David Curtis was fun, hard working and always made people laugh with his jokes and stories. Originally from Alabama, Dave loved Alabama football, fishing, deserts and being a police officer. But, most of all, he loved being a dad to his four boys, who looked identical to him: Austin (9), Sean (8), Tyler (5), and Hunter (1). To them, their dad was the strongest, most fun dad, and their hero.

In 2002, Dave and his family moved to Tampa, where he was a detention deputy and part of the TACT team for Hillsborough County Sheriffs Department. In 2006, Dave began working for the Tampa Police Department. Shortly after, he was recognized for his hard work and was named “Employee of the Month.” He was also a member of the Tampa Honor Guard, which was a huge privilege for him.

On June 29, 2010, Dave, 31, made the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved to do – being a police officer. He and his partner Jeff Kocab, another floragraph honoree, were shot and killed while attempting to make an arrest at a routine traffic stop.

“He left this world as a hero to many, and lived on in many people because he was able to donate his heart, lungs, and liver,” said his wife, Kelly. “This experience has been amazing to know that Dave has saved so many peoples’ lives through organ donation, and that others can live on because of his selfless ways.”