Col. David Hugh Brierton Jr.

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Colonel David Hugh Brierton Jr., of Tallahassee, Florida announces his passing on December 19, 2022, at the age of 63. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 16, 1959, to David Brierton Sr. and Jo Ann De la Paz Brierton. On November 15, 1993, he married the love of his life Deborah DiMartino. The Col. graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from Mountain State University. A lifelong law enforcement officer, he served in the U.S. Army with the military police before becoming a Florida State Trooper in 1983, faithfully serving the residents and visitors of Florida for more than 32 years with honor and distinction. Col. Brierton quickly advanced in rank and earned the respect of his colleagues. He began his career in Miami-Dade, serving as a trooper and a sergeant. In 1989, he was promoted to lieutenant and relocated to Bradenton. In 1993, he was promoted to captain and returned to South Florida where he supervised operations in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. In 2003, he was promoted to major and assigned to FHP Headquarters in Tallahassee, where he supervised Investigations and Professional Compliance. In 2006, he was appointed lieutenant colonel and charged with oversight of Patrol Operations, Investigations, Contraband Interdiction, Emergency Operations, and Homeland Security. His work ethic, dedication, and humility distinguished him from his peers and led to his appointment to colonel in 2011, a position he maintained until he retired in 2015. Col. Brierton had a vast knowledge of a myriad of topics, was an avid musician, and had a passion for technology. His altruistic nature and easygoing manner made him beloved by all who knew him. He was a devoted catholic and had a charitable heart. Col. Brierton was a natural mentor to many, providing support in achieving their highest potential. He never wasted an opportunity to advise and teach. Col. Brierton was blessed with a large and loving family. As a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, he had no greater pleasure than spending time with his family. Col. Brierton now joins David Brierton (Father), Jo Ann Brierton (Mother), James Brierton (Brother), and Nadine Faulk (Sister) in heaven. He is survived by his wife Deborah Brierton; his six children Katharina (Jimmy) Lane, Josh Escude, David Brierton III, Joseph Brierton, Jennifer Brierton, Jo Ann Brierton; and grandchildren Jacob Lane, David Brierton IV, Zoey Brierton, Autumn Lane, and Chloe Brierton. Join us in celebrating his life. The funeral service will be held on January 14, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to a memorial scholarship set up in David’s name. Please contact Jamie Roufa, Director of Operations, with the American Assoc. of State Troopers Foundation via email at Jamie@statetroopers.org or via phone at 800.765.5456, ext 202 to provide donations. The American Assoc. of State Troopers Foundation is located at 1949 Raymond Diehl Rd Tallahassee, FL 32308. Jared Padgett of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com)

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Col. David Hugh Brierton Jr.

April 16, 1959 - December 19, 2022