FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A former Broward Sheriff's Office deputy convicted of vehicular homicide was sentenced to more than nine years in prison Thursday.
Frank McCurrie was found guilty of vehicular homicide and two counts of reckless driving in April.
Investigators said McCurrie's squad car hit a black Honda in Oakland Park on Jan. 23, 2010, killing 14-year-old Cara Catlin.
McCurrie addressed the court during his sentencing, saying he was 8 years old when he decided that he wanted to be a cop after seeing a tragic accident.
"It was that day that I made a conscious decision that I would protect and serve to help prevent incidents like this from occurring," McCurrie said.
McCurrie also addressed Cara's family directly.
"I will tell you that it was not my intent by any means to hurt your daughter," he said. "I can only pray and hope one day you all will forgive me and have compassion on me."
Detectives said McCurrie was driving his car at more than twice the legal speed limit at the time of the crash on North Dixie Highway and Northeast 56th Street in Oakland Park. Cara was ejected from the car and died.
A witness told police that he saw McCurrie run toward the crash site holding his right arm. He said McCurrie's patrol car did not have sirens or flashing lights activated.
McCurrie, who has a son and an adopted daughter, said he understand the pain and agony the family feels, and won't forget the night of the crash.
"I remember the echoing words, 'Can you hear me? Hold on. Help is coming.' And then our eyes connected," he said.
Detectives said McCurrie was an employee of BSO for just over a year and was still in his probationary period with the agency.
He was fired from the department after the crash.
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