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Incident
Officer Carl Strickland was shot and killed from ambush by a man he had encountered about 15 minutes earlier.
Officer Strickland had broken up a fight between two men in the McDonalds Quarter. He warned the men to go home or that he would arrest them. When the subjects left the scene, one of them went home and obtained a .38 caliber pistol.
At approximately 10:30 pm the man ambushed and shot Officer Strickland between two houses. Officer Strickland's service revolver was still holstered and his flashlight was shining when he was found.
His killer, 52, fled the scene but turned himself in to the Collier County sheriff two days later. He was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Strickland was the first black police officer to serve with the Naples Police Department, and had been with the agency for only 30 days.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and mother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Strickland served with the Naples Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Naples community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Strickland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Naples Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Carl is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
Carl is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Carl is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1954, 3 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1954, 76 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1954, 77 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 97th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Carl was 45. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. Carl had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Carl was 45. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Carl had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Carl was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Carl had served 0.1 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7.6% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Naples Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Naples Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Carl among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Naples Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
