Hartmann-Flagg Memorial Page

On May 31 of 1992, Satellite Beach Police Officer Charlie Braden pulled over a carload of juveniles for drug and alcohol violations. Sgt. Hartmann and Ofc. Philip Flagg arrived on the scene to back him up. They were close to clearing the call when a drunk driver, with a blood alcohol level of 0.22, plowed into Sgt. Hartmann and Ofc. Flagg- with no evidence of braking- killing them both. Officer Braden was knocked to the ground but was able to arrest that drunk driver.  

Even after more than three decades, there are still not adequate words to describe the profound impact of losing two men like Sgt. Ed Hartmann and Ofc. Phil Flagg. It was not just a loss for the Satellite Beach Police Department, it was a loss for our entire community. The impact of that loss has not diminished over time. Every year since the death of Sgt. Ed Hartmann and Ofc. Phil Flagg, the family, friends, colleagues and community comes together for the Hartmann~Flagg Memorial Ceremony to pay tribute their sacrifice and their service.  We are grateful for the unwavering support and solidarity of the of the Satellite Beach community and the commitment they show in honoring Sgt. Hartmann and Ofc. Flagg every year.

The best of law enforcement is defined by officers like Sgt. Ed Hartmann and Ofc. Phil Flagg. They truly believed that they could make a difference in their community. They understood the hardships inherent in a career in law enforcement and carried out their duties and responsibilities protecting this community with courage, dignity, and pride.

Never forgotten. Always in our hearts.