Florida Highway Patrol, Florida
End of Watch: Saturday, October 25, 1947
Age: 44
Tour of Duty: 3 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: October 25, 1947
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: Turned self in
Trooper Leroy Bender was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Sanford while assisting with removing a vehicle from a ditch on the Sanford Mount Dora Highway.
The vehicle's mirror struck Trooper Bender in the head, causing a fatal injury. The driver later turned himself in and was charged with technical manslaughter.
Trooper Bender had served with the Florida Highway Patrol for three years. He was survived by his wife, mother, father, two sisters, and three brothers.