Bonita Springs honors fallen officers with 2nd annual Blue Bowl

Bonita Springs is honoring fallen officers with its annual Blue Bowl. The event unites families and remembers officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty in Lee and Collier counties.

The Blue Bowl co-ed flag football tournament and memorial ceremony started in 2018 when Fort Myers Police Officer Adam Jobbers-Miller was killed in the line of duty.

The event is meant to honor all law enforcement and remember the heroes we have lost.

In Collier and Lee counties, 34 officers and two police K-9s have lost their lives while on the job.

After officers Miller’s death, one woman wanted to keep the legacies of fallen officers alive.

Rosemary Zore decided to do something to honor law enforcement and her own father who was a Miami-Dade police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1983.

“It does mean so much to the families. And I personally know how that feels. Because it’s just, it’s wonderful to see that person’s name. And to hear that person’s name. Even if it’s been one year or two years. If it’s been 25 years. It doesn’t matter how long you just always want to know that their sacrifice has not been forgotten and that it is appreciated. Because not just the officer that sacrifices their life,” said Zore.

There will be vendors including food trucks and music at the Blue Bowl game.

Proceeds made from sponsors, team registrations, and donations will all go to helping families of fallen officers.

The event is also raising money this year to build a fallen officers memorial in Collier County.

A way to honor those who were killed in the line of duty and bring people back together.

“We are going to give 100% from our foundation fund, that memorial all on us, not a tax dollar. And we’re gonna get that memorial built at Sugden Park, where families can come people can go for police week, or they can come and reflect and also educate,” said Mike Randell, vice president of Fallen Officers, the organization that puts on the even.

The opening memorial ceremony began at 8 a.m at Bonita Springs High School on Sunday. The flag football tournament runs throughout the day, ending with a concert after the championship game.