Polk Co. Sheriff’s Office mourns deputy who passed away after cancer battle

Deputy Rosenbauer Fights Cancer

Brad Rosenbauer passed away on March 24, 2017. Our hearts are broken. His wife, Brittany, his unborn son, and his entire family, remain in our thoughts and prayers. Brad – we will miss your smiling face, your indomitable spirit, your strong faith, your encouragement, and your love of helping others. Thank you all for your support of Brad and his family. Please keep them in your prayers. ORIGINAL POST: Brad Rosenbauer is 37 years old. He’s one of our deputies. He’s also been a law enforcement officer in Bay Village (OH), Eagle County (CO), and the Sumter County (FL) Sheriff’s Office. He has dedicated his life to public service. In July 2014, four months after starting his Polk County Sheriff’s Office career, Deputy Sheriff Brad Rosenbauer became unexpectedly ill while attending a training class. Following many medical tests, he was diagnosed with Stage 3C colon cancer. Doctors determined that the cancer was aggressively spreading. He was immediately admitted to the hospital, received surgery, and then underwent six months of chemotherapy. Even in his weakened state from surgery and chemotherapy, Brad continued to work in a light-duty capacity. In March 2015, he completed chemotherapy. In July, he was cleared to return to fulltime duty as a deputy sheriff, where he excelled in his responsibilities and was looked up to by the members of his platoon. Later that month during a follow-up doctor’s visit, it was determined the cancer had returned and he underwent another surgery. Within three weeks of having the surgery, he returned to work in a light-duty capacity and within two weeks of light duty he returned to full duty. Brad made this video a few years ago to share with our agency members during our annual “customer care” training. For his ongoing positive attitude and his determination to work despite his medical issues, last year he was awarded the agency’s Marshall Anderson Award. Brad’s video inspired us all, and we wanted to share it with you. Unfortunately, after this video was filmed, the cancer returned, and has spread. It is now inoperable. Throughout this process, Brad has remained hopeful, optimistic, and an inspiration to all of us here at PCSO. As you can see in this video, Brad is an amazing person, with a huge heart, and an indomitable spirit. He has dedicated his life to public service. Brad and his wife, Brittany, are expecting their first child – a boy – in June. As helpless and as sorrowful as we feel, we know that at the very least, monetary contributions might help ease the Rosenbauers’ worries as they face this, the most difficult challenge of their lives. Brittany is a nurse but has been unable to work recently due to helping hospice take care of Brad. Our charity, Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., was established to accept monetary donations for our agency members in need. If you are so compelled, you may contribute to the Rosenbauers through Polk Sheriff’s Charities. The link is: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/?key=polksheriffcharities&restrict=General Thank you for watching this video, and for honoring Deputy Sheriff Brad Rosenbauer, who has made a tremendous impact on all of us, and who we are blessed to call one of our own. Brad – we love you. #cancersucksPosted by Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, March 8, 2017