Newstalk Florida – N

It is with great sadness that the North Port Police Department announces the unexpected line of duty death of 57-year-old Patrolman First Class, Dennis Gonthier.

Officer Gonthier was found Saturday morning unresponsive in his patrol vehicle as he prepared to start his shift and was transported to a local hospital where resuscitation efforts failed.

Preliminary information seems it appears Officer Gonthier died of natural causes.

Officer Gonthier was a 14-year veteran with the City of North Port and is survived by his wife and three children. Funeral arrangements are being finalized.