By Sgt. Jack Nash
PIO OCSO
On Feb. 23, 2026, the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office experienced a serious line of duty incident involving Deputy Sheriff Austin Rhodes.
Yesterday evening, Deputy Rhodes was conducting traffic control at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Wolf Road due to a malfunctioning traffic signal. While performing his assigned duties to ensure the safety of the motoring public, Deputy Rhodes was struck by a passenger vehicle. The force of the impact threw him a significant distance down the roadway.
Deputy Rhodes sustained serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce. He is currently in stable condition and continues to receive medical care. He remains under evaluation and treatment by medical professionals, and his condition is being closely monitored.
The traffic crash investigation is being conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol. Any additional details regarding the cause of the crash will be released by their agency as the investigation progresses.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks law enforcement officers face each day while serving their communities. Deputy Rhodes was doing exactly what he was called to do, standing in harm’s way to protect others.
We ask our community to keep Deputy Rhodes, his family, and the members of our agency in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
Motorists are reminded to slow down and use extreme caution when approaching emergency personnel, traffic control points, or disabled equipment on roadways. Vigilance and attentiveness behind the wheel are essential to preventing tragedies such as this.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
