Memorial Services for Fallen Officer Paul Dunn
On Wednesday, January 15, 2020, memorial services for Officer Paul Dunn will be held at Lakes Church (formerly known as the First Baptist Church at the Mall), located at 1010 E Memorial Boulevard. The public is welcome to attend.
Visitation
Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until Noon.
Funeral Services
Funeral Services will begin at Noon with Police Honors occurring outside the church upon conclusion of the services. The family respectfully asks that no filming or photography take place inside the church. The family has also requested that anyone attending, who wishes to, wear military support or University of Florida attire in honor of Officer Dunn’s military service and his love for the Florida Gators football team.
Funeral Procession Route
A procession is expected to leave the church between 1:30 and 2:00 p.m., traveling south on North Lake Parker Avenue and then south on Bartow Highway (S. Rd 98) to the Lakeland Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, located at 2125 Bartow Road. The public is encouraged to show support to Officer Dunn’s family and friends along the route as they make their way to the funeral home. (The route out of the church is subject to change pending final arrangements in the coming days. Please check back for updates. )
There will be no graveside or additional burial services as a private family ceremony will be scheduled at a later date.
A press release will be sent out to advise media partners of areas for filming at the church. A live feed of the funeral services will be shared on the Lakeland Police Department’s Facebook page for those who cannot attend.
Officer Paul Dunn passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2020, from injuries sustained in an on-duty traffic crash that occurred near the intersection of Lake Miriam Drive and Lakeland Highlands Road. He was just 50 years old. Officer Dunn has been with our agency since 2013 and has worked in law enforcement for over 20 years, previously serving with the Ocoee Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Officer Dunn was a beloved member of our motor unit.
Officer Dunn was married and with one adult daughter, two adult sons and two stepdaughters. Officer Dunn’s wife is a detective with the Lakeland Police Department. Both of his sons are currently serving in the armed forces. Officer Dunn is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Please keep Officer Dunn’s family and all those who loved him in your thoughts and prayers as we are grieving this huge loss to our agency and our community.