“It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Corrections Capt. Mark Elam today.”
A deadly Putnam County crash took another tragic turn after the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office announced the motorcyclist killed was one of their officers.
Corrections Capt. Mark Elam was riding his blue Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle to work when troopers say he collided with a white van on US-17 in San Mateo.
Capt. Elam was taken to Putnam Community Medical Center where he passed away from his injuries, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
The PCSO say Elam was an 18-year employee with the sheriff’s office, serving in the Putnam County Jail. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Elam served four years in the United States Marine Corps.
“If you were wrong, he’d tell you that you were wrong, but he would help you fix the problem,” Sgt. Clayton Silva said. “He didn’t mince his words, but he never left anyone behind. He was a great person, a great supervisor.”
Jail Director Major Scott Surrency said Elam was a larger-than-life influence among corrections deputies.
“The amount of support he had with deputies, he had an ability to reach people,”Surrency said. “He served as an inspector on Florida model jail standards and knew policies and standards with an almost photographic memory.”
Elam is survived by his wife and two sons. The PCSO tells Action News Jax Elam and his wife were in the process of adopting a sibling group of five children.
“He’s the most family-oriented, loving person I’ve ever known,” Silva said.
Elam was scheduled for promotion to captain in May to fill the second highest position in the jail. Earlier this morning, Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach posthumously promoted Elam to the position of captain and informed his family.
Following his death, members of the sheriff’s office and Palatka Police Department escorted his body to the St. Johns County line to the medical examiner’s office, deputies say.
“Captain Elam left an indelible impression on everyone he met,” DeLoach said. “He was firm and never minced words but was fair. His work ethic and dedication to the sheriff’s office is unparalleled and served as an example to his subordinates and peers alike. When Mark died, we didn’t lose an employee. We lost a member of our family, a dear friend, leader, and mentor. His loss is the kind of hurt we feel in our bones. Mark will be in our hearts forever.”
0 of 7
Cox Media Group
