Death of Sean Hryc and Ernie Brown quite traumatic. The following statement was issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Deputy Director Lieutenant Colonel Troy Thompson in response to the passing of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Sean Hryc and Compliance Investigator Ernest “Ernie” Brown:
“Today, the Florida Highway Patrol and FLHSMV family is deeply saddened and collectively heartbroken as we mourn the passing of FHP Trooper Sean Hryc and Compliance Investigator Ernie Brown. Both men dedicated their lives to serving the state of Florida and their communities. Both Trooper Hryc and Investigator Brown were highly respected members of the Florida Highway Patrol. They devoted more than 17 and 30 years, respectively, of their lives to serving and protecting the people of Florida without seeking personal gain. Please remember them in your prayers and keep their loved ones and the rest of the team in your thoughts.
- – Executive Director of the FLHSMV, Terry L. Rhodes – Lieutenant Colonel of the FHP, Troy Thompson
- Today, both Trooper Sean Hryc and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Compliance Investigator Ernie Brown of Troop I – Marion County were unsuccessful in their battle against COVID-19.
For more than 17 years, Trooper Hryc was a member of the Florida Highway Patrol and provided service to the people of Florida. Trooper Hryc got his start in the field of law enforcement with the Dade City Police Department before he joined the Florida Highway Patrol.
Over the course of his more than three decades of service with the Florida Highway Patrol, Compliance Investigator Brown helped the people of Florida. Brown started his career in law enforcement with the Bushnell Police Department and later served with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office before becoming a member of the Florida Highway Patrol.
In their time of mourning over such a tragic loss, their families ask that you give them space and respect their privacy.