Local R5-917 Members Band Together After Sudden Death of Fellow Member
February 15, 2011
The members of Local R5-917, EMS professionals with Polk County EMS of Florida, are mourning the sudden death of one of their own, 44-year old Sandra Groover.
“For many of us this still seems like a dream,” said Local 917 member Danny Thomas. “Sandra was always a pleasure to work with. She was the type of person who always had a smile on her face and could always think of something to say that would make you laugh.”
Groover is survived by her two sons, Billy and Cody Groover; her mother Bonnie Fort Strang; two brothers, Jeff Fort and Mike Davison; sister Diann Greene; and three grandchildren, Mercedes, Kayla, and Cale.
On Sunday, February 13, Local 917 held a memorial motorcycle ride in Groover’s honor from Oak Ridge Funeral Care to the Tractor Supply Co. of Winter Haven. Over 40 motorcyclists participated in the ride, which was held in conjunction with a carwash, BBQ, bake sale and raffle at the Tractor Supply Co. The Lakeland and Winter Haven Police Departments, along with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, also came out to support the fundraising efforts. So far, Local 917 has raised over $4,000 for Groover’s family.
The IAEP extends our condolences to the Groover family and her fellow EMS professionals at Polk County EMS. Memorial contributions may be made to a fundraising Paypal account for the family at sgrooverbenefit@gmail.com.