Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Gary Morales was shot and killed while making a traffic stop in the 3200 block of Naylor Terrace, near Edwards Road, at approximately 9:30 am.
During the stop a subject exited the stopped vehicle and opened fire, striking Sergeant Morales as he sat in his patrol car. He was transported to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and Heart Institute where he was pronounced dead.
The subject was taken into custody. On April 29, 2016, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
Sergeant Morales was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had served with the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office for 13 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and his brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-6FEB6EE5- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sergeant Morales gave the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fort Pierce community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Gary Morales served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Sergeant Gary Morales 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 St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 20% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Gary Morales's cause is highlighted.
How Gary Morales Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to death
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gary Morales is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gary Morales was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
