The Lake County Sheriff’s Office honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during its annual memorial ceremony on Tuesday. Among those honored with memorial wreaths was Master Deputy Bradley Link.

Link was killed in the line of duty in August 2024 after responding to a disturbance call in Eustis. His wreath, the most recent addition to the memorial, stood next to numerous others that have given their life over the last century.

Sheriff Peyton Grinnell opened the service, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who gave their lives to protect others. The ceremony also included a proclamation from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, led by Commissioner Leslie Campione, officially recognizing May as Law Enforcement Month.

During the service, the names of fallen deputies were read aloud as family members and representatives placed roses on memorial wreaths, honoring each life lost in the line of duty.

From the Leesburg Police Department:

Chief James Lee Hux, end of watch February 13th, 1924.
Chief Bishop W Haney, end of watch October 10th, 1937.
Officer Jessie Beerbower, end of watch February 13th, 1944.

From the Mount Dora Police Department:

Officer Clinton M Hyde, end of watch December 5th, 1959.

From the Lake County Sheriff’s Office:

Chief Deputy Bob C. Wilcox, end of watch July 4th, 1919.
Deputy Israel S. Hughes, end of watch April 1st, 1925.
Town Marshal Robert Smithwick, end of watch April 2nd, 1929.
Deputy Gene E Daughtry, end of watch January 24th, 1993.
Deputy William J. Marie, end of watch March 19th, 1994.
Deputy Wayne J. Koester, end of watch February 9th, 2005.
Sheriff Christopher C. Daniels, end of watch October 14th, 2006.
Master Detention Deputy Lynn D. Jones, end of watch June 24th, 2020.
Master Detention Deputy Richard M. Berry, end of watch July 16th, 2020.
Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link, end of watch Aug. 3, 2024.

A U.S. Army Reserve veteran, Link had served with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for more than four years and previously worked with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He is survived by his wife and family who presented a rose for his wreath during the ceremony.

Congressman Daniel Webster served as the keynote speaker, reflecting on the meaning of service and sacrifice.

“Heroes aren’t found on a stage or a screen,” Webster says. “They’re found on the streets of our communities, protecting us and giving their lives so we can live in safety.”

The ceremony served as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day and the lasting impact their service leaves behind.

For those in attendance, it was not only a time to remember, but to honor a legacy of duty, sacrifice and commitment to keeping the community safe.