Polk deputy dies after trying to restrain inmate

A veteran Polk County sheriff's detention deputy who broke his back more than a week ago restraining an unruly inmate died Tuesday morning of his injuries, the sheriff's office says.

Detention Sgt. Ronnie Brown fractured a vertebrae on Aug. 30 when inmate Terrence Barnett, who is being held on a murder charge out of Highlands County, demanded to be transferred from South County Jail to another jail. Barnett, 28, who is 6 feet 10 inches tall, became violent in his cell and broke a sprinkler head, causing water to spray throughout his cell, according to the sheriff's office.

When Brown and several other deputies entered Barnett's cell. Barnett hit and shoved Brown, who fell against the wall and landed on the floor on his back, according to Sheriff Grady Judd. Deputies rescued Brown from the cell, and Barnett was taken into custody, the sheriff's office said.

Early the next morning, Brown was taken to Lake Wales Hospital, where he was treated for his injured back and released.

The next day, the pain was so extreme Brown couldn't stand up. He was taken to Winter Haven Hospital and underwent back surgery Sept. 2. He remained at the hospital and died there on Tuesday, the sheriff's office said.

On Sept. 3, Barnett was charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, criminal mischief, depriving an officer of means of protection and three counts of resisting an officer with violence.

Sheriff's detectives are conducting a homicide investigation against Barnett, the sheriff's office said.

Judd said Brown's death highlights the dangers detention deputies face every day. Brown was a 20-year veteran.

"The detention deputies are the unsung heroes,'' Judd said.

Brown, 48, was hired as a detention deputy in October 1989 and promoted to sergeant in 1997.

He is survived by his wife, Tina, who is a Polk County sheriff's detention deputy, and their teenage daughter.

The sheriff's office said Brown was known for his attention to detail, positive influence and excellent work ethic. In May 2007, Brown and two other detention deputies were awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for providing CPR to an unresponsive inmate, the sheriff's office said.

"God don't make any mistakes; he's going to a better place,'' said Capt. James Hogan, commander of the South County Jail.

"There's probably not a member of our facility that hasn't cried and I don't mind crying because it's about family, it's about all of us being together,'' he said.