The following is a news release from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office:
Putnam County, FL — It is with heavy heart that the Putnam County sheriff’s Office announces the passing of one of our own. Deputy Brandee Smith was boating in the St. Johns River when the boat struck a channel marker at approximately 4:40 AM on Friday morning throwing her overboard. Since the accident, marine units and dive teams from multiple law enforcement agencies have scoured the St. Johns River, in the Welaka area, in search of Brandee.
At approximately 1:45 PM Saturday, law enforcement divers located Deputy Brandee Smith. All search operations are complete, but the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s investigation is ongoing.
Brandee was a loving mother of four, with her family being the center of her life. Members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office placed a badge with Brandee as a token of our appreciation for her dedicated service to the citizens of Putnam County. Brandee was a valued member of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office since 2012, leaving her mark on the agency and the community she served. Brandee blew us away everyday with her abilities and her desire to serve the community.
During these difficult times, the assistance and compassion shown by the law enforcement community and the citizens of Putnam County has been overwhelming. Over 150 law enforcement officers from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Saint Augustine Police Department, United States Customs and Border Protection, along with search crews from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville and aviation crews from US Coast Guard Air Station Savannah Georgia participated in the search. These professionals served with dedication and distinction under the most difficult of circumstances. Many members of the community and several local businesses provided food and other assistance to Brandee’s family and search crews throughout the search.
The PCSO family sends our deepest condolences to Brandee’s family. Brandee left her mark on all of us and we shall never forget her.
