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ORLANDO, Fla. — Condolences have poured in across social media in the hours since the Orlando Police Department announced that officer Kevin Valencia, who was shot during a hostage situation in 2018, had died.
Valencia suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was shot in the head while responding to a domestic violence call that June.
READ: Orlando officer shot during 2018 hostage situation dies, according to police chief
Law enforcement agencies and officials from across Central Florida took to social media to honor Valencia and offer condolences to his family.
Read their messages below:
Law enforcement
This evening, Officer Kevin Valencia was escorted by our officers, as well as those from other agencies. Brother, we’ll take it from here... pic.twitter.com/UcywwuLdug
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) March 16, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with Meghan, the kids and my @OrlandoPolice family. Officer Kevin Valencia risked his life for this community and paid the ultimate sacrifice. He is a hero and will be remembered forever #NeverForget https://t.co/qTboADCcqm
— Sheriff John Mina (@SheriffMina) March 15, 2021
Officer Kevin Valencia is a hero who will never be forgotten. OCSO stands in grief with OPD and Kevin's family. Rest peacefully, Officer. https://t.co/GGwI1oFQau
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) March 15, 2021
READ: Orlando officer Kevin Valencia moved back to Central Florida
A true hero who fought until his last breath is now at peace.
— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) March 16, 2021
Even those who never met Officer Kevin Valencia will honor him by stepping up to protect the innocent
This family and @OrlandoPolice are in my prayers tonight, as all LEOs & their families are every night. https://t.co/t3ftPM7Ou1 pic.twitter.com/8xW9Ptoqe2
KPD stands with our brothers and sisters at @OrlandoPolice during this incredibly tough time. Our prayers go out to Officer Kevin Valencia's family and friends. May he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/9nl5JHdikX pic.twitter.com/n4OeZ4O7bZ
— Kissimmee Police (@kissimmeepolice) March 15, 2021
Our prayers are with his wife and young children. Thank you for your service to your community. https://t.co/lxDJgNAbPJ
— FHP Orlando (@FHPOrlando) March 15, 2021
Our hearts are breaking for the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Kevin Valencia. Sending strength and love from the @UCFPolice family 🙏💛 https://t.co/2PNW8flnDK
— Chief Carl Metzger (@UCFChiefMetzger) March 15, 2021
READ: Residents weigh in on Orlando Police Department during virtual meeting
Our hearts go out to Officer Valencia’s loved ones as we stand shoulder to shoulder with our OPD brothers and sisters. https://t.co/vDl4oQctxw
— Seminole County S.O. (@SeminoleSO) March 16, 2021
FCSO sends our condolences to the family, friends & colleagues of Officer Kevin Valencia of the Orlando Police Department. He was shot in the line of duty in 2018, and succumbed to his injuries on March 15, 2021.
— FlaglerSheriff (@FlaglerSheriff) March 16, 2021
Please keep the Valencia family & Orlando PD in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/Z6uFhCfNWZ
Government officials
Today our entire city mourns the passing of @OrlandoPolice Officer Kevin Valencia. He put his life on the line and made the ultimate sacrifice. Our prayers and support go out to his family, friends and co-workers as we honor his life and his selfless service to our community. https://t.co/9sPq9Xx5ML
— Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) March 16, 2021
Heartbroken to hear this news. Officer Valencia was a hero who served our Central Florida community with courage. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. https://t.co/mylmOdB9tl
— U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (@RepStephMurphy) March 15, 2021
READ: Restaurant manager credited with saving boy from abuse honored by Orlando police
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