An officer from the Lauderhill Police Department has died from coronavirus-related complications Sunday, officials said.
Corey Pendergrass had been a Lauderhill officer since 1997. He died on Sunday morning.
"It is with a heavy heart that the department announces the passing of our Brother, Officer Corey Pendergrass, who died this morning of complications related to COVID-19," officials wrote in a Tweet. "We will miss you tremendously."
Remembered as a "gentle giant," Pendergrass was also described as a mentor who left an indelible impression on those he encountered, Lauderhill Police Chief Constance Stanley said in a statement.
"The men and women of the Lauderhill Police Department and the entire city were very fortunate to have such a wonderful, kind and giving individual, who was always there when you needed him," Stanley said. "Corey never let anything get the best of him and always looked at the positive side of things when faced with adversity."
Pendergrass is survived by his wife and children.
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