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Funeral held for Florida deputy Blane Lane, 21, killed in line of duty
A funeral was held on Tuesday for 21-year-old Polk County Deputy Blane Lane, who was killed by gunfire from a fellow deputy's gun while helping to serve a warrant in Polk City.
LAKELAND, Fla. - A funeral was held on Tuesday for 21-year-old Polk County Deputy Blane Lane, who was killed by gunfire from a fellow deputy's gun while helping to serve a warrant in Polk City.
Family, friends and fellow deputies gathered at the Victory Church at 1401 Griffin Road in Lakeland to say good-bye to Lane, who was a father to a 3-year-old daughter.
"Blane will be remembered for the greatness of his heart, his nobility of spirit, his infectious smile and his positive attitude," Sheriff Grady Judd said during the service.
One of Blane's older cousins broke down in tears talking about him, saying he had the heart of a lion and was a "real-life superhero."
"Say hi to Johnny Cash for me. I love you," Blane's cousin said through tears.
Law enforcement honors took place outside the church following the service.
Victory Church has offered to live-stream the service on their Facebook page and website.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., in memory of Deputy Lane.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the shooting happened at a trailer home on Foxtown South in unincorporated Polk City around 3:15 a.m. on Oct. 4. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said four deputies were serving the suspect – Cheryl Lynn Williams, 46 - with a failure to appear on a felony meth warrant.
Photo of Deputy Blane Lane. Credit: Polk County Sheriff's Office
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd swears inDeputy Blane Lane on Jan. 18, 2022. (Photo: Polk County Sheriff's Office)
Authorities said three deputies entered the trailer while Deputy Lane stayed outside the trailer in a tactical position. The position afforded him the view of the door and windows to ensure that he would see the suspect in the event she tried to flee, the sheriff's office said in a statement.
The three deputies approached a gaming room of the trailer and did not see anyone initially. Williams then stepped into view and reportedly pointed a gun at them. Shots were fired and Williams went down. Lane then reported that he had been shot in his arm.
The sheriff's office said Lane was shot in the left arm and a round entered his chest. He was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he died.
Judd said Blane was hired as a Detention Deputy in May 2021. He became a Deputy Sheriff in January 2022.