The Polk County Sheriff's Office is in mourning following the death of Deputy Sheriff Terra McKinnon, who passed away after a valiant battle with breast cancer at the age of 45. In a statement obtained by WFLA, the Sheriff’s Office reminisced about McKinnon’s “long and courageous” fight against the disease and cited an illness that overcame her as her immune system was weakened.
Deputy McKinnon's dedication to service spanned nearly two decades since joining the force in 2006, and her role as a street training instructor was noted for shaping the next generation of deputies. Her work at the Dundee Sheriff's Station, where she practiced community-oriented policing, left a lasting impact on the area, WFLA reported. The agency, through their expression of loss, stated, "Please keep Deputy McKinnon’s family and her brothers and sisters in green in your prayers. We already miss her — her ever-present smile, her selfless service, and her commitment to our agency and our citizens."
WTSP echoed the sentiments of the Sheriff's Office underscoring McKinnon's role as a "community-oriented" deputy and the Sheriff's Office's gratitude for her nearly 20 years of service. They shared the message, "Rest in peace, 6224. We love you," highlighting the loss felt within the agency and the community she served.
The sentiment of McKinnon being a "beautiful soul" was also captured by a statement obtained by TampaFP, which noted how her infectious smile and positive attitude had made a profound, difference within the community she served. Her colleagues remembered her not just by her badge number — 6224 — but for her relentless positivity and unwavering commitment. The community and her "brothers and sisters in green" were asked to keep her family in their thoughts during this challenging period, with the agency stating, "We are so grateful we had her for nearly 20 years."
