NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsAugust 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.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy 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
- A volunteer chaplain for Polk County Fire Rescue died in a vehicle collision on Wednesday morning.
- The collision 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 the chaplain's vehicle.
- The impact pushed both vehicles nearly a block from the point of collision.
- The deceased 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 residents report that vehicle crashes occur at this specific intersection approximately once per month.
Who's Mentioned
organizationPolk County Fire Rescue“The fire department where the deceased served as a 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.”locationWest Eagle Avenue“Location of the fatal collision.”locationHighway 17“Location of the fatal collision.”personHector Cruz“Volunteer chaplain for Polk County Fire Rescue who died in the crash.”