LAKELAND, Fla. — A Polk County Fire Rescue firefighter and paramedic who was killed while off-duty in a fiery crash on Interstate 4 is being honored for his "exceptional" service.
Brian Herr, 41, died on Nov. 18 after his car hydroplaned and spun off the road into the grass median, crashing into a group of trees. The car then caught fire and was quickly engulfed in flames.
He is survived by his two young sons and his mother.
Herr's career with Polk County Fire Rescue was just beginning — he joined in March — but he had already made a huge impact and earned a reputation as a natural leader, Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Dr. Hezedean Smith said on Nov. 20.
"We're all grieving at the loss of our loved one, Firefighter Herr, who was just starting out his career here in the fire service and fire EMS service," Smith said during a previous news conference. "He was an outstanding member of our team and even though he was with us a short time, he demonstrated a positive attitude and demonstrated teamwork that was exceptional. He'll be greatly missed."
To honor Herr's life and contribution to Polk County Fire Rescue, a procession was held on Nov. 30. Sky 10 followed the procession as Herr's body was transported from a Bartow funeral home to a private memorial service held at Lakes Church in Lakeland.
Herr, originally from Chicago, was sworn in on April 14, 2023, and assigned to C-Shift on Rescue 7, fire rescue said. He obtained his paramedic certification at Pasco-Hernando State College and was selected to speak as his class representative for PCFR New Hire Class 23-02.
Smith said Herr’s death was like losing a member of the family.
Herr was previously honored on Nov. 20 when his colleagues with Polk Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriff's Office gave him a full escort, bringing his body from the medical examiner’s office to the funeral home in Bartow.