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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 20, 2026Hillsborough

Polk County Fire Rescue chaplain killed in vehicle collision at Eagle Lake intersection

A volunteer chaplain for Polk County Fire Rescue died Wednesday morning after a dump truck driver reportedly ran a red light and struck his vehicle at Highway 17 and West Eagle Avenue. The incident has prompted local concern regarding the safety of the intersection, where residents report frequent collisions.

public safetytraffic safetyemergency servicesPolk County
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Why It Matters

The death of a department chaplain impacts the support services available to local firefighters, while the recurring nature of accidents at this intersection highlights ongoing public safety concerns for residents in the Eagle Lake area.

Key Facts

  • Hector Cruz, a volunteer chaplain for Polk County Fire Rescue, died in a vehicle collision on Wednesday morning.
  • The crash occurred at the intersection of Highway 17 and West Eagle Avenue in Eagle Lake.
  • A 30-year-old dump truck driver reportedly ran a red light, striking Cruz's vehicle and pushing both nearly a block.
  • The Polk County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
  • Chaplain Cruz will receive a full line-of-duty honors service, including a last bell and last call.
  • Four volunteer chaplains were deployed to fire stations on Thursday to provide support to crews.
  • Local business owners report that vehicle crashes occur at this specific intersection at least once a month.

Who's Mentioned

organizationPolk County Fire Rescue“The fire department where the deceased served as a volunteer chaplain.”organizationLocal 3531“Polk County Professional Firefighters union.”personTom Konze“Vice president of Polk County Professional Firefighters Local 3531.”personDauphne Railey“Local business owner who witnessed the crash and reported it to 911.”locationWest Eagle Avenue“Location of the fatal intersection in Eagle Lake.”locationHighway 17“Location of the fatal intersection in Eagle Lake.”personHector Cruz“Volunteer chaplain for Polk County Fire Rescue who died in a vehicle crash.”