COVID-19 claims another life at the Sheriff ’s Office

Another employee of the Broward Sheriff ’s Office died of COVID-19, the agency announced Friday.

Stephan Fredrick Adams, a 43-year-old detention aide, died Jan. 30, but his cause of death was confirmed Friday, an official statement said.

“It is with profound sadness and grief that Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony and the men and women of the Broward Sheriff ’s Office mourn the passing of Stephan Adams.”

It is the sixth agency death known to be linked to

COVID-19. Others include Pamela Ford, 54, who died Sept. 4; Lt. Aldemar “Al” Rengifo, 47, died Aug. 16; Wiley Huff, 73, died Aug.

2; 911 dispatcher Nikima Thompson, 41, died May

4; school resource Deputy Shannon Bennett, 39, died April 3.

Adams was hired in

2018 as a detention aide and he worked at the Joseph V. Conte jail in Pompano Beach in a support role. Adams made a deep impression on his coworkers, including his supervisor, Lt. Catherine Cummings.

“Every supervisor always requested Mr. Adams to work in their area because everyone knew the job would get done and be done right the first time without any hesitation,” she said, in the statement. “Anytime there was a special assignment, my go-to was Mr. Adams!”

Adams worked in the Department of Detention and Community Programs. He did work that might not have been recognized by the public but was recognized by his peers and supervisors.

Adams also coached youth football in Lauderhill. He valued integrity and community service. On his Broward Sheriff ’s Office application he wrote, “I’m honest and straightforward as I can be,” adding that “I know how to lead by example and be a team player.”

Adams is survived by family and friends. Funeral services will be held this week. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in the memory of Stephan Fredrick Adams to the Thomas A. Scott Scholarship Fund, Post Office Box 490466, College Park, Georgia 30349.