A lifelong staff member for Rep. Vern Buchanan
Vernon Gale BuchananMORE (R-Fla.) He died Friday of the coronavirus, the congressman announced, becoming the first known congressional aide to die of the disease.
Buchanan said in a statement that he was “devastated” by the death of Gary Tibbetts, a field representative who had been a member of the congressman’s staff since 2011.
Tibbetts, 66, a retired police officer, died in a Florida hospital.
“Gary was the consummate professional and a true public servant in every way,” Buchanan said in his statement.
“He touched many lives and was loved and respected by those who knew him. I will never forget his inspiring spirit, sense of humor and sheer joy in helping others, “added Buchanan.
We are deeply saddened and mourn the loss of our dear friend Gary Tibbetts.
Gary was a great advocate for #BradentonPD and all law enforcement. He was a dedicated and tireless advocate for the community he proudly served. pic.twitter.com/GBJqItSBnJ– Bradenton Police (@BradentonPD) July 24, 2020
Buchanan had first announced on July 15 that Tibbetts had been hospitalized with COVID-19 and was stable. Neither Buchanan nor any of his other employees had been in recent contact with Tibbetts, his office said at the time.
The death comes amid an alarming surge in coronavirus cases in Florida, which underwent an aggressive reopening earlier this year and was forced to reverse its plan amid the surge. The state reported more than 12,000 new cases Thursday alone.
.
