Former JPD officer killed in wreck mourned by friends, family

A beloved former Jackson police officer was killed in a motorcycle accident Saturday, and friends around the country are mourning his passing.

Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Henry said Richard "Fitz" Polk, 49, was riding his motorcycle on Highway Mississippi 22 just east of I-20 near Edwards when a van turned into his path around 2:30 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and a passenger, Della Brumfield, was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The Honda Odessy that collided with Polk's motorcycle was driven by Doris Stamps, 70.

Henry said Brumfield was still in a local hospital Sunday with broken bones. Stamps had minor injuries but was treated and released.

Accident reconstructionists were on the scene Saturday, Henry said.

"I knew officer Polk personally," Henry said. "I used to work for Jackson Police Department. He was a good, well-rounded person, and we're going to miss him."

"He was a caring, loving and gentle-spirit man," said Pleshette Smith on Facebook, adding that he loved his family and his law enforcement family. "His actions reflected that love. He will never be forgotten. I love and will truly miss my big brother!"

JPD spokeswoman Colendula Green reported the death on her personal Facebook page as well. Green is also a motorcyclist.

"It's a sad day. My brother in blue, who retired from our department a while ago, just got killed in a motorcycle accident. He was a traffic cop with us. A vehicle turned out in front of his motorcycle."

Sharon Kyles wrote that she was feeling emotional over the loss of Polk.

"I lost a friend today. Retired Officer Richard Polk, a gentle giant, who loved his job as a motorcycle-riding police officer. You will be missed, my friend," she wrote.

Sid Seal, a friend of Polk's, wrote, "He was one of the kindest, happiest people I've known. He was always smiling! I got to know him through work and gladly called him my friend ... Richard, you will be missed!"

"Richard was a outstanding police officer and a good man. You will be missed by all," wrote Lloyd Paxton, a fellow law enforcement officer.

From West Virginia, former JPD officer Chris Barnhart also posted about Polk's passing.

"You will be missed my friend," he wrote.

Smith ended her Facebook post with a plea to motorists to be aware of people riding their motorcycles on the road.

"I am asking everyone who reads this post to 'Look twice and save a LIFE!' Those who enjoy the open range of the wind in their hair need your help to keep them safe . .. Look at it like this ... someone riding a motorcycle should be treated/handled like precious jewels," she wrote.

Henry echoed Smith's sentiments, urging motorists to always be aware of their surroundings.

"You always want to be vigilant when you drive, drive for yourself and others," he said. "Pay attention to your surroundings, and if you have to, look twice before you make a turn."

To contact Therese Apel, call (601) 961-7236 or email tapel@gannett.com. Follow @TRex21 on Twitter.