A 36-year-old corporal with the Tarrant County Sheriff's Department died after being diagnosed with COVID-19, the department says.
The sheriff's office said Charles E. Holt lost his battle against the coronavirus Tuesday.
Holt began working for the TCSO in 2014 and served on the intelligence team for the department.
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn announced Holt's death Wednesday saying, "it is with a heavy heart and great sadness that Tarrant County Sheriff's Office announces the death of Cpl. Charles E. Holt."
Waybourn went on to say that Holt was diagnosed on Aug. 27 and died Sept. 1.
"He proudly showed up under tough conditions and performed his duties in a positive and honorable manner. He leaves behind his wife, Moranda, three children, many friends and TCSO team members. He will be greatly missed," Waybourn said in a statement.
Waybourn said Holt was in charge of identifying inmates being booked into the Tarrant County jail, a job which required numerous face-to-face interactions each day. It's how Waybourn suspects Holt contracted the virus.
"He was a hero, he was a noble person that knew all the risk of coming to work and he still came every day," Wayborn said. "We are treating this just like it was a line of duty death, of course."
Despite having universal safety precautions in place, Waybourn said several booking officers have come down with COVID-19. Holt was the first sheriff's office employee to pass away from the disease, he said.
Holt was known for his leadership and loyalty, Waybourn said.
It's unclear if he had underlying health conditions.
Holt leaves behind his wife Moranda and three sons, the sheriff's office said.
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"Mrs. Holt asked we share the touching moment when she arrived home from the hospital to break the news to her children," Waybourn said in a statement. "They told her, 'It’s OK Momma, we already know dad has completed his assignment here.' Please keep the family, friends and coworkers of Cpl. Holt in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days."
Funeral arrangements are pending.
