Polk County, FL Deputy Killed in Crash

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From TBO.com

WINTER HAVEN - A Polk County deputy was killed this morning in a convenience store parking lot after being hit by a Cadillac Escalade that had careened out of control.

Sgt. Wesley Whitmore, 60, a 15-year veteran of the sheriff's office, died after the crash in the 7-Eleven parking lot at Spirit Lake Road and Recker Highway, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

"Our hearts are broken today at the Polk County Sheriff's Office as we mourn the passing of a great friend and a great supervisor," said Polk Sheriff Grady Judd.

Deputies aren't sure why Whitmore pulled into the store -- whether he was making a traffic stop and followed the car into the parking lot or had just stopped for a morning coffee.

After the Lakeland deputy got out of his patrol car, the Escalade, driven by a 79-year-old man, veered off the road, struck the corner of an adjacent business, Wanda's Collectibles, and then hit the owner of the business, Wanda Perez.

Then the Escalade hit Whitmore's patrol car, which hit the deputy. The Escalade then struck the deputy before plowing through a row of shrubs, down an embankment and into a retention pond and finally stopping about 150 yards away.

Judd said there was no indication the driver had hit the brakes. Investigators dob't know why the Escalade's driver lost control, Judd said.

Whitmore was taken to Winter Haven Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Perez also was taken to the hospital with serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening, Judd said.

The driver of the Escalade, who has not been identified, suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.

"We don't know why he left the roadway," the sheriff said at a news conference this afternoon. "We don't know why he ran through the parking lot, striking Deputy Whitmore."

Whitmore, who was married with grown children, retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service and joined the sheriff's office in 1995 as a corrections deputy. He later moved up to the patrol division and, in 2008, was promoted to sergeant, Judd said.

"He was an outstanding deputy, an outstanding supervisor," Judd said. "Our respect and admiration was incredible for this man.

"He had a long illustrious career with us. We are asking that thoughts and prayers go out for the Whitmore family."

The Escalade's driver, who is cooperating with investigators, has not been arrested, though Judd said the investigation is continuing.

Whitmore is the second Polk County deputy to die in the line of duty in 15 months. In September 2009, Sgt. Ronnie O'Neal Brown died after responding to a call inside an unruly prisoner's cell.

The inmate became agitated, and it took several deputies, including Brown, to get the inmate out of his cell. After Brown entered the cell, the inmate struck out at Brown, who fell backwards against a wall and onto the floor, landing on his back.

He died on Sept. 8, 2009, at Winter Haven Hospital, where he went for back surgery.

In Hillsborough County, three law enforcement officers have died while on duty this year.

In September, Hillsborough sheriff's Deputy Mark Longway was killed when his patrol car collided with a tractor-trailer in downtown Tampa.

In June, Tampa police officers Jeffrey Kocab and David Curtis were fatally shot during a traffic stop in East Tampa.

The double homicide came less than a year after Tampa police Cpl. Mike Roberts was shot to death in Sulphur Springs when, he stopped to talk to a homeless man who was armed.

RIP Brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and fellow PCSO deputies.

R.I.P. Sgt. Whitmore. We in your law enforcement family will keep you and your family in our prayers. Everyone stay safe

[Officer Friendly]

Rest in peace my brother. Condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers. May God be with you in your time of need.

Rest In Peace Brother and condolences to the family

Fundraiser (Pre-Sales Only)


In Memory Of
SGT. WES WHITMORE


$20.00 per slab RIBS RIBS RIBS RIBS $20.00 per slab
Ribs will be ready for pick-up on:
January 15, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
@
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 46
125 W. Brannen Road, Lakeland, FL

Deadline for Purchasing Tickets: Monday, January 10, 2011 @ Noon

Tickets available at several locations: Polk County Sheriff’s Office/Probation & Parole/FDLE/Lakeland Police Department.

Questions??
Contact Linda Johnson by e-mail @: sgtwhitmore3996@aol.com

Cash Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 626, Auburndale, FL 33823; or through any Mid Florida Credit Union Branch under account: Sgt. Wes Whitmore Memorial Fund.

(100% of profits will be donated to Sgt. Whitmore’s family)

Ribs prepared by Newman BBQ