This week marks six months since the death of Clay County deputy Ben Zirbel, and now his agency is asking for help.
This Spring, Zirbel's name will be etched in the National Police Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. and his former colleagues are asking for financial assistance so that they can be there to honor his legacy.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with other local organizations, will be hosting a fundraising memorial ride on Saturday, March 23 with funds going to help fund the Clay County Traffic Unit's trip to Washington in May.
Zirbel died as a result of the injuries he sustained in an on-duty traffic accident last year. He left behind a wife and an 8-year-old son.
Zirbel, a 12-year-veteran of the agency, was on his sheriff's office motorcycle traveling southbound on Blanding Boulevard in the center lane when a Dodge pickup truck carrying a lawn trailer attempted to turn left, failing to yield to the officer.
Zirbel tried to evade the truck but struck the back of the trailer, ejecting the officer onto the roadway. Rescue crews responded to the scene and the deputy was transported to Orange Park Medical Center in critical condition where he later died as a result of his injuries.