Sergeant Michael Kunovich honored; his name added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.
- May 23, 2024
One year ago, on May 19, 2023, Sergeant Kunovich suffered a fatal heart attack in the line of duty. Kunovich was 52-years-old and served with the Sheriff’s Office for 25 years.
During National Police Week, Sergeant Kunovich was honored for his service and his name added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall in Washington, DC.
Sergeant Kunovich is among 282 names added to the memorial wall this year.
National Police Week is a week for law enforcement personnel, survivors, and members of the public to honor and remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
SJSO Deputy Josh Gordon, Lieutenant Todd Boger, Deputy David Agata, Corporal Judd Crawford, Corporal Nathon Lazinsky, Sam Williams (ret.), and Lee Bentley (ret.) participated in a 3-day, 250+ mile ride from Norfolk, Virginia to Washington, D.C. with Police Unity Tour Chapter VIII to honor Sergeant Michael Kunovich and raise awareness for other law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
When the Police Unity Tour made it to Washington, D.C., more than 2,000 riders from chapters across the country were greeted by fellow law enforcement officers and families of the fallen. Sheriff Hardwick and SJSO personnel were there to support the riders as they rode through the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial to end the trip.
“The Police Unity Tour is important because it is the primary fundraising function for the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall and Museum. It is these funds that help inscribe the names of all the fallen officers across the whole country so they can be remembered by everybody and their sacrifices can be honored,” Deputy Josh Gordon said.
SJSO placed a wreath above Sergeant Kunovichs’ name on the memorial wall. Congressman John Rutherford was also present to honor Sergeant Kunovich and other fallen heroes from his district.
Sergeant Kunovich was honored and his name read during the 36th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13 and the 43rd Annual National Police Officers Memorial Service at the Capitol on May 15th.
The SJSO Motor Unit assisted the Metropolitan Police Department and Secret Service with escorting families of the fallen to events. The Honor Guard stood at attention as the families were escorted into the candlelight vigil and memorial service. The family of Sergeant Michael Kunovich was accompanied by Captain Tim Burres.
“The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is here with law enforcement agencies and families nationwide. We are grateful to stand alongside the family of Michael Kunovich as his name is added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall,” Deputy Alana Tolbert said.
Sergeant Kunovich and his bravery and dedication will always be remembered.
