Yahoo Autos TPD officer killed in head-on crash with fleeing suspect was an FSU grad
The Tallahassee Police Department officer who was killed in a head-on crash early Wednesday has been identified as Christopher Fariello.
The on-duty officer was killed when his patrol vehicle collided with a car that police said was being driven by Tyrone Cleveland, who was fleeing the police at around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Fariello, 34, began as a police officer trainee in July 2018, according to TPD. He completed academy and was sworn in as a full-time police officer in January the following year.
He graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in criminology in May 2012.
On Friday, FSU President Richard McCullough released a statement, sending condolences to Fariello's friends and family.
"On behalf of everyone at Florida State University ... I extend out deepest condolences to the law enforcement community and the family and friends of ... Christopher Fariello," McCullough said.
"He was committed to serving and protecting the citizens of Tallahassee," he said, adding "We will always remember his bravery and ultimate sacrifice."
Initial coverage: Update: Police officer killed in crash was 34-year-old man with 4 years on Tallahassee force, union says
Shorty after graduating from FSU, Fariello began working for the Wilton Manors Police Department as a code compliance administrative assistant before he was promoted to police service aide.
He returned to Tallahassee to work for TPD as a patrol officer, where he was frequently first on scene to answer 911 calls for service, TPD said.
"Officer Fariello's death is a stark reminder of the sacrifice the brave men and women of this department make every day," Chief Lawrence Revell said in a statement.
