U.S. Navy · United States 
Ronald Dale Florence
1979
Ronald D. Florence served the U.S. Navy for 2 years. Ronald served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Officer Ronald Florence, Officer Fred Lucy, and Officer Charles Thompson were killed in a plane crash while en route to pickup a prisoner in Panama City, Florida. The Cessna 411, which had been seized several weeks prior, developed engine problems within minutes of taking off from Craig Field in Jacksonville. The pilot attempted to return to the airport was forced to attempt an emergency landing in a field along Beach Boulevard. The plane struck a telephone pole and then the roof of a car dealership before coming to rest. All three officers were killed on impact.
Service Record
U.S. Navy
1965 – 1967
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmw99r268m09y57rvfjx
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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