Clay County sergeant who died from COVID-19 honored in memorial service

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. —

Clay County Sgt. Eric Twisdale was honored in a memorial service Thursday by his family, friends and coworkers.

Twisdale died last week from COVID-19 complications. He was only 49 years old.

He was a decorated deputy, awarded the Lifesaving Award for saving someone from drowning and recognized as Deputy of the Year. He worked in uniform for more than two decades.

At Thursday’s service, Twisdale’s daughter said that the two had a conversation about what his funeral would be like in the months before his death.

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Sergeant Eric Twisdale memorial service

She said he wanted a big party and no tears. His sudden death was a shock to the people he worked with.

“Eric appeared to be healthy, everyday walking I seen him weeks prior to him being sick and we had a conversation,” Deputy Robert Punsky said in an interview after the service.

Punsky worked alongside Twisdale for years and says his spirit will live on.

“I hope people will take what happened to Eric and take it more seriously and take those extra precautions,” Punsky said.

Twisdale will be remembered by his blue line family and community as a courageous, selfless deputy, and for the loving man he was to his family.

Cox Media Group