WESH News (Orlando, Florida)
ORMOND BEACH, Fla. -- A local police officer who dedicated 40 years of his life to keeping Central Florida safe was remembered Friday.
Robert Grim served with the Daytona Beach Police Department, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Daytona Beach International Airport security and was on the Ormond Beach police force when he died, WESH NewsChannel 2 reported.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers gathered at the Ocean Center Friday morning for Grim’s funeral, including Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson.
“He was a magnetic person. People could really warm up to Bob,” Johnson said.
He touched countless lives in his 40 years on the beat and frequently worked with kids, telling them to stay away from strangers.
Grim was investigating an accident at Nova Road and Wilmete Avenue when another car came through the intersection and hit him. Mishanna Lynn Coates, 21, of Holly Hill was driving the car that struck Grim.
Troopers said she smelled of alcohol and refused a breath alcohol test. A blood test was taken, and police are awaiting the results before filing any charges. Court records showed Coates pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct in November 2001. She has also been cited for operating an unsafe vehicle, running a stop sign, failing to obey a traffic control device and driving with an expired registration.
Many people use words like friendly, outgoing and dedicated to describe Grim. He was also a tremendous motorcycle buff, and the flag at the Daytona Beach Harley Davidson shop has been flying at half-staff to honor Grim.
Donations to Grim’s memory can be made to the Fraternal Order of Police Associates, P.O. Box 4204, Ormond Beach, Fla. 32175.