Support from community, law enforcement spreads for Nassau County deputy

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – The family of Deputy Josh Moyers, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the surrounding community are asking for prayers and justice.

On Friday, Moyers was shot during a traffic stop of a stolen minivan. It triggered a manhunt for Patrick McDowell, who crews continued searching for into the night.

The First Baptist Church of Yulee posted on Facebook, saying: “Deputy Joshua Moyers has sat outside our worship on several Sundays and has always been a great young deputy ... First Baptist joins in prayer for Deputy Moyers, his fiancée, and his parents.”

Pastor William Goode says he’s praying hard for Moyers and his family. He said the deputy has helped the community a lot.

“On Sunday mornings with traffic and safety of my seniors, he comes out and sits in front of my church. One of my seniors slipped and fell and he got out of his car to help them,” Goode recalled.

Goode says Moyers gets along with everyone especially with the young adults of the church. He said Moyers sets a great example for everyone in law enforcement.

“Praying for him and praying we get more young officers like him that bridge the gap between the African American community and the rest of our community,” Goode said.

It was an emotional day for Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper, and those who live in the area.

“This is a very tight-knit community, and we rely on each other,” said Sam Baldwin, a resident. “Our officers always keep us safe, and it’s truly a tragedy to hear when something like this happens.

One of Moyers’ neighbors, who asked to remain anonymous, said Moyers is someone who always lends a helping hand.

“Hopefully he makes a recovery,” said Thomas McAnallen, who lives in Callahan. “And we keep him in our prayers, he’s going to do real well and he will overcome this.”

The tragedy got the attention of other law enforcement agencies, including the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis posted:

Rep. Val Demings, who represents Florida’s 10th District, also shared well wishes with the family.