Jacksonville, FL — The body of fallen officer Lance Whitaker was moved from the medical examiner's office to a funeral home Thursday morning by motorcycle escort.
Sheriff Mike Williams believes the rainy weather may have played a factor in the crash.
Officer Whitaker surrounded by love from his brothers and sisters in blue and the community. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/uPgcd25tXE
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) May 17, 2018
The escort began at Jefferson Street and ended at the back of the Hardage-Giddens funeral home, located in the 500 block of Park Street.
The community and multiple agencies members paid their respects by lining the route on the sidewalks.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department had engines posted along the route.
If you weren’t able to make it out to Thursday’s procession, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has now released details of Officer Whitaker’s funeral services:
--Viewing is Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Evangel Temple, 5755 Ramona Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205
--Funeral services are Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Evangel Temple, 5755 Ramona Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.
--A graveside service will follow the church service at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
--A police vehicle procession will take place between the church service and graveside service.
WATCH: JSO motorcycle escort for fallen officer Lance Whitaker: Fallen Jacksonville officer appeared on 2004 episode of "COPS": http://bit.ly/2rJGUTF
Posted by Action News Jax on Thursday, May 17, 2018
Officer Whitaker just passed by. His brothers & sisters salute as others stand at attention. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/UGoo1CYzJI
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) May 17, 2018
All I can say is WOW. Local man sets up cross at crash site for @JSOPIO Officer Whitaker.
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) May 17, 2018
Added this note: “Just finished placing a cross I built this morning for fallen officer Whitaker. The first cross I have ever felt called to build.”@ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/GHOTRQAvSw
Officer Lance Whitaker’s services are as follows:
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) May 17, 2018
•Viewing Tue., 5/22, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Evangel Temple, 5755 Ramona Blvd
•Funeral Wed., 5/23 at 11:00 a.m. at Evangel Temple, 5755 Ramona Blvd •Graveside service following at Oaklawn Cemetery#NeverForget7656 pic.twitter.com/TgHScVFG4N