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Law enforcement escorts body of fallen Highlands County deputy

Dozens of law enforcement cruisers escorted the late William Gentry Jr. on Wednesday morning.
Credit: 10News
Dozens of law enforcement cruisers escorted the late William Gentry Jr. on Wednesday, May 9, 2018.

TAMPA, Fla. -- Florida Highway Patrol troopers on Wednesday morning helped escort the body of a Highlands County deputy killed in the line of duty.

Dozens of law enforcement cruisers rode along with the late William Gentry Jr. and his family.

Even though Gentry died, he is still saving lives through organ donation. On Wednesday morning, he traveled from Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers to LifeLink in Tampa.

Doctors have found a match for Gentry's heart. They're still trying to find a match for his lungs.

Watch: Click or tap here to view Wednesday's escort

A candlelight vigil for Gentry is set for 8 p.m. Wednesday at Fireman's Field, located at 681 Magnolia Ave. in Sebring.

A public memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 15.

Related: Fallen Highlands deputy honored for organ donation

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At 2:05 am this morning, Deputy William Gentry left Lee Memorial Hospital, bound for Tampa for another phase of the organ donation process. His body was placed in a Highlands County EMS ambulance and escorted by his fellow HCSO deputies and a huge contingent of fellow officers from several agencies. Interstate 75 was lined the entire way to Tampa with tributes. Every overpass was red and blue in salute. Even construction workers joined in the effort to give our fallen brother a firing escort. #gentry2247 #HCSOstrong

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