Rays to honor Tarpon Springs fallen police officer

The Tampa Bay Rays will "retire" the official radio call sign of Tarpon Springs Police Officer Charles Kondek, who was killed in the line of duty on December 21, 2014. The ceremony will take place at Tropicana Field prior to the Rays-New York Yankees game on Sunday, April 19 at 1:10 p.m.

Kondek's call sign "285" will be emblazoned high above the outfield wall in left-center field and will join three others, all St. Petersburg police officers killed in the line of duty in 2011: Sergeant Thomas Baitinger, Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz and Officer David Crawford.

In attendance will be Kondek's wife, Teresa, and children Holly, Andrew, Charlie, Brandon and Aleena. Members of the Tarpon Springs Police force will also be present, including Police Chief Robert Kochen.

"On behalf of the Tarpon Springs Police Department and the Kondek family, we greatly appreciate the Rays organization for honoring and remembering Officer Charles Kondek by having his name displayed inside Tropicana Field," said Kochen. "We cannot express how much this means to Officer Kondek's family, the Police Department, and our community. Once again, thank you to the Rays organization."