff Bob Moore was killed while attempting to rescue inmates during a fire at the Seminole County Jail on Park Avenue and Commercial Street in Sanford.

The fire was started at 12:12 pm when an inmate on the 2nd floor lit his mattress on fire. Deputy Moore went into the building two times, freeing prisoners trapped in their cells. On his third trip through the building, he died of smoke inhalation. Ten inmates, including the inmate who started the fire, were also killed.

Deputy Moore was a United States Army, Air Force, and Navy veteran, serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In Korea, he was a prisoner of war for a year and a Purple Heart recipient from the Vietnam War. He had served with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office for eight months. He was survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.

Bio

  • Age 40
  • Tour 8 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Fire

correctional Facility, fire, prisoner custody

Most Recent Reflection

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Deputy Sheriff Moore,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Armed Forces during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 9, 2025

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