FORT MYERS, Fla. — Master Sergeant Daniel Hinton of the Florida Highway Patrol was memorialized with a full-honors service Wednesday at the Hertz Arena.
The full honors funeral service was open to the public. FHP led the procession from Gendron Funeral Home in Fort Myers at 9 a.m. The funeral service began at noon.
Sergeant Hinton died after having a heart attack during a training exercise last Tuesday. He spent 32 years as a trooper with FHP.
PHOTOS: Full-service memorial for Sgt. Daniel Hinton
From the service program:
Master Sergeant Daniel D. Hinton was born on December 12, 1962, in Fremont, Michigan. He went home to be with the Lord on February 19, 2019, while serving the State of Florida in Lee County, Florida.
Master Sergeant Hinton is survived by his wife Julie, three children, three grandchildren, mother, brother and sister. He is also survived by his family at the Florida Highway Patrol.
Dan began his career with the Florida Highway Patrol in 1986, with the 77th Recruit Class in Tallahassee, Florida. Upon graduation, Dan was assigned to Troop F, Fort Myers. Throughout his career, Dan achieved many noteworthy accomplishments to include being a long time certified K9 trainer and instructor; K9 handler, with K9s Bishop, Rocky, Ranger, and Riki; Troop Firearms Instructor; Florida Highway Patrol Academy Instructor; Drug Identification Expert; Drug Interdiction Assistance Program Senior Master Instructor; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Master Instructor.
Dan was also a recipient of numerous awards such as Florida Order Police - 2014 Law Enforcement Officer Award, Ominous Club - 1997 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, El Paso Intelligence Center Director's Award, International Narcotics Association Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Drug Interdiction Assistance Program Mentor of the Year. Dan also received numerous accommodations from the Drug Enforcement Agency and numerous Trooper of the Month recognitions from the Florida Highway Patrol.
Dan was tragically taken from us on February 19, 2019, after completing defensive tactics training at the Fort Myers Florida Highway Patrol Station. He was a faithful member of the Florida Highway Patrol and a dedicated family man. Dan was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, softball and baseball. Most of all Dan loved spending quality time with his family.
Master Sergeant Daniel D. Hinton was proud to serve the State of Florida. Dan will be missed as a trooper, mentor, husband, father, grandfather and friend; but, his legacy will live on with us.
