COVID-19 Kills Polk County Sheriff Deputy, Father Of 5

POLK COUNTY, FL — A deputy who had served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office since 2011 died from COVID-19 Monday morning at a local hospital, a news release said.

Christopher Broadhead, 32, had been in medical care for several weeks with the illness, authorities said.

Broadhead was on a ventilator since he and his family were sickened with the coronavirus in late July, WTSP reported. His 1-year-old daughter had been in and out of the hospital for four days.

On Aug. 6 Broadhead was admitted to a hospital, and by Aug. 15 he was on a ventilator, according to a GoFundMe campaign set up to help the family.

"This is going to be a long and difficult fight, and any support, prayer, assistance, words of encouragement will be so greatly appreciated," the online fundraiser said before Broadhead's death. "Help us join their fight by taking care of some of the expenses."

So far, $7,420 has been donated toward a goal of $10,000.

Broadhead started his law enforcement career working in patrol, and throughout his years with PCSO transitioned to a property crimes detective. He also worked as a robbery detective and homicide detective. His most recent assignment included duties in the Lake Wales area.

He was an alumnus of the University of Florida.

Broadhead leaves behind a wife, former Deputy Elisa Broadhead, three stepchildren and two young daughters. The sheriff's office is in the process of planning a line of duty funeral service with full law enforcement honors. The date has not been announced yet.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office told Patch it is not known what type of incident he was responding to when he contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty.

Broadhead received many accolades throughout his 10-year career, PCSO said. He was awarded a Medal of Valor in 2013, several division and department commendations, a Sheriff's Commendation and Meritorious Service Medal in 2017.

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