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| Polk County Fire Rescue Volunteer Chaplain Hector Cruz |
Polk County Fire Rescue Volunteer Chaplain Dies in Line-of-Duty Crash
By Digital Staff Reporter
iSkyNews.com (ISN) – Published August 19th, 2026
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BARTOW, Fla. — Polk County Fire Rescue is mourning the loss of one of its own after Volunteer Chaplain Hector Cruz died from injuries sustained in a crash Wednesday in the Eagle Lake area.
According to Polk County Fire Rescue, Cruz was traveling between fire rescue stations to check on crews when the crash occurred. His death is being considered a line-of-duty death.
Cruz had served with Polk County Fire Rescue since 2023 and became known throughout the department for his compassion, guidance and willingness to support firefighters, paramedics and members of the community during difficult moments.
Fire Chief Shawn Smith said Cruz had a unique ability to bring comfort to others when they needed it most.
“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,” Smith said.
Smith also offered condolences to Cruz’s loved ones and colleagues following the sudden loss.
“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,” Smith said.
Throughout his time with Polk County Fire Rescue, Cruz was remembered for embodying a spirit of service, providing emotional and spiritual support to the men and women of the county’s fire and EMS services as well as those in the community.
The circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s crash remain under investigation.
Funeral arrangements for Cruz have not yet been announced.
This is a developing story. iSkyNews.com will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Source: Polk County Fire Rescue
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