LODD: Deputy Sheriff Julie Bridges
Deputy Sheriff Julie Bridges
Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, Florida
End of Watch: Sunday, September 10, 2017
Bio & Incident Details
Age: 42
Tour: 13 years
Cause: Automobile crash
Deputy Sheriff Julie Bridges and Sergeant Joseph Ossman, of the Florida Department of Corrections, were killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 66 and Old Crewsville Road, in Zolfo Springs, at approximately 6:45 am.
Both officers had been required to stay in the county despite mandatory evacuations due to Hurricane Irma. Deputy Bridges was picking up supplies for a hurricane shelter when her patrol car collided head-on with Sergeant Ossman’s vehicle. Sergeant Ossman was reporting for his shift at the Hardee Correctional Institution, which remained opened despite the evacuation.
Deputy Bridges had served with the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years. She is survived by her 8-year-old son.
Please contact the following agency to send condolences or to obtain funeral arrangements:
Sheriff Arnold Lanier
Hardee County Sheriff’s Office
900 East Summit Street
Wauchula, FL 33873
Phone: (863) 773-0304
