Two years ago Thursday, Orange County Deputy Scott Pine was shot and killed while pursuing a suspect, less than three years after joining the Sheriff’s Office.

On Thursday evening, a candlelight vigil was held at the Scott Pine Memorial Park in the Westminster Landing community in Windermere. That's the same neighborhood where Pine encountered Benjamin Holtermann. Investigators said Holtermann shot Pine several times before taking his own life.

“Day to day life is hard. I’m by myself a whole lot so it is very difficult to take care of three babies,” said Bridget Pine, Scott Pine’s Widow.

Pine said having such a supportive community around her keeps her strong.

“I felt overwhelmed with emotions seeing all these people here tonight in support of me and my family and especially honoring two years later my husband,” said Pine.   

Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings made sure to show his support Thursday. He spoke for several minutes about Deputy Pine’s courage and bravery.  

“Even today in our country a couple of law enforcement officers lost their lives in the line of duty, but they do so because this is what we do. They are willing to give it all to protect our citizens,” said Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings.  

When Deputy Pine joined the force in 2011, he opted to contribute to an investment retirement plan instead of a benefit pension plan.  His widow Bridget Pine and their three children were left ineligible to receive benefits under the state pension law after his death.

His death has inspired new legislation that’s moving through Tallahassee this session.

Senate Bill 7012 is designed to help the families of fallen officers by providing 100 percent pension benefits to surviving family members. Right now, families of those who are killed in the line of duty only receive 50 percent of the deceased’s salary.

The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives.  If it passes, the Pine family and other families whose loved ones opted for an investment retirement plan would be protected.

In conjunction with the memorial, the Sheriff’s Office is conducting an anonymous gun buyback program Friday.

The event will be held at the Orange Blossom Trail Development Board located at 2719 South Orange Blossom Trail. From 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., anyone can turn in a firearm, no questiones asked. Participants and receive a $50 gift card.