Charles "Charlie" Hugh Herring

March 22, 1968 – February 9, 2023

Lived 54 years

Pembroke Pines, Florida

Favorite

"If you're going to be stupid, you better be tough."

In service to country

Thank you for your service

Charles served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.

Life story

Charles “Charlie” Herring was born on March 22, 1968, in Jefferson City, Missouri. In 1970 his family relocated to Williston, Florida, where he and his two sisters were raised.

Charlie enjoyed sports from a young age, beginning as a youth football team captain when he was just eight years old. Charlie attended Williston High School and played for the baseball team his freshman year. He also played football and became a team captain his senior year. By the time he graduated, Charlie set two weightlifting conference records. He received a scholarship to attend Heidelberg University in Ohio, where he played college football until he was injured during his freshman year.

After leaving college, Charlie enlisted with the United States Army in 1988. While proudly serving our country, he was presented with the following decorations: Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, both a Drivers and a Mechanics Badge, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge for the M-16 Rifle. After four years of honorable service, Charlie returned to studies and earned an Associate in Arts degree from Santa Fe College.

Following a lifelong desire to enter the law enforcement profession, Charlie began his career with the Starke Police Department in 1998. After serving the City of Starke for three years, he joined the Pembroke Pines Police Department in June 2001. As a Pembroke Pines Police Officer, Charlie served as a Field Training Officer and was an important member of the Crisis Response Team and the Mobile Field Force. In 2007, Charlie was selected to the Traffic Unit and became a founding member of the D.U.I. Task Force. Three years later he transferred to the Motorcycle Squad and served with great honor until his untimely passing. Aside from the numerous commendations Charlie received, he was recognized in 2009 with a life-saving award and as the 2015 Officer of the Year.

Charlie spent his life dedicated to his family and his career. He enjoyed playing board games with his children, and truly loved to fish, cook, grill, and travel with his family. Charlie was an avid reader, a fan of old western movies, and a staunch supporter of his two favorite football teams – the University of Alabama and the Miami Dolphins. And above all his other hobbies, he loved riding his motorcycle cross country the most.

Officer Charlies “Charlie” Herring is survived by his mother, two sisters, former wife, and his four beloved children. In addition to his family, he leaves behind a countless number of friends and peers throughout the law enforcement community who mourn his loss.

Photos

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