The recent death of a northwest Georgia deputy from COVID-19 has led to a continued outpouring of support from his community, including recognition at the state capitol and a fundraiser that garnered more than $4,000 in less than 24 hours.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the death of Sgt. Barry Henderson on Tuesday morning, extending thanks for his service and prayers for his family. Henderson, a 23-year law enforcement veteran, had been on a ventilator at Northside Hospital in Atlanta for months, Channel 2 Action News reported.
Later Tuesday morning, Henderson was recognized by Georgia’s state lawmakers with a moment of silence in the House of Representatives. The moment was led by Republican Majority Whip Trey Kelley of District 16, which includes Polk County.
Credit: Polk County Sheriff's Office
Credit: Polk County Sheriff's Office
“With heavy hearts we say see you later to our Sgt. Barry Henderson this morning,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook. “You have served Polk very well and will be greatly missed. We thank God and your family for sharing your life with us throughout the years.”
Evan Echols, a family friend of Henderson’s, began a GoFundMe campaign Wednesday with the goal of raising $10,000 to help the family pay for unexpected expenses. In less than 24 hours, the fundraiser was nearly halfway to its goal.
“A light to all, Barry was adored across the community for his warm sense of humor and kind touch as well as respected throughout the workplace for his dedication to others and willingness to lead by example for many years,” Echols wrote on the campaign’s donation page.
The GoFundMe page was not the only benefit set up to assist Henderson’s family. A golf tournament was planned two weeks ago and had already reached the maximum number of 100 registrants, according to Polk Sheriff Johnny Moats’ Facebook post. The announcement of Henderson’s death on Facebook received nearly 250 comments by the early afternoon.
Henderson’s wife, Chrisy, told Channel 2 in February that she was pushing doctors at Northside to give her husband an experimental drug. At the time, she had not seen her husband in person in more than a month. She was able to get into his room and was with him when he died, Channel 2 reported.
Funeral arrangements have not been finalized, the sheriff’s office said.
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