Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Ronald Grogan and Officer Gerald Johnson were shot and killed while responding to the scene of a mass shooting during which a man had gone on a shooting spree with a Ruger Mini 14 rifle, killing six civilians and wounding another 18. The suspect took hostages at a supermarket and as the officers arrived he opened fire on them, killing Officer Grogan before he was able to exit his patrol car. Officer Johnson was able to exit his vehicle and return fire before being struck in the foot and knocked down. As he was reloading the suspect approached him and shot him at point-blank range. The suspect was captured later in the night. He was convicted of the murders and was subsequently sentenced to death. While awaiting his execution he died of natural causes at age 82 on November 29th, 2009. Officer Grogan had served with the Palm Bay Police Department for six months.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-085F5556- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Grogan served with the Palm Bay Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Palm Bay community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Grogan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Ronald Midgley Grogan is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 53.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Palm Bay Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ronald Midgley Grogan's cause is highlighted.
How Ronald Midgley Grogan Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ronald Midgley Grogan is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ronald Midgley Grogan was killed by rifle.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Palm Bay Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
