PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – A Florida motorcycle officer passed away in a freak accident on Thursday after a falling palm frond ejected him from his motorcycle, according to the Pembroke Pines Police Department and WPLG.
Pembroke Pines Police Officer Charles “Charlie” Herring was riding his motorcycle in Pembroke Pines when “a piece of debris fell from a tree, striking Officer Herring and causing him to fall from his motorcycle,” a post from the department said.
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The accident took place on Northwest 184th Avenue between Johnson Street and Northwest 23rd Street.
The department announced his death and said that officer Herring dedicated his life to public service and was a veteran of the United States Army.
The post said he served as a police officer for the City of Starke (FL) for three years, before beginning his career as a Pembroke Pines Police Officer in 2001.
“Officer Charles Herring paid the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved, serving and protecting others. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him,” the department said.
A memorial service will be announced in the near future, the department said.
Watch the full announcement of Herring’s death below.