‘Part of our family’: Sheriff releases name of deputy killed in line of duty in Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell has announced the name of a deputy killed in the line of duty.

Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link, 28, died after he was shot while responding to a disturbance call near Eustis late Friday, Grinnell said.

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Link and two other LCSO deputies were hit by a suspect’s gunfire at a residence on Brookside Drive, according to investigators.

READ: Deputy killed, 2 other deputies injured in shootout at Lake County home

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that Lake County Sheriff Peyton C. Grinnell, on behalf of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, announces the passing of one of our own. Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link died in the line of duty overnight heroically serving his community,” Grinnell wrote on social media.

According to LCSO spokesperson John Herrell, Link is remembered as a man people were drawn to, someone who had a “great personality,” and a hero who bravely served the community.

“Deputy link wasn’t even supposed to be there. He was working a detail up in the forest,” Herrell said. “He heard the call went out and went there to assist.”

Link started his career as a young Explorer with LCSO.

He graduated from Lake Minneola High School and served in the Army Reserves prior to being hired as a deputy sheriff by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 2017, Grinnell said.

READ: ‘It’s horrific’: Lake County deputies mourn the death of one of their own

“In October 2019, Master Deputy Link joined our agency as a deputy sheriff, where he quickly became part of our family and faithfully served our citizens with courage and zeal,” Grinnell added.

“Brad, as our Sheriff’s Office family knew him, touched the lives of all who were blessed enough to work with him; his contributions and the impact of this loss will not soon be forgotten.”

Master Deputy Link is survived by his wife, Brittany, and his parents, Christi and Daniel.

READ: Central Florida officials react to shooting in Lake County

Grinnell asked for prayers for Link’s family, “as well as for our agency and the community he so faithfully served are greatly appreciated during this time of tremendous loss.”

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a GoFundMe site is helping to collect donations for Link’s family.

On Saturday, Sheriff Grinnell also sent a letter to his staff. You can read that letter below:

“Dear Sheriff’s Office Family:

As we navigate through the challenges of this difficult time, I want to take a moment to acknowledge each and every one of you for your incredible dedication and commitment to keeping our community safe. The strength and resilience you demonstrate daily does not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated.

In the face of adversity, it is your commitment to our community and to each other that truly shines. Remember, the work we do is not only vital but also profoundly impactful. Every call we respond to, every decision we make, and every interaction we have contributes to the safety and well-being of those we serve.

As we have recently seen, there will be tough days, and we will face obstacles that test our resolve. But it is during these times that our collective strength becomes our greatest asset. Lean on one another, support each other, and know that together, we are capable of overcoming any challenge that comes our way.

I am proud to stand beside you, and I have unwavering confidence in your ability to rise above any difficulties. Let us continue to move forward with the same courage, professionalism, and passionate dedication that defines our family.

Stay safe, stay strong, and remember that together, we are unstoppable.

Peyton”

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