LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland Police Department officer died Wednesday night after suffering a medical episode. 

Ken Foley was just 57-years-old and had worked with the department for nearly 30 years. He also served 8 years in the Marine Corps.  

Police said Officer Foley was found unresponsive in his car. 

According to Lakeland Police Chief Ruben Garcia, dispatch checks on officers throughout their shift and when they realized Officer Foley was not responding, Lakeland PD and sheriff deputies went to search for him and found him in his patrol car outside the Hampton Inn and Suites on Socrum Loop. 

The police department posted their condolences on their Facebook page: 

Chief Garcia said Foley recently told him that he didn't want to retire and felt like he had a few good years left. 

Garcia called Foley an Everyday First Responder and said he'll miss his smile and positive attitude. 

Foley leaves behind a wife and two daughters. 

The medical examiner's office is still working to determine his cause of death.