Polk County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch: Monday, October 22, 2001
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Aircraft accident
Date of Incident: October 22, 2001
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Deputies Larry Rhoden and Brian Wilkinson were killed when their department helicopter crashed into a small pond near Lakeland, Florida at approximately 0200 hours, during a period of dense fog.
Deputy Rhoden was the observer in the Bell OH-58 helicopter. The two deputies were returning from a call when the crash occurred.
Deputy Rhoden had been employed with the Polk County Sheriff's Office for ten years, and is survived by his wife and three sons.