Collier County Sheriff’s deputy dies after off-duty medical episode

NORTH NAPLES, Fla. A Collier County Sheriff’s deputy died Monday night after suffering an unspecified medical episode, the sheriff’s office said.

Sgt. Steven Dodson, 47, was off-duty when he fell ill, the sheriff’s office said. Other deputies and emergency crews swarmed the corner of Collier Boulevard and Vanderbilt Beach Road at dusk to try to assist him.

He was pronounced dead at NCH Healthcare Northeast, according to the sheriff’s office.

Dodson had been with the sheriff’s office since Sept. 26, 1996 and received recognition for his work multiple times, including Deputy of the Quarter in July 2005. His other honors include a Command Recognition, a Lifesaving Award, three Teamwork Awards, three Unit Citations, five Letters of Commendation, and a Good Conduct Award.

He began as a patrol deputy and was promoted to corporal and assigned to the East Naples Patrol District in August 1999. He was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Immokalee Patrol District in December of that year.

Dodson also acted as the field supervisor as needed and was a member of the Immokalee Patrol District Focus Team.

He earned an associate’s degree from Palm Beach County Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of South Florida. He graduated from the sheriff’s office leadership academy in 2007.

Other deputies will cover their badges until further notice in Dodson’s memory, the sheriff’s office said.

Funeral service arrangements are pending.