Community mourns Richmond County Sheriff’s Officer Sgt. Charles Norton!

Richmond County Sheriff’s Officer Sgt. Charles Norton passed away yesterday at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center from complications of coronavirus infection, according to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

On social media, many citizens are joining his collective law enforcement family in morning his loss.

Sgt. Norton, a dedicated member of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office for 22 years, was assigned as a sergeant to the Field Operations Division.

He could often be spotted working at city and community events.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office released this statement:

“On behalf of Sheriff Roundtree and the entire Sheriff’s Office, we offer our prayers and condolences to the family of Sgt. Norton,” the agency said this morning in a statement. “Sgt. Norton was a devout Christian, a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who loved life and never met a stranger. He will be truly missed.”

In concluding its announcement of the death, the agency urged safety measures to cut the risk of infection:

“We want to remind all of our employees and the public to continue to wash your hands, wear a mask, and practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of this virus which has taken the life of one of our own.”

There’s no word yet on a memorial ceremony or funeral arrangements. We’ll let you know when we get more information.

To date Sgt. Norton is the first member of the Richmond County Sheriff's Office to pass as a result of Covid-19.

iHeartMedia Augusta joins his family and friends in mourning his loss. He was a valued and respected officer and friend to many of us.