BARTOW -- Polk County is offering peer counseling to firefighters mourning the loss of one of their own.
Around 5:30 Saturday morning, 41-year-old Brian Herr died when his car crashed in the median of I-4 between Haines City and Polk City and burst into flames. He was off duty at the time and wasn't due back at work until Sunday. Officials from Polk County Fire Rescue praised his service during a news conference Monday.
Polk Fire Chief Hezedean Smith says Herr had only been a firefighter since April, but had made an impression with his dedication and leadership skills. Herr usually worked at the Polk City station as part of Rescue 7, but would be moved around to other stations as necessary. Herr had been chosen to speak on behalf of his class of new hires.
Herr leaves behind two sons and his mother. Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this time. The Polk Sheriff's Office continues investigating the crash.
Photo: PCFR/Canva