A community is in mourning as it said goodbye to a young Polk County deputy.
Amid the sound of bagpipes, hundreds of family, friends and members of law enforcement said a final farewell to 21-year-old Deputy Blane Lane.
“Blane will be remembered for his greatness of his heart, his nobility of spirit, his infectious smile and his positive attitude,” said Sheriff Grady Judd.
Lane was killed in the line of duty, after only eight and a half months as a patrol deputy. Those close to Lane said he had one goal since a child, and that was to be a Polk County deputy and one day become Sheriff.
“His exact quote was I want to be the next Grady Judd. That’s the impact this department has had on his life since he was just a child,” said Justin Stewart, the senior pastor at Together Church of Lakeland.
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Lane was killed by friendly fire while serving a warrant in Polk City with three other deputies on Tuesday, October 4, according to the sheriff's office.
PCSO said that Sergeant Michael Brooks and Deputies Johnny Holsonback III, Adam Pennell and Lane arrived at a trailer on Foxtown South in Polk City around 3 a.m. to serve Cheryl Lynn Williams, 46, a warrant.
Williams had an outstanding felony warrant for failure to appear on a possession of methamphetamine charge.
The sheriff's office said all deputies except for Lane, who was taking up a tactical position outside, went inside a trailer to serve the warrant.
Williams, according to PCSO, stepped into view of the deputies and pointed a silver handgun at them, which later turned out to be a realistic-looking BB gun. According to PCSO, Sergeant Brooks and Deputy Holsonback fired at Williams when she stepped into view, and she went down.
Lane then reported he had been shot. It was later stated by PCSO that the round that struck Lane appeared to come from either Brooks or Holsonback's firearm. Lane was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, where he passed away. He leaves behind a 3-year-old daughter.
Williams sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital, where she was in stable condition at the last check.
Sheriff Judd called Lane an immensely talented deputy. Tuesday he fulfilled Lane’s dream, by promoting him to honorary Sheriff.
"I will faithfully, diligently and honorably perform the duties of Sheriff plenipotentiary throughout all eternity, so help me God. Rest well Sheriff Lane,” said Judd.
In lieu of flowers, Lane's family is asking for donations to Polk Sheriff's Charities.
