Beloved retired Georgia sheriff dies after contracting COVID-19

DADE COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia community is mourning the loss of its former sheriff due to complications from COVID-19.

Retired Dade County Sheriff Philip Street died Nov. 27 at a hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Street’s longtime friend, Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, wrote an emotional Facebook post honoring the beloved fixture in the community.

Wilson wrote that he met Street 35 years ago at Lamaze classes with their wives. Their daughters were born a month apart and became good friends at an early age, Wilson wrote.

Wilson said that Street had a hard work ethic and cared for his coworkers, and mentored his younger officers.

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Wilson said Street left him with the last words: Wear your mask, wash your hands and social distance.

“I’ll see you again, my friend, my brother in blue,” Wilson ended the post.

Street leaves behind his wife, daughter, sisters, brother and his mother -- and countless friends within the community.

Hundreds of people commented on the Facebook post, leaving their words of condolences.

“Prayers to the family. As a life long friend and a wonderful Sheriff who cared about everyone, my days working for him at the Dade County Sheriff will be cherished forever. Rest in peace my brother and I will see you again someday,” one friend said.

Cox Media Group