Pembroke Pines motorcycle officer dies in crash
FORT LAUDERDALE - A Pembroke Pines police officer on routine patrol died after being involved in a crash early Thursday afternoon, authorities said.
Motorcycle officer Charles Herring, 54, died while in the line of duty following a wreck on NW 184th Avenue, just south of Sheridan Street, officials said.
Herring was rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Officials said Herring had been with Pembroke Pines for 22 years and was the father of four children. His children and ex-wife were with him at the hospital, according to officials.
Officers blocked off intersections on route to help escort the ambulance to the hospital.
"It just seems like an unfortunate tragedy," said Pembroke Pines Police Chief Kipp Shimpeno. "Charlie was the most jolly guy you'd ever meet."
"Charles touched pretty much everyone in this agency and so many people in this community," says the Chief. "We lost a hero."
Shimpero said Herring was hit by a palm frond causing him to lose control of his motorcycle and crash.
Video from Chopper 4 showed the officer's motorcycle lying on its side in the middle of the road, with debris scattered about.
NW 184 Avenue, between Johnson Street and NW 23rd Street, remained shut down for several hours for the accident investigation. Drivers were urged to avoid the area.
The Lighthouse Point PBA said in a social media post, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and the Pembroke Pines Police Department on the loss of Motorman Charles Herring."
Dozens of law enforcement officers escorted the casket containing Herring's body Thursday afternoon to the medical examiner's office.
"As we know, being a motorcycle officer is dangerous on a good day," said Rod Skirvin, president of the Broward PBA. "And this just highlights how dangerous this can be. This was a tragic accident and all law enforcement officers are affected because of this tragic crash in the roadway."
Skirvin told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "This pulls at everyone's heart. This could have been any one of us during any day. From those in dive teams to K-9 units to detectives to those serving warrants to those on everyday patrol, you never know what obstacles there are that can take our lives."
Fellow law enforcement officers expressed regret over Herring's passing.
"He was a jolly guy and big guy and very friendly," Skirvin said. "This pulls at everyone's heart and affects every one of us and those who serve every single and know how dangerous the job can be."
Funeral arrangements for Herring were pending.
Herring is the first officer to die in the line of duty at the Pembroke Pines PD.
