Recently, an old photograph was put out on a local historical site. The photo was of Sergeant Henry Gerald Cassady of the Pensacola Police Department who is a lifetime resident of Santa Rosa County. In the photo, Henry was receiving the "Bronze Cross Medal" from Chief Louis Goss on January 16, 1982 for the saving of two children from a burning home at 407 1/2 West Belmont on the afternoon of January 6, 1981.
Most Pensacolians who lived near the downtown area certainly remember Cassady during his long, illustrious career with the police department. And those that knew him best were not surprised of his heroic deed on that wintry day. His old comrades even remember a shootout at North Davis Highway and Olive Road on January 15, 1985 involving Henry and Escambia Sheriff's Deputy Bob Pollock. Pollock heard the call of a bank robbery on his radio and responded immediately. Henry was off duty at the time but when he saw what was happening, he ran to the aid of Pollock who was fully engaged in a running, fierce shootout with the suspect. Having the angle, Henry shot the suspect, severely wounding him. The suspect was shot a total of five times in the fusillade from both officers that led to his capture. Because of actions, Henry became the Police Department's first officer to receive the "Gold Medal of Valor."
Of those that know Cassady's history know that he comes from a patriotic family who have paid a severe price for their dedication to duty. Cassady served in the US Army's 101st Airborne Division prior to entering law enforcement and serving for the next 34 years, plus seven more with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Henry's son Jeremy followed in his father's footsteps when he swore into law enforcement with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. Sadly, Jeremy was in a fierce gun battle himself during a home invasion on October 29, 2010 and was severely wounded. Luckily, Jeremy survived the shooting but was unable to return to duty because of his injuries. Henry's daughter Dana Cassady also served with the 101st Airborne Division during the Gulf War and currently serves in the Army Reserves. And of course, you hate to leave the matriarch Mrs. Julia Cassidy out of this courageous formula. Julia spent a lifetime as a nurse helping those in need around in her as well as taking care of her family! And for those who know Henry, that was a full time job!
But it is well-known that Henry and his children all came from the bloodline of a loving grandfather who set an selfless example for those that came after him. Henry was the son of Army Private Henry Oliver Cassidy who left home before Henry's birth to serve in WWII. On October 10, 1944, his father was killed in action near the town of Belvedere, Italy while serving with the 88th Infantry Division. The remains of this heroic Allentown native were returned home after the war by ship on November 17, 1948 where he now lies in peace in the Calvary Baptist Cemetery. So, you can see that this family is truly an icon of Santa Rosa County public service.
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