Bob McGrory lives in Cape Coral.
But his son Justin died in the line of duty with the California Highway Patrol.
On June 27, 2010, Justin was administering a sobriety test when a suspected drunk driver drover over the shoulder, hit Justin and killed him.
Ever since then the McGrory family makes it a point to recognize National Police Week. The week-long observance helps those who have lost someone in the line of duty receive comfort and support.
“He’s being supported even though he’s not here,” McGrory said.
Justin is always on his dad’s mind.
“There’s a song that he hated, absolutely hated,” McGrory said. “The song was Delilah. He hated that song. But he sang it every time it comes on the radio. So when I hear it come on the radio, bam the memories come out. It can be something even just the first note of that song sometimes I just burst out in tears.”
That’s why McGrory showed up to join the Cape Coral Police Department as they recognize their fallen brothers and sisters in blue on Wednesday morning.
While the Cape Coral Police Department has not lost an officer, they understand the sacrifice.
“We know they have the same heart and spirit that we did. They wanted to come in and serve their community and help people. And some of them, unfortunately, paid the ultimate price in doing so,” said Cape Coral Police Capt. Anthony Sizemore.
McGrory is proud of his son.
This time of year is always tough for the McGrory family. Next month is Justin’s birthday and the reminder of the day he was killed.
“During May there’s a number of peace officer memorials we like going to. So that kind of brings back the memories and then beginning of June is his birthday. And June 27 was the day he was killed. So it’s just a constant reminder of not having him around,” McGrory said.
But ceremonies like the one in Cape Coral keep Justin’s memory alive.
“So many people are like wow we only had 28 years with him but my point of view is I had 28 years with him, 28 great years and I wouldn’t have given that up for the world,” McGrory said.