PALM BAY, Fla. — The city of Palm Bay is remembering two fallen law enforcement officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice 36 years ago, on April 23, 1987.

Palm Bay Police Officers Ronald Grogan and Gerald Johnson were killed while responding to a shooting and hostage situation at a shopping center near Babcock Street and Palm Bay Road. 

While responding to that incident, Officer Grogan positioned his police car in between the line of fire and several innocent bystanders, according to the city of Palm Bay. Officer Johnson then rushed over to help Grogan, in his final act. Both officers had just joined Palm Bay’s police force the previous year, in 1986.

The gunman ultimately killed six people in total, including the two officers, and injured 14 others. He died in 2009 at the age of 82, while serving a death sentence for murder.

Each year, Palm Bay pays tribute to those two fallen officers by placing wreaths at Sacrifice Park in honor of their brave service. 

This year’s remembrance ceremony, which is open to the public, will be held 10 a.m. Monday at Sacrifice Park, located between Palm Bay City Hall and the public library.