Flags across Polk County are flying at half-staff in honor of a U.S. Army veteran, former correctional officer and Polk County Fire Rescue volunteer chaplain who died in the line of duty this month.
Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered the flag-lowering to recognize Hector Cruz, who died Aug. 19 from injuries he suffered in a car crash while traveling between fire stations to check on crews in the Eagle Lake area.
According to Fox 13, Cruz had served Polk Fire Rescue since 2023 and was regarded highly for his compassion.
“Chaplain Cruz’s influence was felt throughout the department as he had the ability to make a difficult situation easier,” Fire Chief Shawn Smith said in a statement Fox 13 published.
“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.”
DeSantis, who directed the U.S. and Florida flags to be flown at half-staff at the Polk County Fire Rescue Headquarters, Polk County Courthouse and Winter Haven City Hall from sunrise to sunset Wednesday, offered condolences.
“He lived a life of service as a soldier in the U.S. Army and as a correctional officer in both New York and in Florida,” the Governor said in a memo to Smith, Florida Director of Real Estate Management and Development Brian Fienmann, Polk County Commission Chair Martha Santiago and Winter Haven Mayor Brian Yates.
“He will be remembered for his courage, bravery, and dedication to protecting his community. Our prayers go out to his family.”
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