Friends remember Lake County deputy killed in crash

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Close friends of a Lake County detention deputy killed in a crash are sharing memories about him.

“The man smiled constantly. He was a smiler and he was a hugger,” said Garry Adams.

Adams says Deputy Bert Cole was his friend of more than 20 years and co-worker.

“Bert was probably the easiest person in the world to know. He knew no strangers. By no means,” Adams said.

Cole was a detention deputy at the Lake County Jail. He was driving home from work Saturday morning on County 439 when state troopers say a pickup crossed into his lane and hit him head on.

The 18-year-old truck driver was seriously injured and Cole was killed.

“Horrible, horrible accident and a terrible loss,” Adams said.

A loss that’s touched a lot of people. Adams says his friend had a big heart and liked to give back. He had just reached out to a family during the holidays.

“Bert took it upon himself to give half his paycheck to that family for Christmas so the kids could have Christmas,” Adams explained.

Cole was only 40 years old. Adams says they’re still finalizing details on his funeral services.