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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has shared the sorrowful news of the passing of Sergeant Lonnie Weatherford, a valued member of their team.
Following heart surgery, Weatherford tragically succumbed to unforeseen complications on February 14, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office. He was 47 years old.
Weatherford embarked on his journey with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office back in 2000, initially serving as a civilian detention support specialist. Later that same year, he transitioned into the role of a detention deputy.
Throughout the early stages of his career, Weatherford was part of the transportation unit at South County Jail before taking on the responsibilities of a bailiff in 2008.
By 2020, he had moved to the training unit, where he not only helped deputies keep up with their annual qualifications and training certifications but also formed deep, lasting friendships, according to the PCSO.
“He was a consummate professional who always, always had a smile on his face,” the sheriff’s office said.
Weatherford was promoted to sergeant in 2022, and he supervised the inmate work program. He began supervising bailiffs at a courthouse in 2025, PCSO said.
“We are truly at a loss without him and grateful we had a quarter of a century with him,” PCSO said in a Facebook post. “We will never forget him.”