Henry deputy who died of COVID-19 complications remembered for selfless commitment

HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — Dozens of law enforcement officers gathered Friday morning to remember one of their own. Deputy Nicholas Howell died of complications from COVID-19 complications on Sunday.

He was just 36 years old.

“He was always a humble man. He was always a peaceful guy and always brought us together with things like this. He always had a plan,” Henry County Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett said.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Coronavirus Pandemic in Georgia]

After a wreath was unveiled in a tribute to the late deputy, the sheriff spoke of the terrible toll that COVID-19 has taken on so many, including officers on the front line.

“It is a global virus that has changed the things that we have seen and known, and willed for quite some time,” Scandrett said.

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Among those who attended the memorial was family, friends and also NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who is known for his support of sheriff departments and lives in McDonough.

Howell’s colleagues praised his selfless commitment to his family, his brothers and sisters in law enforcement and his community.

“It is definitely evident that Nicholas Howell is one who was called to serve at home, in his community and with his fellow servants here at the Henry County Sheriff’s Office,” Colonel Michael Yarbrough said. “As his family told me and I talked to Jasmine, she told me he did everything. He took care of it all. But he not only did tat for all of you, he did that for the men and woman standing behind you.

Howell is survived by his wife and five children.

Scandrett said that members of his department will have an opportunity to get the virus vaccine.

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