CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Fallen sheriff deputy from Clay County, Ben Zirbel, will be honored on the National Police Memorial Wall in Washington D.C., starting with an event in May.
Action News Jax first told you in August how Zirbel was hit and killed by a truck driver, according to a crash report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
Less than a month after his death, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office announced a stronger enforcement against distracted driving.
“Educate people, slow down, pay attention, reduce crashes,” Clay County Sheriff Deputy Jimmy Stalnaker said. “Because Clay County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Florida.”
A local police agency is turning to the community to help honor a deputy hit and killed by a truck driver last year. The plan to memorialize deputy Ben Zierbel in our Nations capital on #ActionNewsJax at NOON. @PaceAnJax pic.twitter.com/2u0U42doTI
— Samantha A Mathers (@sam_mathers) February 25, 2019
The CCSO has since received the news that Zirbel’s service will be recognized in the nation’s capital.
Sheriff Darryl Daniels later took their campaign to state senators in hopes of establishing a clear definition of distracted driving.
As they continue to spread awareness about their campaign, the department is working to raise donations to send deputies to the memorial event in May.
“We’re trying to honor him and his family, be with them for support,” Stalnaker said. “It cost a lot of money to send a unit up there so we’re doing a couple of fundraisers.”
Monday, they hosted the “Shooting with the Sheriff” fundraiser at the Saltwater Shooting Club in St. Augustine.
Donators were able to shoot alongside Sheriff Daniels and other deputies at the gun range.
#HappeningNow The @ccsofl is hosting a fundraiser in honor of fallen deputy Ben Zirbel, called Shooting with the Sheriff. How these proceeds will go towards a national police memorial ahead at noon on @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/WLOjfwgK2f
— Elizabeth Pace (@PaceAnJax) February 25, 2019
Stalnaker said all proceeds will go towards their fundraiser.
“I wish we wouldn’t have to do this, I wish he was here,” Stalnaker said. “But he’d be proud of us.”
The next fundraiser event will be March 23rd in Orange Park. They are hosting the “Ride for the Fallen” motorcycle ride.
The department’s goal is to raise at least $30,000 dollars. Find more information on their website here.
Cox Media Group
