Duval County is mourning the loss of Officer Anthony “Junior” Lucano, a well-known school safety officer who spent years looking out for students on the district’s west side. The Duval County School Police said Lucano died last Sunday, and colleagues say the loss is being felt in classrooms and hallways across Westside campuses. He was 49.
Department Announcement And District Listing
The Duval County School Police confirmed Lucano’s death in a Facebook post on Saturday, saying the department was grieving the loss of one of its own and asking the community to keep his family and friends in their prayers, according to Duval County School Police. The district’s online staff directory lists him as a School Safety Officer assigned to the School Police - West unit, reflecting his role on Westside campuses, according to the Duval County Public Schools staff directory.
Obituary Outlines Career And Service
An obituary posted by St. John’s Family Funeral Home and reproduced on Legacy states that Lucano was born on January 28, 1977, and built a long law enforcement career that included more than a decade with the University of Pennsylvania Police before he joined Duval County school police. The obituary describes him as a mentor figure who kept snacks, clothing and other supplies in his office so he could quietly help students who needed a little extra support. It also notes that a celebration of his life with law enforcement honors was held on Saturday at St. John’s Family Funeral Home.
School Safety Officers’ Role In Duval County
In Duval County, school safety officers are routinely cast as more than just first responders. The district and police department highlight their day-to-day presence as mentors and positive role models for students, a reputation Lucano had firmly earned on the west side. Hoodline has previously covered the department’s efforts to celebrate dedication of school safety officers, underscoring why so many school staff and families have publicly shared condolences following Lucano’s death.
Funeral Details And Tribute
The funeral home asked those attending services to wear black or royal blue in his honor, a nod to both mourning and the uniform he wore. The obituary also requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue and noted that a livestream of the service was available through the funeral provider, according to the Legacy obituary.
