🏆 HONORABLE MENTION Fallen Officers Memorial bracelet found and returned 5-6 years later

[Kapidr]

I thought people would like to see this story and how far this bracelet moved.
WHAT AN AMAZING STORY - As I posted back in May of this year on my own Facebook page, I found this bracelet while metal detecting just north of the Pier. After a long search I finally found the owner, special thanks to Ronnie Ward and everyone else involved putting this great return into play.
Officer David Whitson was fatally shot in the line of duty in 2006 in Bowling Green Kentucky nine years ago. The bracelets were made and worn in his memory. His commanding officer wore this bracelet always and while visiting Vilano beach around 5 to 6 years ago, something he did yearly, he lost the bracelet in the surf. His wife said he was devastated.
Fast forward to 2015, I found this bracelet while metal detecting the pumped in sand near the Anastasia main beach entrance one day when it cut a nice cliff into the sand. It is highly likely that this bracelet went through the dredging process and survived.
I contacted the Bowling Green police department and reached Ronnie Ward who in turn had a mass email sent out to find the owner. From that email many people contacted Mr Rich's wife asking if they lost their bracelet in St. Augustine, they had.
Today I was able to speak with Kim Rich, the wife of the bracelet owner and have arranged for it to be mailed back to them no charge.
I can't even put into words how amazing and humbling this entire experience has been. It is a huge honor to me to get this bracelet back to it's original owner. The sentiment behind it is priceless. These men and woman put their lives on the line every day for very little pay so that WE can have a safer lifestyle. This great man gave his life and I for one am honored to get this back to his commanding officer.
Thank you Ronnie Ward for your part in finding the owner. Today the bracelet will be in the mail back to Mr. Rich.

Update: Made the news... You can read the story here. http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/bracelet-lost-several-years-ago-on-a-florida-beach-returned/article_940b7b99-8921-51c7-8c7f-a13e82f4df55.html

 

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[CaptEsteban]

THANK YOU !!!!

 

[cudamark]

Nice job Barbara! Sometimes the toughest ones are the most rewarding in the end.

 

[releventchair]

Awesome return. Kudos!

 

[SeabeeRon]

Great story Barb!!!

 

[stefen]

Well done...take a bow...

 

[kingskid1611]

Absolutely Amazing Story!

 

[BigWaveDave]

Congratulations, not only for the great story and return... but also for my opportunity to nominate your efforts as "Honorable Mention"

 

[Mackaydon]

Great story; Honorable Mention for sure.
Don......

 

[Kapidr]

Thank you everyone, wow I am humbled! The response on my facebook page is overwhelming, within a few hours it has 118 shares. I'm overwhelmed by it all. Thank you for the honorable mention. This has truly been my most memorable and meaningful return.

 

[RustyGold]

Awesome return! Thanks for the great story!

 

[Kapidr]

As of today - this bracelet is back home in Kentucky with it's original owner. I believe the local paper in Kentucky and the TV station is doing a story about this return. I've spoken to one reporter already. Nearly 500 shares on Facebook. I am honored to have been able to help get this sentimental memorial bracelet back to it's rightful owner.

 

[Capt Nat]

What a great story! I've always felt that treasures reside in fill and moved dirt, I've just never got anything but cola cans. The odds of that bracelet turning up under your coil is just phenomenal!