The Tampa Police Department will mark the 90th anniversary of Officer Bryan A. Reese’s death with a memorial ceremony on August 29, 2025. The event, organized in collaboration with the Tampa Police Memorial Committee, will take place at 11:30 am in front of the Monument to Fallen Officers outside Tampa Police Headquarters.
Officer Reese was killed on August 29, 1935, during a gambling raid when a fellow officer’s gun discharged as he was attempting to apprehend a suspect. Reese had served nearly nine years with the department after joining in 1926. At the time of his death, he left behind his wife and young daughter, Emily Joan Reese; his son, Bryan Reese Jr., was born shortly after his passing. An inquest found that the shooting was an accident.
His death marked the first use of the police pension law enacted in 1935. Under this law, his widow received $100 per month for life or until remarriage, and each child received $15 per month for one year to help support them following his loss.
“The ceremony will feature a tribute by the Tampa Police Honor Guard, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Officer Bryan Reese and all who serve to protect our community,” according to organizers.
Community members are invited to attend or watch a livestream at facebook.com/TampaPD.
