Myrle Atacus Whidden served in the U.S. Army.
Constable Myrle Whidden succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two days earlier while attempting to arrest a man who was beating his wife in Mulberry.
He had responded to the domestic disturbance call and observed the man beating his wife. Although Constable Whidden was unarmed, he attempted to intervene but the man shot him in the chest and arm. Despite his wounds, Constable Whidden overpowered the man, arrested him, and walked him to jail.
Constable Whidden then went to the hospital where he died on his 42nd birthday.
The man who shot Constable Whidden was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life.
Constable Whidden was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI and was the recipient of a Croix de Guerre. He had served in law enforcement for 17 years. He had served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and as a peace officer for the Mosaic Corporation prior to being elected as the constable for Polk County District Thirteen.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Constable Whidden gave the Polk County District Thirteen Constable's Office 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lakeland community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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