Jacksonville, FL — "A hero remembered... never dies."
On Wednesday, the City of Jacksonville came together to honor the life of fallen Jacksonville Sheriff's Officer Lance Whitaker, who was killed in a single-vehicle crash, while responding to a call for service on May 15th.
Funeral services were held at Evangel Temple on Ramona Boulevard, with his loved ones and fellow first responders in attendance, as well as Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams, and Florida Governor Rick Scott.
Officer Bryan Burnett, who worked alongside Whitaker, says he was compassionate, patient, and kind and described him as both a friend and a mentor.
A standing ovation for Officer Whitaker. I have chills. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/0FXownXYQY
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) May 23, 2018
Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams also addressed those in attendance, addressing the legacy of Whitaker.
"Most of us will never give our lives for a calling, for a mission. We'll never make the ultimate sacrifice, but Lance did. And that is what makes him a hero," said Williams.
Others remembered Whitaker as a 'man who deeply loved his family.'
Officer Whitaker’s son and step children are remembering their father. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/lGDFeHsl4k
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) May 23, 2018
Whitaker's stepdaughter also addressed the crowd, painting a picture of who Whitaker truly was.
"Behind his work-glance glare, he was the most empathetic spirit on this earth, and he would clearly give his life for someone else's. He was friendly to everyone and never fell short of being a great officer, except for those times that he was late to work, because he can sleep through a 7.9 magnitude earthquake. Above all else, he was a great dad," she said.
She went on to share the two most important things she learned from Whitaker: Not to care what other people think, as long as you're happy, and life's too short not to be kind.
Sheriff Williams getting emotional talking about what makes Officer Whitaker a hero. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/iW0y60su9V
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) May 23, 2018
Police procession will begin shortly. JSO is leading the pack, but there are other agencies in the escort including Neptune Beach, Marion County and Orange County @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/HNE10hPxrc
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) May 23, 2018
And they are off. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/YkmzzlbQpd
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) May 23, 2018
Procession for Officer Whitaker. People stopped on side of road to pay respects. @ActionNewsJax 🙏 pic.twitter.com/4XjfWo9QT5
— Brent Martineau (@BrentASJax) May 23, 2018
A video board is displaying images of Officer Whitaker. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/EQV2mGygbW
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) May 23, 2018
WATCH BELOW: Funeral services held for fallen JSO Officer Lance Whitaker, funeral procession.