Local Law Enforcement Honors Retired Deputy Battling Cancer

July 31, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Police cars cruised down Carter Avenue in Port St. Lucie, their lights flashing and sirens blaring. This time, however, they weren’t responding to a crime scene—they were coming to honor a local hero.

WPBF 25 News

Ken Patton, who served as a deputy at the Martin County Sheriff's Office for 33 years, retired in 2013. Eighteen months ago, he was diagnosed with cancer, and now, his family says he is in his final days.

“He was a tough man, a fair man, and a big teddy bear, my dad,” said Patton’s daughter, Tracy Adams. “He loved the law. He loved law enforcement,” added his son, Robert Patton. “One of his biggest joys was serving the community.”

In a heartfelt gesture, the team at Treasure Coast Hospice arranged for local law enforcement to drive by Patton’s Port St. Lucie home with full lights and sirens, providing a final tribute to a man who dedicated his life to public service.

“I thought this was a really important moment to give back to somebody who has given so much to others and to honor him for those years,” said Kristen Grandon of Treasure Coast Hospice.

“With the many years of service that he’s given to the community, this is the least that we at the sheriff’s office can do for him,” stated St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson.

As the procession passed by his house, Patton lay in a bed by the window. Despite being rarely conscious these days, he was alert for this moment.

“His emotions, you saw the breath get bigger, and you saw his eyes open,” said Kristen Rodriguez of Treasure Coast Hospice. “And that, to me, is 100% worth it.”

For his children, this act of kindness provided some comfort amidst the impending farewell.

“It was a very, very awesome gift,” Adams said.

“Just proud to be his son, proud to be part of this wonderful celebration,” Robert Patton added.

Watch the local news video below.