Funeral procession, service for FHP Trooper who died of COVID-19

The Florida Highway Patrol honored the life of Trooper Brian J. Pingry with a funeral procession Friday morning.

Pingry, a seven-year veteran with FHP and Lee County resident, died on Sunday from COVID-19 complications. The procession began at 8:15 a.m. at Gendron Funeral Home and ended at Next Level Church in Fort Myers.

While Pingry was an FHP trooper, his most important job was being a father and husband.

He’s the third trooper, and 40th law enforcement officer, to die from COIVD-19 since the pandemic began.

Pingry was honored with a 7-gun salute and helicopter flyover.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said, “There is no difference in Patch. There’s no difference in uniform. We’re a law enforcement family and community. So today was heavy in all our hearts.”

Trooper Pingry leaves behind a wife and two children. His daughter Jessica is a sheriff’s deputy in Jacksonville.

Watch a replay of the live stream of the funeral service below.

Procession Route 

• WB Lee Boulevard to Gunnery Road (Left Turn) *Estimated departure 8:15 a.m.
• SB Gunnery Road to Daniels Parkway (Straight Ahead) *Estimated passing 8:20 a.m.
• WB Daniels Parkway to Gateway Boulevard (Right Turn) *Estimated passing 8:25 a.m.
• NB Gateway Boulevard to Next Level Church – East (Right Turn) *Estimated passing 8:30 a.m.

Trooper Pingry’s daughter gave him this stuffed animal when he passed his training so that her dad would always have someone riding with him. It rode in his right front seat everyday since. pic.twitter.com/pKbBn8nltf

— FHP SWFL (@FHPSWFL) September 24, 2021

Honoring the life and service of Florida Highway Patrol Brian J. Pingry this morning. Rest in peace brother pic.twitter.com/PDiHiuzwQ3

— FHP SWFL (@FHPSWFL) September 24, 2021