Memorial Services Scheduled for Fallen Officer David Crawford

The community may share prayers for fallen Officer David S. Crawford at a public viewing on Monday, Feb. 28th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg, at 1900 Gandy Blvd.

A memorial/funeral service will be held at the same location on Tuesday, March 1, at 11 a.m. Details regarding a procession after the memorial service are still pending.

The church is the same house of worship where a joint memorial service was held for St. Petersburg Police Officers Thomas Baitinger and Jeffrey Yaslowitz, after they were shot by a lone gunman in south St. Petersburg on Jan. 24.

Crawford was fatally shot on Monday, Feb. 21, and pronounced dead after midnight at Bayfront Medical Center. He was a 25-year veteran of the police department. Police Chief Chuck Harmon said his files are filled with commendations for Crawford and his work.

Crawford, 46, began his career with the St. Petersburg Police Department on July 13, 1985.  During his tenure, he served in the Patrol Division, where he spent much of his career working on the midnight shift.  

He was assigned to District II (downtown/north side) on the midnight shift when he was shot and killed in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and daughter, Amanda.

On Tuesday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott made a personal appearance at the Tropicana Field to express condolences to the officer's family, the police department and the community.

“My thoughts and prayers remain with the family and loved ones of Officer Crawford during this extremely difficult time.

"I am hopeful that they might find some relief knowing that a suspect has been identified and is behind bars," Scott said, referring to the arrest Tuesday of 16-year-old Nicholas L. Lindsey, who police say confessed to the killing.

 “I commend the local, state and federal law enforcement officials who joined with the community to get the suspect off the streets of St. Petersburg."

Donations for the family of Officer Crawford can be made to the following funds:

• The Officer David Crawford Memorial Fund at Wachovia Bank (any bank branch);
• Sun Coast Law Enforcement Charities, at 14141 46th St. N., Ste #1205, Clearwater, 33762. Credit card donations can be made by calling 727-532-1722.