In Memory of Deputy Sheriff Jacinto R. Navarro Jr.
Law Enforcement Takes Heavy Toll with COVID19
Florida officials were saddened to announce the loss of a local Palm Beach deputy to the coronavirus. On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, Deputy Sheriff Jacinto Navarro, age 61, passed away due to complications from COVID19. Navarro was a dedicated servant to his community, wearing badge number 2419 for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for over 38 years.
The pandemic has been painful for families across the globe. In the United States, death tolls have surpassed 500,000 citizens. These deaths only represent a fraction of the people that were impacted because of these losses. Families, friends, and neighbors everywhere have lost someone that they have known.
It has been shown that specific careers lead to a higher risk for contracting the virus. Essential workers, healthcare professionals, and first responders have been hit especially hard by the virus. Police officers who have trained to face life-threatening situations continued to do their jobs while facing this deadly invisible threat. In the last year, more officers have died from COVID19 than all other causes combined.
Navarro was devoted to his family and community. He was a fishing enthusiast with many tall fishing tales. Children in the Palm Beach area loved Navarro; many learned to play baseball because of him. Navarro’s favorite activity outside of work and the home was coaching the kid’s baseball teams. The smiles the children shared with him were a far more generous gift than his gift of time.
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
For more than 38 years, Deputy Navarro served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office or PBSO. The PBSO is a large, full-service law enforcement agency and the largest in Palm Beach County. PBSO provides safety and security to more than 680,000 residents from unincorporated areas of the county, as well as an additional 120,000 residents in the seven cities and towns who have contracted their law enforcement services with the PBSO.
PBSO’s motto is “Putting Community First.” With such a large number of residents providing services, there is a need for many officers. The PBSO certainly has everything covered; as one of the county’s largest employers, the agency has more than 4,000 employees and an additional 4,300 volunteers in the community.
The agency has many responsibilities which require such a large workforce. PBSO provides security and services for the Palm Beach County Jail. They provide transportation for inmates to and from hearings and medical services. Deputies offer security services to the Palm Beach International Airport; the agency also provides these services to the Palm Beach County Courthouse. The officers work to stay engaged with the community residents and make them feel that their job is to help them live a productive life in safety.
Remembrances
Families hit by the virus have had to struggle to cope with loss. The Navarro family is no different. They will need the help of family and friends as they try to overcome their grief. Deputy Sheriff Jacinto R. Navarro Jr. leaves behind his wife and three children. Along with fellow law enforcement officers, the community residents came forward to help in honoring Navarro, sharing gratitude for his sacrifice.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office posted the loss on their Facebook page. “It is with profound heartbreak and sadness that we announce the passing of Deputy Sheriff Jacinto “Apple Head” Navarro. Deputy Navarro proudly served PBSO for 38 years. Apple, as he was affectionately known, will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
The International Association of Chiefs of Police or IACP posted information regarding the loss of Navarro and condolences on their Twitter page. “Our thoughts go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Sheriff Jacinto R. Navarro Jr., Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Florida.”
