PONCE INLET, Fla. -- Police Chief Wayne Lurcock died in his home early this morning, the victim of a heart attack. He was 60 years old.
CPR was performed on Lurcock at 5 a.m., but he didn't make it, Lt. Max Binz said in a brief phone interview with NSBNews.net while he was making funeral arrangements with the family.
"He meant so much to me," Binz said. "It's beyond words to describe. He was my best friend."
Though Binz is the senior office in the small police force, he didn't want to get into titles as to whether he's now the acting chief, adding, "That's not important right now."
The city posted a statement on its website stating in part: "It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the death of Ponce Inlet Police Chief Wayne Lurcock who passed away unexpectedly at his residence in the early morning hours today."
The statement added in part, "Chief Lurcock is well known as a man of honor, integrity and strength – a true leader. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of Chief Lurcock. He will be missed."
Hank Nolin, retired from the Army military police, who lives in Port Orange, described Lurcock as "one of the best police officers and one of the best friends I ever had."
Here is the complete statement from Ponce Inlet on the sudden passing of Chief Wayne Lurcock:
