TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — On Dec. 2, Gadsden County Sheriff's Office deputy Brian Faison, who served as a police officer for 26 years, passed away after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
GCSO, who lost another long-time employee, Severia Franklin, to the virus in late August, says they are tragic losses.
"You know, we're still feeling the pain from that. She had a smile and special words for me to start my day," said Sheriff Morris Young of Gadsden County.
But Sheriff Young says that they're following protocols to ensure that everyone employed by the department is as safe as possible.
"We have protocols in place. We make sure that we sanitize not only our vehicles but also this entire building," said Sheriff Young.
And while Gadsden County mourns the loss of their co-workers and friends, the Leon County Sheriff's Office says that they feel for them.
"Any time someone you know falls victim to anything, whether it be work-related or in their personal life, we always come together and definitely show respect towards their situation," said Public Information Officer for the Leon County Sheriff's Department Shade McMillian.
McMillian said they too are following CDC guidelines to keep their deputies and employees safe.
"We do wear masks," said McMillian. "We do sanitize our vehicles when we need to, but for the most part, we take all the necessary protocols that we would in our job, to begin with."
GCSO says funeral arrangements have been made and will occur at Bradwell's Memorial Mortuary at 18300 Blue Star Highway in Quincy on Jan. 8 at 2 p.m. with full police honors.
The viewing will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, at Bradwell’s Memorial Mortuary. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the same place.
The burial will be at the St. Paul Cemetery in Gretna.
Any law enforcement agency that is participating in the professional is asked to notify GCSO at 850-627-9233. Law enforcement vehicles will meet at the GCSO front parking lot at noon on Friday.
