Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Sullivan was shot and killed while conducting an undercover drug buy with his partner. Detective Sullivan was the money man in the operation while his partner attempted to purchase the drugs. As Detective Sullivan sat in a pickup truck one of the suspects ambushed him, stole the money, and fled. The 23-year-old shooter was apprehended in Tampa a short time later and sentenced to life. His accomplice was apprehended in Spain several years later and extradited back to Florida where he was also sentenced to life. The shooter died in a South Florida prison on January 4, 2015.
Survivors
Detective Sullivan had been with the agency for six years and was survived by his wife, parents, two brothers, sister and nephew.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-819BC852- 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.
Detective Sullivan gave the St. Petersburg Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Petersburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Sullivan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Herbert Ray Sullivan 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. Petersburg Police Department, 12 of 16 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Herbert Ray Sullivan's cause is highlighted.
How Herbert Ray Sullivan Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Herbert Ray Sullivan is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Herbert Ray Sullivan was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
15 officers from St. Petersburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
