Polk County, FL, Fire Rescue Chaplain Dies in On-duty Crash
Polk County Fire Rescue is mourning the loss of a colleague whose mission was to bring peace after chaos.
Chaplain Hector Cruz was killed in a vehicle crash Wednesday while he was traveling between stations to check on fire and rescue crews.
"He was known for his compassion, guidance and his ability to offer solace whenever someone was going through a difficult situation. He truly embodied the servant mentality as he aided the men and women of not only the county’s fire and EMS services, but of the community as well," Polk County officials wrote in a statement.
Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Shawn Smith said: "Chaplain Cruz’s influence was felt throughout the department as he had the ability to make a difficult situation easier. This ability is a rare one that not many can master but he was one of =the few who did. Such sudden tragedy is never easy, but it is especially difficult when it is one of our own. My heart goes out to Hector’s family, friends and colleagues as they navigate this trying time.”
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.