Holly MatkinJacksonville, FL – Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Trooper Derrick Lamar died on June 24 after battling a lengthy illness, according to his department.
The FHP described the 55-year-old trooper as “a true warrior” in a Facebook post one day later.
Trooper Lamar was also a retired U.S. Marine, according to his department.
“Yesterday, we lost one of our best,” FHP’s Jacksonville office tweeted. “Trooper Derrick Lamar passed away after a lengthy illness. Sometimes the body is not as strong as the spirit. He was a true warrior & never stopped fighting.”
Trooper Lamar served the FHP for 15 years, WFLA reported.
“His contagious smile & constant laughter will always be remembered,” the FHP said. “God bless brother.”
Trooper Lamar’s “brother’s & sisters” in blue saluted the fallen officer as they lined the route from the hospital to the funeral home on June 25, the department said.
He was laid to rest on July 2, according to his obituary.
Today, Trooper Lamar was escorted by his brothers & sisters from the hospital for final preparations. Thank you to the public for the respect that you showed while en route. That meant so much to us and his family. Trooper Lamar was a proud Trooper and US Marine (ret.). pic.twitter.com/B4JY8w5hQR
— FHPJacksonville (@FHPJacksonville) June 26, 2020
Today, we said our final farewells to Trooper Derrick Lamar, Troop G – Jacksonville. Derrick passed away last week due to medical reasons. He retired from the U.S. Marines and became a FHP Trooper. His service was selfless and was his way of life. He will be sincerely missed. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/WUQcczmmKE
— FHPJacksonville (@FHPJacksonville) July 3, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Trooper Derrick Lamar, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
