Today, the students of Liza Jackson Preparatory School in Fort Walton Beach headed back to school, following the news of the death of their beloved School Resource Officer, Deputy Cullen Coraine.
On Thursday, March 23, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced the death of Deputy Coraine:
- “It is with tremendous sadness we report our brother, former Deputy Cullen Coraine, was found deceased in his home late this afternoon,” they wrote in a press release. “No foul play is suspected. Please keep in mind this investigation is in progress and ongoing.”
Coraine separated from the OCSO earlier last week after nearly 10 years of dedicated service. He was a highly decorated and awarded School Resource Officer for the last eight years of his service and he was a dedicated public servant and passionately lead the youth Explorer program.
According to the OCSO, he was personally responsible for recruiting some of these students to later become deputies at the OCSO. Several young deputies credit Deputy Coraine as their biggest influence in choosing a career in law enforcement.
- “He touched thousands of young students’ lives while serving as an SRO,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “The impact he made cannot be measured and will likely not be duplicated anytime soon. He will be missed by all. We ask for your prayers for his family, friends, and former co-workers here at the OCSO.”
Over the weekend, Liza Jackson School opened their gates to allow students and their families to honor Deputy Cullen by placing flowers and having a moment of silence at the flag pole. Cullen’s last day at Liza was just before Spring Break.
This morning, more than 15 officers from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office were lined up outside of the school where Deputy Cullen was ever-present. The officers were there to greet students as they arrived to school and offer their support.
Please keep the students and staff in your prayers as they return to school this morning, impacted by the sudden loss of Deputy Coraine.
5 Responses
May God bless and watch over all of you n grant you peace.
Praying for all who knew him. God bless all the students at Liza and all the people that he worked with and most of all his family
His impact, on their young lives, will live on through them! Rest in peace officer & thank you for your service.
Thank to the officers who welcomed the children & faculty back to school.
A class act
He was a great officer . Always smiling with the kids and parents . He will be missed.. sad.
He was the light in the room and blessed are hearts. It has been hard these two months. But the day after he died i saw a Red Carnal on the sign of Liza Jackson. This is how we know he is watching over us and wishes he was here. RIP you are an angle we are heartbroken of your loss. *160 deputy Collin Coraine* RIP FOREVER IN ARE HEARTS