There’s a good reason why your UPS driver is pausing on the route
UPS drivers across the country will be briefly pausing their routes Monday afternoon to honor and remember Frank Ordonez, the driver who was killed Thursday in a police shootout.
The drivers will be parking their trucks and turning on their four-way flashers in a sign of solidarity with the fallen UPS worker, according to Teamsters Local 769, Ordonez’s UPS union chapter.
While the moment of silence is not a “coordinated company-wide effort,” UPS said it is “deeply saddened by the tragic death of Frank Ordonez,” and will “honor this moment of silence for any employees who are able to safely participate.”
Ordonez, 27, was taken hostage by two armed robbers and later killed in the middle of rush hour traffic during a shootout with police in Miramar.
Richard “Rick” Cutshaw, a 70-year-old union representative from Pembroke Pines, also died in the crossfire, along with the two carjackers.
The shooting was recorded and broadcast live by TV helicopter cameras.
An outpouring of support for Ordonez’s family, including multiple GoFundMe pages, began appearing online shortly after the shooting, along with a flurry of questions and criticism over the actions taken by police.
The moment of silence will be held at 5 p.m. EST and 2 p.m. PST when Ordonez’s viewing — which is open to the public — is set to begin.
Ordonez leaves behind 3- and 5-year-old daughters.
This story was originally published December 9, 2019 at 1:36 PM.
