Courtesy: Polk County Fire Rescue.
EAGLE LAKE, Fla. - A Polk County Fire Rescue volunteer chaplain was laid to rest Wednesday — one week after he was killed in an Eagle Lake crash involving a dump truck.
Polk County Fire Rescue funeral
What we know:
Polk County Fire Rescue said family, friends and first responders from around the state came together for PCFR Volunteer Chaplain Hector Cruz's funeral. They thanked the first responders who showed up to help them honor Cruz as he was laid to rest.
RELATED: Polk County Fire Rescue mourns volunteer chaplain killed in crash
"Thank you, Chaplain Cruz, for your service," PCFR officials said in a social media post. "We will always remember you for your selfless service. Your watch has ended, we have it from here."
Eagle Lake dump truck crash
The backstory:
Cruz was killed in a crash while on duty on August 19. PCFR said driving between stations in the Eagle Lake area to check on crews. Authorities said the dump truck involved in the crash ran a red light at Highway 17 and West Eagle Avenue, which pushed both vehicles nearly a block onto the next street.
Courtesy: Polk County Fire Rescue
Cruz was a volunteer chaplain for PCFR for four years in the Winter Haven area. He was also a retired police officer from New York who remained dedicated to helping others.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from Polk County Fire Rescue officials, who detailed the crash and funeral services in official statements and public social media posts.