Holly MatkinFort Myers, FL – Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Master Sergeant Daniel Hinton died in the line of duty on Tuesday, when he suffered a fatal heart attack during defensive tactics training.
Sgt. Hinton, 57, was participating in a training exercise at the Fort Myers FHP station when the medical emergency struck, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
He was rushed to the Gulf Coast Medical Center, and passed away a short while later.
Sgt. Hinton served the FHP for 32 years, his department said in a press release on Tuesday.
“The entire [Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles] family mourns today for the loss of one of our own, FHP Master Sergeant Daniel Hinton,” the agency said. “Master Sgt. Hinton was an extraordinary individual, who put his life on the line to protect and serve others.”
Sgt. Hinton spent the earliest portion of his career serving with Troop F. He was later assigned to the agency’s training academy, and spent time working with the Criminal Interdiction Unit.
He was serving with the Troop J Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement at the time of his sudden death.
“His life and 32-year career are nothing short of heroic,” his department said. “We ask that you keep his wife and family in your prayers.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody praised the veteran deputy’s service in a news release.
“I am deeply saddened by the news that Florida Highway Patrol Master Sergeant Daniel Hinton passed away today. Sgt. Hinton served Floridians honorably and bravely for more than three decades,” Moody said. “Please keep his family, friends and colleagues at the Florida Highway Patrol in your prayers.”
Sgt. Hinson leaves behind his wife, children, and grandchildren, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Florida Highway Patrol Master Sergeant Daniel Hinton, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.