The town of Longboat Key is mourning the loss of a man they counted on to keep them safe.
Police Chief Al Hogle died Monday while on vacation in North Carolina. The 63-year-old was riding motorcycles with friends when he was involved in a fatal accident.
Now miles away at the office he once led, the flag is at half staff.
Hogle's colleagues are devastated by his death.
“It’s surreal for all of us," Capt. Pete Cumming said. "It's a very difficult time."
Cumming, who was Hogle’s friend and colleague for over 30 years, said the news of his death is hitting everyone very hard. He said the beach community will not be the same without him.
“We are shocked," said Monica Mastrangelo, an employee at Harry’s Continental Kitchens Corner store. "One of the officers stopped by and told me about the news. They were regulars in here. They came by to make sure I knew about it.”
Hogle's co-workers said Hogle made an impact everywhere he went. In addition to be a community leader, he was a mentor.
“Outside of the fact he was a great police officer and ethical to the highest standards, he took the time to take younger officers under his wing and made them into excellent ethical moral police officers," Cumming said.
Details of the motorcyle crash Hogle was involved in are still unknown. For now it appears to be an accident.
Funeral and memorial arrangements are still pending at this time.