Captain Scott Bierwiler, A Fallen Brother

Captain Bierwiler was laid to rest on 26 February 2009. The captain had dedicated his life to service to his community and looking out for the public safety of all the residents of Hernando County. He is missed by his friends, co-workers and family.

In more than 22 years with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, the 42-year-old Capt. Bierwiler had accumulated a thick file of commendations for exemplary work.

He was recognized for his valor in 2003 after he chased down a man wanted for killing a New Jersey police officer. A decade earlier, he helped build the case against one of the most terrifying criminals in county history, serial killer Bernard "Michael'' Kaprat.

Even his death, in a head-on collision with an SUV, was a testament to his commitment. His car was struck as he drove to work more than two hours before he was due to report. (St. Petersburg Times)

 

Members of the Defenders LE M/C paid their respects to Captain Bierwiler Wednesday afternoon. Brothers Pegasus, Cowboy, Swatdawg and Saint attended. As did our friend Shamrock and members of the Blue Knights and Red Knights Motorcycle Clubs.

As the funeral procession winded its way through Spring Hill the side walks and curbs were lined with appreciative citizens waving flags, hands over their heart and holding handmade signs honoring Captain Bierwiler. Thousands of law enforcement officers and friends from across the state attended the funeral and procession to the cemetery. Captain Bierwiler will be missed by all those he worked with and served.

In 1998, Capt. Bierwiler was one of the deputies waiting for Hank Earl Carr under the Interstate 75 overpass at State Road 50. Carr had already killed two detectives and a 4-year-old boy when he whizzed by in his car. The deputies exchanged gunfire with him.

Bullets would fly again in 2003, when a New Jersey cop killer wound up in Sumter County. Capt. Bierwiler was among the group who fired on Omar Marti, who killed himself just as several deputies' bullets struck him in the chest. Capt. Bierwiler would receive multiple honors from both his department and New Jersey.

From Nov. 1, 2004, is a letter from the Sumter County sheriff thanking Hernando's finest for their assistance in security during former President Bush's campaign stop in The Villages.

A desire to join the law enforcement brotherhood "was in his blood," his mother, Maureen Bierwiler, said Friday. "That's all he ever wanted to be."

Part of it was a desire to follow in his father's footsteps. Sgt. Frank Bierwiler began his as a New York state trooper, then served as a longtime public information officer at the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. (Tampa Tribune)

Our prayers are with the Bierwiler family and friends at this time. Captain Scott Bierwiler's service to his community will not be forgotten.

A slideshow of the ocassion can be viewed here.