Florida Officer Was 'Crusty Veteran' With Heart of Gold

Thousands of officers, dignitaries and others attended the memorial service for slain St. Petersburg (Fla.) Police Officer David Crawford on Tuesday at First Baptist Church.

Those who knew the 25-year veteran of the force described Officer Crawford as a stern mentor to younger officers and a "crusty old veteran with a heart of gold," reports the Tampa Tribune.

Officer Crawford was fatally shot while confronting a potential car-theft suspect. Nicholas Lindsay Jr., 16, has been charged as an adult for first-degree murder .

Following the officer's slaying, Chief Chuck Harmon announced the agency would re-evaluate its optional body armor policy.

Read the full story at TBO.com .

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