POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Citizens, law enforcement officers, first responders, and even power crews, lined roads in Polk and Highlands counties in tribute to a slain Highlands County Sheriff’s Office deputy who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
On Thursday morning, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and other vehicles escorted the body of HCSO Deputy William Gentry from the medical examiner’s office in Polk County to the morgue in Highlands County.
Deputy Gentry was shot in the head while responding to a call on Sunday. He passed away on Monday.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers, local law enforcement officers and first responders led the first escort overnight earlier this week, their emergency lights flashing in a touching tribute to the deputy.
His body was escorted in a procession from Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers to LifeLink in Brandon, which is an organ donation facility.
Even in death, Deputy Gentry will be helping others. LifeLink will help match Gentry with organ recipients
Deputy Gentry was the first Highlands County deputy killed in the line of duty.
Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman said Gentry was the kind of man who cared for everyone.
