Photo courtesy of Jupiter PD.
A Jupiter (Fla.) Police officer was killed Sunday after a truck struck his police motorcycle while the officer was preparing to shut down the highway for the presidential motorcade.
Officer Bruce St. Laurent, a decorated officer who volunteered his time in the community, was a 20-year veteran of the department. He was 55.
"Bruce St. Laurent was a valued member of our community and employee within the town of Jupiter," said Chief Frank Kitzerow. "He was an amazing person who will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him."
The crash occurred at about 4:40 p.m. on the I-95 onramp near 45th Street. A pickup truck struck Officer St. Laurent's motorcycle and pushed him into a guardrail. He was assigned to the motorcade escorting President Barack Obama from a campaign event in Palm Beach County.
He was transported to St. Mary's Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. He leaves behind a wife and four children.
Officer St. Laurent helped students perform science experiments at Jupiter High School, played Santa Clause for local holiday events, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. In 1996, he was selected by the agency as Officer of the Year.
