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Fallen Jacksonville officer's remains to be escorted to funeral home

The remains of fallen Jacksonville officer Lance Whitaker will be transported to a funeral home Thursday, and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is encouraging their members and the public to pay their respects by lining the route.

Whitaker- who was on the force 17 years- died during a single-vehicle crash on 295 at Alta Tuesday morning.

He was responding to another crash as the time, and investigators believe weather was likely a factor, although the investigation is still ongoing.

MORE: Sister of JSO officer killed in crash: "loved his job, believed in his work"Fallen Jacksonville officer appeared on 2004 episode of "COPS" 

JSO says he will be moved from the Medical Examiner to the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home Thursday at 11AM.

The route will be on Jefferson Street, from 8th Street down through Riverside Avenue.

The escort will then turn right on Edison Avenue, left on Oak Street, and in to the back of the Funeral Home, which is on Park Street.

JSO motorcycle units will be providing an escort, and personnel have been asked to line the route with their patrol cars with lights on, to show respect.

JSO says the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department also plans to have engines along the route, and officers from other local law enforcement agencies are welcome to participate.

Members of the public who want to line the route are being asked to stand in the sidewalks along either side of Riverside Avenue, between Jackson Street and Forest Street.

If you’re unable to attend, the Fraternal Order of Police 530 is also encouraging donations to Whitaker’s family.