Prev
Incident
Sergeant Michael Kunovich suffered a fatal heart attack following a violent struggle with a man in the 2500 block of State Road 16 in St. Augustine.
The man was sitting in the dark outside of a closed business when Sergeant Kunovich approached him at about 9:00 pm. When Sergeant Kunovich attempted to pat the man down for weapons, the subject attempted to flee. Sergeant Kunovich and other deputies struggled with the subject for over six minutes, during which the man attempted to disarm him of his taser. After the man was placed in handcuffs, he was able to access a pocket knife which had to be forcibly removed from his hands.
Sergeant Kunovich collapsed moments after the man was put in custody.
The man was charged with resisting violence and aggravated manslaughter. The charges were dropped, but he is in federal prison awaiting deportation.
Sergeant Kunovich had served with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office for 25 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his two sons, mother, stepfather, two sisters, and a brother.
Biography
Michael Paul Kunovich, 52, passed away on May 19, 2023. Michael was a dedicated and respected sergeant with the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office and served his community for twenty-six years. He leaves behind a legacy of honor and selfless service.
Michael was born on September 5th, 1970, in Youngstown, Ohio, and developed a strong sense of duty and justice from an early age. He was one of five siblings and decided to relocate to Florida and pursue a career in Law Enforcement.
During his career in Law Enforcement, he joined the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office in 1997, embarking on a journey that would leave an indelible mark on the greater community. Michael worked in various capacities including as a reserve deputy before becoming onboard full-time, a Senior Law Enforcement Deputy, a Senior Internal Affairs Detective, and a Patrol Shift Leader. Throughout his twenty-five years of service, he received numerous awards including a Meritorious Service Award in 2003 and 2013, an Exceptional Service Award in 2010, and many letters of commendation. Michael also served on the SWAT team for 5 years and while serving, he earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration from Flagler College.
Throughout his tenure, he faced numerous challenges with unwavering resolve and unyielding commitment to uphold the law and ensure the safety of the community. He exhibited natural leadership skills and instilled a sense of purpose and dedication in those around him. Michael was an example of what it meant to be a law enforcement officer and public servant, embodying the values of integrity, courage, and selfless sacrifice.
Beyond his professional achievements, his most important role was that of being a father to two amazing young men who were his entire world. Michael was a caring father, cherished brother, mentor, and friend. He was known for his warm smile, laughter, and willingness to help all those in need. He enjoyed woodworking, photography, fishing, and traveling. His kindness and compassion for others extended far beyond the confines of his uniform. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Michael is preceded in death by his father Charles and his sister Michele. He is survived by his mother Joanie Glodde, stepfather Bob Glodde; sons Michael Jr., and Max; siblings Kathy Joyce (David), Mary-Jo Cusack (Jim), and Charles Kunovich, Jr.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmn8fty3gbhcgh4cxah8- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- October 4, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Michael. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
25 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Kunovich gave the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office 25 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the St. Augustine community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Kunovich.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
St. Johns County Sheriff's Office has lost 13 officers; 2 of them lost to cardiac events.
Michael is one of 62 officers lost to cardiac events in FL, 6.2% of the 1,006 remembered there.
Michael is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2023, 2 officers in FL were lost to cardiac events, the 6th heaviest of 39 years on record. The heaviest was 2017, with 4.
In 2023, 10 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 61st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 2023, 10 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 61st heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Michael was 52. Of the 61 lost to cardiac events in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 49. Michael had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 16 years.
Michael was 52. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Michael had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Michael was 52. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Michael had served 25 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
May holds 19.4% of these deaths in FL, more than any other month. Fridays: 21%.
May holds 8.8% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Fridays: 15.8%.
May holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.8%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 15.4% of all 13 deaths at St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, the 3rd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 50% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 6.2% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 12.9% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16% of these deaths.
His people
St. Johns County Sheriff's Office has 13 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
-
Abe Schneider
Mar 5, 1911
-
Guy White
Mar 5, 1911
-
Perry Alonzo Turlington
Nov 4, 1927
-
Lamar L. Knight, Sr.
May 7, 1933
-
Frank S. Quigley
May 7, 1933
-
Harold L. Hart
Apr 13, 1968
-
Joseph Frederick Solano Sr.
Feb 22, 1983
-
Joshua Edwin Blyler
May 2, 2004
-
James Louis Anderson, Jr.
Jan 14, 2010
-
Jeffery Wilson Carroll
Dec 14, 2018
-
Coby B. Seckinger
Dec 14, 2020
-
Jody Hull, Jr.
Aug 21, 2021
-
Michael Kunovich
May 19, 2023
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from St. Johns County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
