Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Metroka was injured after being involved in a hit and run on November 29, 1997, and died of his injuries on December 15, 1997. Deputy Metroka and his canine partner were traveling westbound when another vehicle struck his patrol car near Copans Road and Northeast First Avenue. The suspect, a convicted felon, got out of his vehicle and approached the patrol car before fleeing the scene after removing a gun from his wrecked rental car. K9 Woedon, Deputy Metroka's partner, exited the vehicle and chased the suspect before returning to stay with him until rescue crews arrived. The suspect was captured a short time later and was charged with manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, driving with a suspended license, and other charges. On March 27, 1998, the 26-year-old suspect was seen fleeing on a bicycle from Metro Bank at 4820 N. Federal Highway. He was later captured and charged with robbing the bank. Just six days earlier, he was released after posting bail in Deputy Metroka's case. A few days later, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison as a habitual felon. In March of 1999, he was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death and sentenced to 30 years. His release date is November 26, 2031. Deputy Metroka had served with the Broward County Sheriff's Office for 10 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, mother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-2662A2BA- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Metroka gave the Broward County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fort Lauderdale community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Metroka.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Michael J. Metroka is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 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 0.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Broward County Sheriff's Office, 13 of 24 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 54.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael J. Metroka's cause is highlighted.
How Michael J. Metroka Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 30 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael J. Metroka is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael J. Metroka was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
23 officers from Broward County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
