Naples Police Department, first responders mourn officer killed in Lee County crash

A Naples police officer died in an off-duty crash in Lee County on Thursday.

Naples Police Department announced the death of Sgt. Jeffrey Reidy, 41, who leaves behind a wife and four children.

The Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash on Corkscrew Road east of Burgundy Farms Road shortly before noon.

According to FHP, a vehicle driven by a 32-year-old woman slowed for traffic due to construction. Reidy, who was behind the woman, failed to slow and attempted evasive action but still hit the vehicle in front of him. He then crossed into the center lane and collided with a cement truck.

The woman in the crash had minor injuries. The driver in the truck was not injured.

Reidy was most recently assigned to the patrol division. He began his career with the department Jan. 18, 2011, and leaves behind a long-lasting legacy with NPD.

During his time with the police department, Reidy worked as a patrol officer, a D.A.R.E. instructor, a field training officer, a DUI instructor, and a high liability traffic stops instructor until transferring to the Criminal Investigations Unit as a detective in 2015, where he specialized in special victim crimes and domestic violence.

In 2016, Reidy obtained his master officer status and in 2019 was promoted to sergeant, according to Naples Police Department.

“He received numerous awards, including two Phoenix Awards for Life-Saving efforts, Command Recognition, Exceptional Duty, a Life-Saving Award, and many letters of commendation and appreciation for his work,” the department said. “He is survived by his wife and four children.”

Fellow first responders say Reidy was a great family man.

“We’re all devastated,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz, with North Collier Fire Control & Rescue District. “It doesn’t matter the patch that we wear. We work hand and hand day in and day out.”

North Collier Fire extended its condolences to Reidy’s family.

“Anytime we lose a member of the fire or emergency responders, we are all just heartbroken,” Mazurkiewicz said.

Officers of the Naples Police Department wore blue as they waited at the Lee County Medical Examiner’s Office.

“We never leave any of our fallen,” Mazurkiewicz said. “We will stand watch, stand vigil over them until the time that they are buried.”

Reidy was called a servant to the community.

“From the entire fire profession, our thoughts, our prayers, all of our love go out to the family, and we hope they know that we are here for them,” Mazurkiewicz said.

The Naples Police Department memorialized Reidy on Facebook as a husband, a father, a best friend, and an officer.

“He will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” the Naples Police Department said. “On behalf of the entire Department, we extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Sergeant Jeffrey Reidy.”