Deputy Mark Longway

Deputy Mark Longway, Air Force veteran and recipient of an Integrity Grant scholarship.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office grieves at the loss of one of their own.  Deputy Mark A. Longway died on September 21, 2010 in a traffic crash while driving his patrol car. Deputy Longway was assigned to the Homeland Security Division/Port Security at Channelside. Deputy Longway, 48, joined the Sheriff’s Office in July 2004. He served in the Patrol Division before being reassigned earlier this year to the Port Security detail. Deputy Longway was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having earned numerous medals and accolades during his military service. He served our nation for 21 years. Deputy Longway decided to become a deputy after hearing about a hiring initiative while at MacDill Air Force Base. He knew he wanted to continue serving his fellow citizens. Mark was selected to be one of HCSO’s first recipients of the Integrity Grant scholarship. The “Could You Answer The Call?” program utilized federal grant money to target outstanding Deputy Cadets and offer them a monthly stipend and tuition for our law enforcement academy. Mark fit the bill perfectly. As Mark once noted: “This [deputy’s] uniform is just a different color. I’m still serving. First it was my country, now it is my county.’’ Wonderful words from one of our heroes. Deputy Longway was an outstanding law enforcement officer. Among his accomplishments: he once helped save a suicidal man from jumping off the roof of a business. In another instance, Deputy Longway’s compassion and professional manner was noted by a citizen in a survey. The citizen gave him a rating of “excellent’’ in every category, an accomplishment few deputies achieved. That distinction earned him an HCSO commendation for making a lasting impression on a citizen.

Deputy Longway leaves behind a wife, two daughters, and three grandchildren. Deputy Longway, thank you for your service to our nation and to our county. We are proud to have called you a friend and colleague. Deputy Longway often worked in Channelside. Precinct Pizza knew Deputy Longway well, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Laura, Sherri, Brandi, and the whole Longway family.

Precinct Pizza will match all donations made through our store up to a $500.00 per month. We have a condolence box at our counter in our store, or you can send your gift to:

Make Checks Payable To:
Deputy Mark Longway Memorial Fund
c/o Lynn Sowers Foundation
P.O. Box 3771
Tampa, FL 33601

Our payments to the Fallen Heroes fund will be made monthly. Precinct Pizza feels the pain that many have felt through the Tampa Bay area. This Officer was not just a symbol of Heroism, but he was our customer, & friend as well. Many Police Officers dine at Precinct Pizza, & we have come to know many of them well.