Memorial Remembrance Ceremony in honor of Officer Anthony Williams

NEVER FORGOTTEN 

The Tampa Police Department will join the Tampa Police Memorial Committee to honor Officer Anthony Williams, 50 years after his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. At just 27 years old, Officer Anthony Williams became the third Tampa Police Officer to make the ultimate sacrifice in a tragic three-month span. 

While off duty on the evening of November 3, 1975, Officer Williams demonstrated profound courage when he interrupted an armed robbery in progress at a local convenience store. Officer Williams stepped away from his family—his wife, Officer Ann Williams, also a Tampa Police Officer, and their four-year-old son—who remained in their car while he went inside for milk. 

Seeing three men robbing the store, he instantly took action. He crouched near the entrance and called for his wife’s weapon to confront the threat and protect the community. Auxiliary Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy Gary Barker, who had been waiting in a back room as part of an anti-robbery detail, emerged with his pistol drawn as the crime was unfolding. The situation escalated quickly as gunfire erupted.  

During the ensuing gunfire, Officer Williams was fatally wounded. Showing incredible valor amidst personal tragedy, Officer Ann Williams rushed from the car, recovered her weapon from the ground near her fallen husband, and fired her weapon, striking one of the suspects. Deputy Barker shot another suspect, and Officer Ann Williams was able to place him in custody as he stumbled from the store. The third suspect was captured shortly after. All three suspects were convicted for their roles in the robbery and the death of Officer Anthony Williams. 

Officer Anthony Williams' selfless final act of heroism is a reminder of the dedication demonstrated by police officers every hour of every day. His courageous actions saved lives that night and stand as a lasting testament to his dedication to the people of Tampa. 

To honor his memory and the unwavering commitment of all our fallen heroes, the Tampa Police Department will host a Memorial Remembrance Ceremony on Monday November 3, 2025, at 11:30 am in front of the Monument to Fallen Officers outside Tampa Police Headquarters. The ceremony will feature a tribute by the Tampa Police Honor Guard, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by Officer Anthony Williams and all who serve to protect our community. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/TampaPD.