Portion of I-95 and Ft. Pierce FHP Station named for fallen Trooper Joseph Bullock
FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA – On Friday, Feb. 5, the one-year anniversary of the tragic death of Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Trooper Joseph Bullock, a portion of I-95 between mile markers 105 and 110 in Martin County was designated as the “Trooper Joseph Bullock Memorial Highway,” and the FHP station located at 2929 North 25th Street in Fort Pierce, Florida was designated as the “Trooper Joseph Bullock Building.” The dedication ceremony was held at Christ Fellowship Church in Stuart, Florida. Trooper Bullock’s mother, father, and two sisters were present at the ceremony, along with leaders and other members of the FHP, members of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, and state officials.
On February 5, 2020, Trooper Bullock was shot while assisting a motorist with a disabled vehicle on Interstate 95 in Martin County. While Trooper Bullock was in the process of performing his duties, the driver of the vehicle approached Trooper Bullock and fatally shot him. Trooper Bullock is the first law enforcement officer to be killed in the line of duty in Martin County. Trooper Bullock was survived by his parents and two sisters.
Trooper Bullock served with the Florida Highway Patrol for nearly 19 years on the Treasure Coast. He was in the 99th recruit class in Tallahassee that ran from Feb. 26 to Aug. 17 of 2001. He was also a veteran of the United States Air Force.
“For nearly 19 years, State Trooper Joseph Bullock served the citizens of Florida as a hero among us, willing to run toward danger to help keep others safe,” said Senator Lauren Book. “It is my honor to have worked with FHP and the Florida Legislature to ensure the proper recognition of Trooper Bullock and the legacy of service he has left behind.”
Representative Chuck Brannan said, “It was my privilege to sponsor this legislation so that we can permanently honor those troopers who have given their lives in defense of all we hold dear. It is my hope that the motoring public will always remember their sacrifices as they pass by these markers on our state highways”
“Paying honor to Trooper Bullock by designating a portion of I-95 and the Fort Pierce station in his name is a great tribute," said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. "I would like to thank the Florida Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis for ensuring the sacrifices of our fallen heroes are memorialized."