Last night, August 17, 2021, local police officer, Jason Raynor, passed away due to his injuries after being shot while on patrol in June 2021 in Daytona Beach.
In a statement released on August 17, the Daytona Beach Police Department stated the following:
With his family’s blessing, we regret to inform you that the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) officer who was shot nearly two months ago has succumbed to his injury.
Officer Jason Raynor passed away at 8:09 this evening (August 17, 2021) at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach with his family by his side.
“Now more than ever, we ask for all of you to embrace the Raynor family and the Daytona Beach Police Department in your hearts during this devastating time and pray that God will give us all the strength to persevere through this senseless tragedy,” said DBPD Police Chief Jakari Young. “Jason’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
On behalf of the family, Chief Young thanks everyone who has shown their love and support. He is now asking for the public – including members of the media – to respect their desire for privacy while they grieve for their loved one.
“We ask that anyone who would like to send their condolences or offer a donation or do something on behalf of the Raynor family to please contact the police department instead of going directly to them,” Young added. “We hope this will ease some of the burden on them.”
Those who wish to do that can contact us at JasminskiHeather@DBPD.us or (386) 671-5364.
Officer Raynor becomes the 10th DBPD officer to fall in the line of duty. Prior to this, the last DBPD officer to lose his life from injuries sustained while on patrol was Kevin Fischer in 1998. The last officer to pass away from injuries while on duty was Thomas Coulter in 2018 during a training exercise.
The Celebration Of Life and funeral arrangements for Officer Raynor have not been set at this time. Once they are, we will let all of you know through our website, social media channels and the DBPD smartphone app.
The Raynor family will not grant any interviews at this time and neither will anyone associated with DBPD. We appreciate your understanding.
CODB.us
Volusia County and surrounding area officers and first responders surrounded Halifax Hospital after his death was announced to show their support to Officer Raynor and his family.
Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young made the following statement as well:
Today is an extremely difficult day for the Daytona Beach Police Department and the City of Daytona Beach. It is with an extremely heavy heart that I inform everyone that our beloved brother, Officer Jason Raynor, has passed away with his immediate family by his side.
The outpouring of love and support that all of you have shown to our police department and to Officer Raynor’s family since he was severely injured has been nothing short of amazing. In His infinite wisdom, God decided that it was time for his courageous young man to guard the gates of Heaven, even though that wasn’t the outcome that we all hoped for.
Now more than ever, we ask for you all to embrace the Raynor family and the Daytona Beach Police Department in your hearts during this devastating time and pray that God will give us all the strength to persevere through this senseless tragedy.
Jason’s sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten….
In a statement on Facebook this morning, Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry said:
The passing of Officer Jason Raynor has shattered our collective heart into millions of pieces. We are comforted by the unity and commitment that has engulfed our city to honor and perpetuate the noble cause of justice for which he lived and paid the last full measure. He fought for 55 days to save us from the terrible grief that now consumes us. As we grieve and console his biological and law enforcement families, let us remember that acts of love are our best resources for healing. Let us acknowledge and reflect on his service and commitment in ways that reflect both his gallant 55-day fight and the bright light that we have lost.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood said:
Just like this entire community, I feel the same sadness, grief and anger all over again. A young man who had his whole life ahead of him is resting peacefully tonight. Jason Raynor will never be forgotten. As Chief Young said, Officer Raynor is guarding the gates of Heaven. May God watch over his family and every law enforcement officer answering the call. That is all I can ask.
Shooter’s Charges Now Include First-Degree Murder
Othal Wallace, the man who in custody facing charges for shooting Officer Raynor in the head in June, is in custody and now has an additional charge of first-degree murder.
He is scheduled to appear before a judge today at 1:30 p.m. for this additional charge.
*Update:
The State Attorney’s office has announced they plan to seek the death penalty in this case.
Events Planned To Honor Fallen Officer Jason Raynor
In coordination with the family of fallen Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD) Officer Jason Raynor, events will be held on Sunday (August 22, 2021) and Monday (August 23, 2021) where respects will be paid to Officer Raynor.
These events are not open to media or the public.
Current and previous law enforcement officers and their significant others are welcome to attend as are any civilian personnel who work or have worked in law enforcement and their significant others.
Anyone from the public who would like to pay their respects to Officer Raynor can visit and leave items anytime at the memorial that’s located outside the front lobby of DBPD headquarters (129 Valor Boulevard). The memorial will be left in place until after the funeral.
The service is expected to last around an hour and will feature various outdoor elements.
Those include a flyover, the playing of “Taps”, a 21-gun salute and a flag display from the Daytona Beach Fire Department.
Among those speaking during the service will be DBPD Chief Jakari Young and one of Officer Raynor’s family members.
Various dignitaries are expected in attendance, including elected officials.
Officer Raynor’s remains will be cremated following the service.