Florida Highway Patrol, Florida
End of Watch Friday, September 19, 2025
Reflections for Senior Trooper Craig Antony Gaines
Another Hero has died. Senior Trooper Craig Gaines of the Florida Highway
Patrol.
Rest in Peace brother Gaines. Your time here is done, and you have done well.
Thank you for your combined 27 years of service to your community and state.
Thank you also for your service to this country in the United States Navy.
Brother Gaines also served the people of Havana at the Havana Police Department and the
Gadsden County Sheriff's Office.
A true public servant.
You are gone, but will never be forgotten in spirit.
Blessings to your family, friends, co-workers and the rest of the public safety family.
Rest easy knowing we got you covered.
Cherish his name. Say it out loud. Trooper Craig Gaines, Badge # 743 final radio call.
10-7 10-42
The blood of hero's never dies. "Dave Bray"
Corporal Jesse Cook - Retired
Georgia Dept of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division
October 6, 2025
Rest in Peace Brother
james oneill
NYPD
October 6, 2025
I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Senior Trooper Craig Antony Gaines. Though I did not know him personally, I honor his service, sacrifice, and devotion to the finest traditions of the Florida Highway Patrol. As a retired Auxiliary Lieutenant, I grieve with his family and my fellow Troopers, and I will always hold his memory and the Patrol he served so faithfully close to my heart.
—Kevin F. Jura
Auxiliary Lieutenant, Florida Highway Patrol (Ret.)
A/Lt. Kevin F. Jura (Ret.)
Florida Highway Patrol
October 6, 2025
Lord our God, you are always faithful and quick to show mercy. Our brother-in-blue, Senior Trooper Craig Antony Gaines, of the Florida Highway Patrol, succumbed to complications related to a leg fracture he received while providing lead security detail for the head coach of the Florida A&M Football Team on September 9, 2025 in the line-of-duty. Come swiftly to his aid, have mercy on him, and comfort his family and friends by the power and protection of the cross. We ask this through Christ our Lord. In His mighty and holy Name, and by His Authority and His Sacrificial Blood, I pray. Amen.
Please find Support, Comfort, and Hope from the following Scripture Verses taken from the NLT FCPO Edition of the Holy Bible:
"God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9);
"Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." (Psalm 23:4);
"God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6), and;
"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4).
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv., MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained, Independent Christian Outreach Police Chaplain
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
"Ministering to the Law Enforcement Community"
Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)
October 6, 2025
My deepest condolences to the entire Gaines family, especially to his wife and three children. May Craig's soul forever rests in peace.
Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"
October 6, 2025
Trooper Gaines,
Rest in peace. I'll pray for your wife and family, as well as your friends, loved ones and colleagues.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God”. – Matthew 5:9
Daniel Ryan
Private Investigator (Retired)
October 6, 2025
My condolences Brother. We will hold the line from here.
Former Wellston Police Chief
Robert Cossia
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Former Police Chief
Wellston, Missouri Police Department
October 6, 2025
Rest in peace brother. We have the watch from here. Thoughts and prayers for you, your family and your department.
Officer Tommy Thomason
Security Officer
October 6, 2025
Thank you for your service, brother. RIP.
Lieutenant Brian J. Wills II
Oswego County Sheriff's Office
New York
October 6, 2025
may HIS light shine perpetual upon his face
Chief Jim Allen (retired)
Mobile County Child Support
October 6, 2025
God rest your soul, Trooper Craig Gaines. May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten.
Investigator Christopher Port (Ret.)
California Highway Patrol, Valley Div. MAIT
October 6, 2025
Thank you Trooper Gaines for your dedicated and selfless service to the people of and visitors to FL. Your life mattered! Sending prayers of sympathy and condolences to your family, friends and coworkers. May you rest in peace. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.
Captain (Retired) Mike Culler
Winston-Salem NC Police Department
October 6, 2025