ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County deputy, Port Orange police officer and a Melbourne firefighter all died from complications of COVID-19 this week.
Read tributes to their lives and service from each of their respective departments below:
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“Craig dedicated much of his life to serving the residents of Orange County,” Sheriff John Mina said in a statement. “We will always be grateful for his service and he will never be forgotten.”
Deputy First Class Craig Seijos
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that Deputy First Class Craig Seijos, 54, died from complications of COVID-19 after nearly three decades of service within the department.
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The sheriff’s office said Seijos was a dedicated family man who adored his wife and five adult children. His colleagues said he was an extremely generous person and was always willing to donate to a good cause.
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Officer Justin White
The Port Orange Police Department announced Thursday that Officer Justin White died from COVID-19 complications, leaving behind his loving wife and children.
The department said White was a veteran member of the police department family. They described him as a dedicated husband, father, and fierce advocate for the officers he worked alongside.
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“We are grateful for his service, dedication, and sacrifice to our agency and this community,” the department said in a statement.
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Driver Engineer Scott Allender
The city of Melbourne announced Wednesday that Driver Engineer Scott Allender passed away on Tuesday evening after battling COVID-19 since early July.
The city said Allender served the citizens of Melbourne for 22 years as a firefighter, including 19 years as a paramedic.
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“Scott was instrumental in training many of the department’s newer paramedics,” the city said in a statement. “His personnel file is full of letters and recognition for his services to the community.”