By Sgt. Jack Nash
PIO OCSO
OKEECHOBEE — The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to share encouraging news regarding Deputy Austin Rhodes.
With the permission of Deputy Rhodes’ family, we can report that he continues to make positive progress in his recovery following the recent line of duty incident. He has undergone a surgical procedure that doctors believe was successful and is showing strong signs of improvement.
Deputy Rhodes is awake, alert, recognizing those around him, aware of his surroundings, and responding appropriately. These are very encouraging developments in his recovery.
While he still has a long road ahead, the updates from his medical team have been very positive.
Sheriff Noel E. Stephen and Chief Deputy Michael Hazellief would like to personally thank the scores of citizens, fellow law enforcement officers, partner agencies, and community members who have reached out with prayers, kind words, and offers of assistance.
The outpouring of support has meant more to the Rhodes family and to our agency than can be adequately expressed.
As Austin continues his recovery, there may be opportunities in the future for the community to assist. Should those needs arise, we will share them appropriately.
For now, we ask that you continue to keep Deputy Rhodes and his family in your prayers.
The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office remains grateful for the strength of this community and the continued support shown to one of our own.
