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Incident
Patrolman Gene DeBerry succumbed to injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash on February 1, 1966. While on traffic patrol, Patrolman DeBerry attempted to overtake a speeding vehicle near the Memorial Boulevard Overpass and Omohundro. He lost control of his motorcycle when it skidded on sand in the road. He was thrown from his motorcycle and hit a concrete piling. The crash left him permanently paralyzed, and through the years, he endured over 14 surgeries and dialysis. On January 14, 1985, he succumbed to his injuries. Patrolman DeBerry had served with the Lakeland Police Department for 22 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, mother, two brothers, and a sister.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
22 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman DeBerry gave the Lakeland Police Department 22 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Lakeland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman DeBerry.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Lakeland Police Department has lost 6 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Eugene is one of 314 officers lost to accidents in FL, 31.2% of the 1,006 remembered there.
Eugene is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Eugene is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1985, 5 officers in FL were lost to accidents, the 14th heaviest of 95 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 9.
In 1985, 67 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 59th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1985, 75 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Eugene was 48. Of the 293 lost to accidents in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 35. Eugene had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Eugene was 48. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Eugene had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Eugene was 48. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Eugene had served 22 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 7.6% of these deaths in FL; February holds the most, 10.5%. Mondays: 16.6%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 6 deaths at Lakeland Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.2% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Lakeland Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Eugene among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Lakeland Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
