Fla. Deputy Dies from Complications Following On-Duty Cardiac Event
Source Officer.com News
What to know
- Sgt. Dale Berrian of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office died May 16 from complications following a cardiac event he suffered after helping a stranded motorist days earlier.
- Berrian lost consciousness after going to the ER, and he never recovered after emergency surgery.
- The sergeant served over two decades with the sheriff's office, and he led the agency’s Chaplain Unit.
A veteran Florida deputy died in May from complications stemming from an earlier heart attack.
Sgt. Dale Berrian of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office was helping a motorist move a disabled vehicle off the road at the end of his shift on May 8, Sheriff Bob Johnson told the Pensacola News Journal. After providing roadside assistance, Berrian started feeling ill.
He began experiencing pain and went to a local emergency room, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Berrian lost consciousness while doctors examined him in the ER, and he was airlifted to another hospital for emergency surgery.
Berrian never regained consciousness following the surgery, and he died May 16.
"For more than 21 years, Sergeant Berrian served the people of Santa Rosa County with unwavering dedication," the agency stated in a social media post days after the deputy's passing. "He was a steady presence in our Patrol Division and faithfully led our agency’s Chaplain Unit, offering strength, compassion, and spiritual support to fellow deputies and community members during their most difficult moments."
"His passing leaves a profound void in our agency and across this community," the post added.
Johnson told the News Journal that Berrian was the type of person who always wanted to help others and would "give you the shirt off his back if need be." Nothing demonstrated that more than the fact that one of his final on-duty acts was to come to the aid of a motorist needing help.
“Cops get into the business for a lot of reasons," said Johnson. "A lot of them get into it for the excitement or the change every day, and then there are those who get into it because they want to help people. That’s the kind of guy Berrian was. Dale would help anybody at any time."
"He was just one of those guys that wanted to help," he added.
