May 4, 2004
By Mike Simmons
George Hura, Jr. grew up in a neighborhood full of children. A great childhood, but a dark time visited the Hura household, however, when George Sr. died unexpectedly in 1962. Three years later, George was 17. He joined the United States Marine Corps, eventually working his way up to sergeant. Of course, immediately after he completed his basic training, he found himself in the middle of the Vietnam conflict.
George managed to get stationed in Pensacola, so he began pursuing higher education. He earned his Associate of Arts degree in 1973 (he eventually earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of West Florida).
When he got out of the military, he sought employment locally and landed a job as a corrections officer at the Escambia County Jail. Two years later, he joined the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department and became a deputy, following in his father’s footsteps.
On March 2, 1982, George, now a motorcycle deputy riding a Harley, was patrolling on the west side of town. Escambia County had been plagued recently by bank robberies. Another one occurred within a few miles of his location. He listened for the vehicle’s description and kept his eyes peeled. Sure enough, within a few minutes, he saw a car that fit the description. It was going in the opposite direction. Of course, he could not be sure, but it was worth checking out. He turned his Harley around and gunned it to catch up. Within a few minutes, he found it. He radioed his position. Backup soon arrived and the suspect was taken into custody – Bad guy off the streets.
George was soon promoted to corporal and assigned to Investigations. That led to his promotion to sergeant. He was transferred to Pensacola Beach and supervised that unit for 12 years. When he was again promoted to lieutenant, he was reassigned to the traffic division, the unit he loved so much. Except now he was in charge. But George didn’t sit behind a desk. His office was his motorcycle.
Department training – everyone must do it. It keeps an officer up on the latest changes in law, procedure, and tactics. Most officers make the best of it and enjoy the camaraderie. George and his officers were no different. That is what they were taking part in on May 4, 2004.
George suddenly grabbed his chest and collapsed. The deputies around him called for an ambulance and began working on him as hard as they could. No good. Lt. George Hura, Junior died at the hospital later that day.
Three days later, the funeral service was set to begin at 9:30 AM. As Oak Lawn didn’t have enough parking space, police cars were parked everywhere. This case, unlike the murder of an officer, was still considered in the line of duty, but there was not a person to blame. However, the place was packed, but these were personal friends who were going to miss him dearly.
Reverend Larry White was the pastor of Warrington Baptist Church, and he had the honor of giving the eulogy. As he was describing George and his easy way about him, each family member, friend, and deputy could feel what he was saying.
The burial was at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors. The flag was presented to Mona by Sheriff Ron McNesby. After that, the sheriff’s office was…different.
Speaks volumes.
A good friend and fine Officer. Visited me in Hawaii every year after I left the S.O.
Jim Josey