Polk County Fire Rescue Volunteer Chaplain Hector Cruz Killed in Eagle Lake Crash
A Polk County Fire Rescue volunteer chaplain died Wednesday after his vehicle was struck by a dump truck at a U.S. 17 intersection in Eagle Lake while he was driving between fire stations to check on crews.
Volunteer Chaplain Hector Cruz had served Polk County Fire Rescue since 2023. The county announced his death Wednesday, Aug. 19, describing it as a line-of-duty death.
The crash happened at U.S. 17 and Fourth Street in Eagle Lake. Cruz was traveling between PCFR stations at the time, according to the county.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. No citations or charges have been announced.
Fire Chief Shawn Smith said Cruz had a rare ability to make hard moments easier for the people around him, and that his influence was felt across the department. Smith said losing a member of the department is always difficult, and that “it is especially difficult when it is one of our own.” He extended condolences to Cruz’s family, friends and colleagues.
The county described Cruz as known for his compassion and guidance, and for offering comfort to people going through difficult situations. His work extended beyond the county’s fire and EMS personnel to residents in the community.
Polk County recognized that work while he was doing it. Cruz received the Polk County Outstanding Volunteer Award on March 19, 2025, less than two years into his service with the department.
Fire chaplains serve a support role rather than a firefighting one. They respond alongside crews to provide emotional and spiritual support to first responders and to families at scenes, and they check in with personnel between calls. In Polk County, the position is a volunteer role.
No funeral arrangements had been announced as of Wednesday. The county has not said whether a formal procession or memorial service is planned.
The Citrus Tea News will update this story as additional information becomes available, including crash investigation findings and service arrangements.
Sources: “Polk County Fire Rescue Volunteer Chaplain Dies in Line of Duty Car Crash,” Polk County Government, polkfl.gov, August 19, 2026; Eye In The Sky News, eyeintheskynews.com, August 19, 2026; Photo credit: Polk County Government Florida’s Facebook page
