OAKVILLE, Mo. — Drivers will now see a fallen officer’s name on a sign over the Telegraph bridge that spans over the Meramec River in St. Louis County.
Family, colleagues, and leaders from near and far lined the seats in the sanctuary at White Flag Church in Oakville Thursday morning to honor the life of St. Louis County police detective Antonio Valentine.
Valentine was working with the Bureau of Drug Enforcement on December 1st, 2021 when the driver of a stolen car crashed into his unmarked police minivan. Both Valentine and the driver of the other vehicle were killed.
St. Louis police Sergeant Scott Valentine, Antonio’s uncle, held back tears as he shared words about their relationship. The two were six years apart.
"I've always been a mentor to Antonio. On top of being my nephew. He was my best friend. We grew up together. So it was natural progression. Me going into law enforcement, he followed me," Scott V. said.
The then 42-year-old had been with the St. Louis County Police since 2007.
"Then to rise to the level of detective. And as you know to work in a drug enforcement unit which is not the easiest spot in which to work just speaks volumes," said Richard Banks, St. Louis County Police commissioner.
A fighter for his community and country, Valentine had served on active duty in the Army, in the Army National Guard and the Air Force Reserve.
Valentine leaves behind four children ranging in age from 10 to 22.
His service weapon was given to the family in a shadow box last December.