https://wsvn.com/news/local/broward-sheriffs-deputy-dies-from-covid-19/

BSO said Bennett was diagnosed on March 24 and was hospitalized three days later. He died Friday night.

“He was showing signs of recovery, and it turned for the worse last night,” Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony.

Bennett was 39 years old.

“This is a reminder, to not only this community, but us as first first responders that we’re on the front lines with this,” said Tony.

Tony saying he recently had the chance to sit down with the fallen deputy about increasing equality in the department.

“He was a part of the LGBTQ community,” said Tony.

Bennett’s partner expressed his love in a Facebook post, writing in part, “My heart has been forever torn into two … I will miss you dearly.”

Tony said that even though his officer’s fight may be over, the battle to combat the coronavirus continues.

“We’re still willing to serve, but this is a new enemy that we can’t even see.,” he said

The sheriff also expressed the urgency required during these trying times, saying “If you truly support your first responders, then reduce our opportunities for having citizen contact. Because for every time we have to answer a call because someone’s non-compliant, it puts our lives at risk.”

Bennett was set to marry his partner in December.