Bruce Kinsler Obituary, Death – A tragic incident occurred Thursday morning when a Polk County employee was killed while assisting with cleanup efforts following Hurricane Milton, according to county officials. The accident happened as crews were attempting to remove a tree that had fallen and was obstructing US 98.
During the cleanup, a Fort Meade Maintenance Unit Service Worker was struck by a vehicle driven by another Polk County employee who was responding to the scene. The victim of the accident has been identified as 68-year-old Bruce Kinsler.
In a statement, Bill Braswell, the Chair of the Polk County Commission Board, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting the tragedy was magnified by the fact that Kinsler was killed while serving the community. “We ask a lot of the employees as public servants, and they responded to the call. For this to happen is just a tragedy,” Braswell stated.
County officials have confirmed that proper safety precautions were in place during the cleanup operation, and that the crews were wearing protective equipment while working. Despite these measures, the accident still occurred, highlighting the inherent dangers faced by public service workers in emergency situations.
Bruce Kinsler had dedicated approximately 10 years of service to Polk County. His commitment to the community and willingness to help during such critical times will be remembered by his colleagues and the residents he served.
The county is mourning the loss of Kinsler, and officials have emphasized the need for heightened awareness and safety measures when it comes to public service work, especially during emergency responses. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks that public employees face while working to keep the community safe and operational during crises.
As the investigation into the accident continues, officials are likely to review the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine how it happened and whether any additional safety protocols need to be implemented in the future. The loss of Kinsler is a significant blow to the county, and his memory will live on through the work he did and the lives he impacted during his tenure.