Patrol Officer Gordon Elmer Stotz, Winter Haven Police Department, Florida

Patrol Officer Gordon Elmer Stotz

Winter Haven Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Wednesday, March 28, 1956

Gordon Elmer Stotz

Patrol Officer Gordon Stotz was killed in an automobile crash while pursuing another vehicle on the Lucerne Park Road, near Flornce Villa , shortly before midnight.

He and his partner had observed a vehicle speeding near Avenue One, NW, and began to pursue it, reaching speeds of over 100 mph. The patrol car that Officer Stotz was riding in left the roadway and struck a large oak tree, causing him to be ejected. The officer who was driving sustained serious injuries.

The vehicle being pursued also crashed nearby and the occupants were taken into custody.

Officer Stotz was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of WWII and had served with the Winter Haven Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 31
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Vehicle pursuit
Weapon Automobile
Offender Apprehended

single vehicle crash, vehicle pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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Dear Dad, I’m sorry I don’t remember you. I was just 38 days away from my 2nd birthday, when you didn’t return from work. Mother said I took my first solo walk across the room to your arms just prior to your shift. Thank you for giving me Gary, a sibling to love, but like you, was called Home too early. Now I am alone, no parents, no siblings, no children or grandchildren. I can’t help but wonder how differently my life could have been, had God not needed you more than your family. I’m proud to have been your daughter, the little blue eyed, curly blonde you lovingly called your “peanut”.

Cheryl
Daughter

July 1, 2018