This Times Free Press file photo shows then-Dade County, Georgia, Sheriff Philip Street, circa 2004.Former Dade County, Georgia, Sheriff Philip Street died Friday evening from COVID-19 complications, according to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson.
Street served as sheriff of Dade County for two decades, first taking office in 1984 and remaining in the post until 2004.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, sisters, brother and his mother.
Street had worked for the last seven years as captain of the Walker County Detention Center. He also served as a board member of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.
"There are numerous Philip Street stories to tell that I will keep close to me. However, one thing is for certain if you were Philip's friend, you knew it, no questions asked," Wilson wrote in a Saturday news release.
"Philip cared for his co-workers, especially the younger officers that he mentored. We will miss his counsel and work ethic."
Wilson added that Philips likely would have wanted the public to know the importance of preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
"What last words would Philip leave us with? Wear your mas, wash your hands and social distance," Wilson said.