The healing process continues for Sgt. Barry Henderson of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, who remains on a ventilator but is slowly bouncing back after more than a month in the hospital battling COVID-19.

His wife Chrisy asked that the following letter above be posted by the Sheriff’s Office, thanking everyone for their prayers and support.

Here’s the letter:

To: Our Dear Friends and All Sheriff Office Family

Thank you for walking with me when I needed support!

Thank you for walking ahead of me when I needed guidance, and thank you ALL for walking behind me when I needed someone to watch my back!!

Most of all thank you for loving us! Please continue all the prayers!

I do not think WE would have been able to make it so far without your Prayers, Support, Care, Love, Kindness, and Generosity!

Thank you again for being a part of our life!

Love you ALL!!

Barry & Chrisy Henderson and Family

Chief Deputy Jonathan Blackmon reported that Henderson is slowly having his ventilator brought down and he’s being taken off the paralytic medication in order to help bring him back around.

It is expected to remain a very slow process of recovery, Blackmon said. It is his 30th day on a ventilator, and the 33rd day he’s been hospitalized.

Henderson is a longtime veteran of the force and serves in the Sheriff’s Office Gang Investigation Unit.

“Prayers that Barry will continue to improve and get off this vent soon,” Blackmon said. “Prayers for this wonderful nurse Raygen he had last night. Chrisy thanks you all for the continued love and support!”

He added that Chrisy Henderson also wanted to point out the danger that COVID-19 poses to all.

“Wear your mask, keep your distance, sanitize frequently and if you feel sick at all (don’t mistake for cold or sinuses) seek treatment fast!” Blackmon passed on.

As of Monday, COVID-19 saw 3,537 positive tests reported in Polk County along with 1,389 antigen positives reported. Additionally, 317 people have been hospitalized locally, and 64 people have died and of that 20 have died since the beginning of the year.