Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Florida
End of Watch Monday, September 27, 2021
Detention Deputy Tony Bruce died from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 while assigned to the Bay County Jail at 5700 Star Lane in Panama City.
Deputy Bruce had served with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office for over two years and had previously served with the Corrections Corporation of America for over 12 years. He is survived by his wife, three children, and four stepchildren.
Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.