MINNEOLA, Fla. – A section of Highway 27 was named in honor of a Lake County sheriff’s deputy who was killed in the line of duty one year ago during a ceremony Saturday morning.
Master Deputy Bradley Link was shot and killed a year ago during what law enforcement described as an ambush.
Back in March, the city of Minneola approved the dedication of Highway 27 in Link’s honor from Division Street to County Road 561.
“This highway represents something more than just a path,” stated Maj. Todd English of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. “It stands as a homage to a hero, a husband, a son, a brother, and a friend whose legacy will remain unforgettable.”
During Saturday’s ceremony, English said Link exemplified what it truly means to wear the badge.
“Though the sorrow of that day remains, so too does the pride we feel in having served beside such an extraordinary man,” English said.
On Aug. 2, 2024, investigators said deputies were responding to a neighborhood dispute near County Road 439 and Brookside Drive.
They said deputies entered a home and were ambushed.
Deputy Link was killed. Deputies Harold Howell and Stefano Gargano were also shot, but survived.
Maj. Christie Mysinger with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office said this past year has been a healing process for the agency.
“Bradley was like a brother to us,” Mysinger remarked. “For some, he was akin to a son, calling us mom. Bradley was the kind of person who always wore a smile. Always ready to volunteer, to crack a joke, losing someone like that is immensely tough and healing takes a considerable time.”
Mysinger said there were many emotions when Deputy Link’s memorial highway signs were revealed Saturday morning.
“For newcomers to the law enforcement field, the legacy he left means a lot. The signs will remind all who see them of Bradley, keeping his memory alive for a moment,” Mysinger commented.
Minneola Vice Mayor Pam Serviss took the lead on the project. She said it was overwhelming to see the support from the community.
“I had to maintain my composure because my initial reaction was to cry,” Serviss shared. “There were mixed tears. Tears of happiness for the unity, tears of sorrow for why we gathered, but most importantly, tears filled with gratitude, grace, and appreciation.”
Julie Sulpizio, accused by investigators of orchestrating the ambush, was found incompetent to face trial in May and continues to be held at the Sumter County Detention Center.
Investigators said Sulpizio directed her husband and two adult daughters to hide inside the home with a stockpile of guns and ammunition. The three family members took their own lives after the shooting.
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