CALLAHAN, Fla. – Friday evening was a night to honor a fallen Nassau County sheriff’s deputy.
Dozens of people attended the annual soccer match that pits coaches against coaches named “Moyers’ Warriors,” which took place at the Kirsten Higginbotham Sports Complex.
One team is known as Team Huk, and the other as Team Chaos, named for the two of the K-9s involved in the search for Patrick McDowell, who was indicted by a grand jury on a charge of first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer in Moyers’ death.
The game is named after Deputy Joshua Moyers, who was shot during a traffic stop in September and died. And the sports complex off Ball Park Road is where authorities said they found Moyers’ accused killer after a dayslong search.
“It was very unnerving,” said Jeremy Gause, a coach. “We were supposed to have a game that day and he was hiding in there. If someone was to open up the concession stand, who knows what would’ve happened.”
Gause’s wife, Mandie, knew Moyers.
“He was quiet unless he was laughing, and he had one of those big bright smiles,” she said. “He was a really sweet guy.”
Moyers’ parents were at the game along with the Nassau County sheriff and some of the K-9s.
Ryan Kurley, the organizer of the event, said he’s glad the event could honor the community, Deputy Moyers and law enforcement.
“He put his heart and soul into the community,” Kurley said. “We want to keep his name alive.”
All the proceeds from Friday’s event will go to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Callahan Soccer Club.