Clay County Sheriff's Office raising money for deputy killed in line of duty

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office wants to raise $30,000 to help honor the memory of a fallen deputy in Washington, D.C.

Deputy Ben Zirbel was killed in the line of duty in August while he was riding a motorcycle.

STORY: Clay County Deputy Ben Zirbel dies after being hit on motorcycle, sheriff says 

Jimmy Stalnaker will never forget the day he almost lost his life while on duty with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

It happened on County Road 218 in clay county in June of 2018.

“Somebody had made a left turn in front of me. I was unable to avoid the crash, had vehicles around me. I crashed into the side of the vehicle,” said Jimmy Stalnaker, a deputy with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

He was in the hospital for several days but two months later he never imagined a similar crash would claim the life of his friend, Deputy Ben Zirbel.

In August of 2018, a Dodge Dakota hauling lawn equipment pulled out in front of deputy Zirbel’s motorcycle at Camp Francis Johnson Road and Blanding Boulevard.

The deputy’s motorcycle struck the side of the trailer and he was thrown off the bike. Deputy Zirbel was taken to a hospital but died two days later.

The Clay County Sheriff Office says Deputy Zirbel’s death was difficult for everyone who knew him.

STORY: Clay County deputy dies after crash, but lives on through organ donation

“I know that it was hard on his family and it was hard on us as a unit to accept that one of our own was killed in a senseless, needless car accident…. and it was needless,” said Hurley.

After recently losing one of their fellow deputies, the Clay County Sheriff’s office has an important reminder for drivers: “Don’t be in a hurry; don’t be texting and driving; don’t be distracted, and follow at a safe distance. Just slow down. That’s the biggest thing,” said Stalnaker.

The Sheriff’s Office is hosting two events called “Shooting with the Sheriffs” at the end of February and a Memorial Ride for the Fallen in March to help raise money.

It will cover the cost of sending Clay County deputies to D.C. when they add Deputy Zirbel’s name to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Cox Media Group