Wayne Bryant first started his career with the Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Royal McKinster in 1972, as a “Special Deputy.” This group of deputies were touted as an “elite force” that began with a 150-man contingent of trained volunteers.

He became a full-time deputy with the Office in 1977 and was almost immediately given the rank of patrol sergeant. Wayne was 45 years old when he died of a heart attack on duty. He and his wife had three children at the time of his passing.