The Lake County community is mourning the tragic death of a local law enforcement officer. Master Deputy Bradley Link, age 28, was killed in an ambush on Friday night while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A somber procession took place Monday morning, guiding Deputy Link's body from the Medical Examiner’s Office in Leesburg to Becker Funeral Home in Clermont. As reported by ClickOrlando, the procession began just after 10 a.m., moving solemnly down U.S. Highway 27.
During the fatal incident, Link was reportedly caught in heavy gunfire after deputies noticed a kicked-in door at a nearby residence while on another call. Link, trapped in the home, was struck and did not survive his injuries. According to the WFTV report the Ag/Marine Unit, to which Deputy Link was assigned, participated in honoring their fallen comrade during the procession.
Deputy First Class Stefano Gargano, also 28, was critically injured in the same shootout and is scheduled to undergo a third surgery. Master Deputy Sheriff Harold Howell, 41, was hit in the shoulder and is currently in stable condition. Fundraising efforts have been set up on GoFundMe for both the families of Deputy Link and Deputy Howell to help cover funeral and medical expenses.
The support demonstrated by the people coming together to assist his family during this difficult time is a testament to the impression he left on those he served. For those wishing to contribute to the support for Deputy Link's family, a GoFundMe has been established and is accessible here.
