Lois Marrero was the first female Tampa police officer to be killed in the line of duty.

TAMPA – Police Chief Eric Ward, officers and community members are scheduled today (Oct. 11) to dedicate a garden to the memory of Officer Lois Marrero.

Master police Officer Marrerro, 40, was gunned down by a fleeing bank robbery suspect on July 6, 2001. Officer Marrero was on foot checking an apartment complex for the suspect when he opened fire. Three bullets struck Officer Marrero,mortally wounding her. Other officers arrived moments later and the suspect barricaded himself inside an apartment. Subsequently, the suspect took his own life rather than face justice.

Officer Marrero, a 19-year department veteran, became the Tampa Police Department’s first female police officer killed in the line of duty.

Days later, Officer Marrero’s squad mates planted a magnolia tree at the District One Office in her honor and as living testament of her life. Now District One will join the other two district
offices of the department in having a memorial garden.

For two years, volunteers and community sponsors have worked to create a haven that will serve as both a place for quiet contemplation and for milestone celebrations.

The Lois Marrero Memorial Garden will officially be dedicated at 2:30 p.m. as the beautiful sanctuary that Officer Marrero wanted for the community she served. Department officials say the memorial garden will embody the integrity and compassion Officer Marrero showed not only to those she knew, but also the nameless, faceless many she did not know, but was proud to protect and serve. She will never be forgotten.

For information about the Tampa police, go to tampagov.net.

Photo of Officer Lois Marrero courtesy of the Tampa Police Department.

Tampa Police Department | Lois Marrero | Memorial Garden | Dedication | TB Reporter

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