In Memory of Detention Officer Dwight Willis

Missouri Loses Corrections Officer to COVID

Officials in Missouri were saddened to announce a corrections officer’s loss on Sunday, November 22, 2020. Detention Officer Dwight Willis, age 56, passed away due to complications resulting from having tested positive for coronavirus. It is presumed that Officer Willis contracted the virus through his job with the Green County Sheriff’s Office. Recently Green County, both the Sheriff’s Office and the County Jail, have had an outbreak of the virus. Officer Willis had worked for his community for more than 19 years with the department as a detention officer. In the end, he sacrificed his life to help keep his community safe and secure.

The outbreak in the community outside of the jail has been significant. On Friday, November 20, 2020, just two days before Officer Willis’ death, the count of positive COVID cases had risen to alarming levels in the county. On Friday, the local hospitals, Mercy and Cox in Springfield, reported alarming patient numbers. The current number of inpatients due to COVID19 had risen to 215, up from 170 the week prior.

Green County Sheriff’s Office

The Green County Sheriff’s Office was the agency that Officer Willis had spent 19 years serving. Located in Springfield, Missouri, the GCSO is a full-service sheriff’s office that provides quality law enforcement for the community. The department offers twenty-four-hour road patrol, Criminal Investigations Division, Warrants and Records Division, Civil Process Division, Administrative Services Division, and a jail that houses six hundred inmates. It was during Officer Willis’ daily duties at the jail that brought him into contact with the viral pandemic.

Hurt That Follows COVID

Pain follows COVID. Pain from loss, from health, recovery, and financial devastation. His wife survives detention Officer Dwight Willis. The local community, extended family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers will circle her with their love as they celebrate the life well-lived by Officer Willis. The city will be there for her in her time of grief, encouraging her to continue his story.

Green County Sheriff’s Office posted the following statement on their social media. “It’s with heavy hearts that we at Greene County Sheriff’s Office sadly announce the passing of one of our Detention Officers, Dwight Willis. Officer Willis passed away this morning due to COVID-19 complications. Dwight has served GCSO for the past 19 years, and he will be greatly missed! We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

The Florida Police Chief’s Association (FPCA) posted the following condolence for the Willis family. “Please keep the Family and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Detention Officer Dwight Willis. Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri. End of Watch, Sunday, November 22, 2020.”

Green County Sheriff Jim Arnott stated how significant the loss was to the department. “Dwight was one of our best. Dwight has been recognized for his dedicated efforts by multiple organizations. He will be deeply missed.”