Sheriff's Corporal Dies of COVID-19

FORT WORTH, TX — The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their own due to COVID-19 as the department list of positive employees continues to grow.

According to the sheriff’s office, more than 50 members have tested positive for the virus and even though most have recovered, Corporal Charles Holt was not so fortunate.

“We’ve had numerous officers diagnosed with COVID. Some of them have been very light,” said Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn. “We’ve had a couple that have been in the hospital. We’ve been very prayerful over, but they recovered.”

The 36-year-old corporal was diagnosed with COVID-19 last Thursday and passed away four days later.

Holt had been part of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office for only six years but during that time he made a lasting impact. In that short time with the office, he was promoted to corporal and on the list to be promoted to sergeant.

“He was a leader. He carried himself well in the jail,” said Waybourn. “He was awesomely respected, and everybody knew that if they needed help, they could depend on Charles.”

Holt left behind three young sons and according to Sheriff Waybourn, the boys reacted to the passing of their father with strength.

“He had three wonderful little boys at home that I think had the fullest regards for him,” said the sheriff. “Those boys expressed to her [their mother], ‘It’s ok. We know that dad completed his assignment and gone on home.”

According to Waybourn, he would like Holt to be remembered as a hero.

“Jovial, valued, centered, honorable,” said the sheriff. “Hero. Came to work every day knowing the risks he was facing and happy to do it.”

A fund has been set up at the Tarrant County Credit Union to help Corporal Holt’s family as they a tremendous loss. Anyone interested in donating can direct contributions to the Tarrant County Law Enforcement Relief Fund.