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Honoring a retired JSO sergeant after battle with cancer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tom Mitchell served the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for 25 years. He went into the police academy in 1989 and went on to become a sergeant, known for his strength and dedication.

“Tom was what I would call a man of integrity, a man of strength, a man of God. Although he was as strong as he was, he had a heart of gold,” Fraternal Order of Police President Steve Zona said. “He never took a shortcut and always did things the right way.”​

Mitchell retired in 2015, seven months after he was diagnosed with cancer. After being treated for nearly 5 years, his family said he died Friday night.

The support immediately poured in, with police officers sharing photos with Mitchell and their fondest memories of him.

Many echoed Zona's sentiment, saying Mitchell always took care of his people and supported them when they needed it most.

“He was firm but fair. Strong, yet soft when he needed to be. His mentorship and his leadership over the years has touched dozens and dozens, probably hundreds of police officers,” Zona said.

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One JSO colleague described the love and support Mitchell gave her when she lost her grandmother, saying he surprised her by walking into the church during her funeral.

"I didn't expect you to show up but you did and your presence meant everything to me. I knew that day that you really cared about me​," she wrote.

Firefighters with Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department shared their love for Mitchell, including memories at Fire Station 7, where they knew him as Tommy the Cop, someone who always had their back.

The family is working on funeral arrangements, and Mitchell will be buried with full honors. Zona says it’ll be a packed house to honor him.

“He left a huge mark on Jacksonville. He left a huge mark with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Someone who will truly never be forgotten.”

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