December 1, 2025 – Charlotte County, FL
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office mourns the loss of Corrections Lieutenant William Garlick following a fatal motorcycle accident on Thanksgiving weekend.
Heading home from work on the evening of Saturday, November 29, 2025, CCSO Corrections Lieutenant William Garlick’s motorcycle collided with another vehicle as it attempted to make a left turn in front of him. Lt. Garlick did not survive the crash.
Lt. Garlick began his career with CCSO on February 14, 2011, working as a deputy at the Charlotte County Jail. He was promoted to the rank of Corrections Deputy First Class (CDFC) in 2013 and then to Corporal in 2015. His positive influence on the members working around him was undeniable. Garlick inspired others to promote, to pass on the lessons they learned from him, and to pay it forward for everyone as they each began their careers in a challenging field. He became a member of the Corrections Emergency Response Team (CERT), ultimately becoming the team leader.
In 2018, he was promoted to Sergeant, and soon after became the Training Officer for Corrections, again sharing his knowledge and experience. In this role, he provided the education to members in a more formal atmosphere, ensuring best practices and compliance with agency policies and procedures.
In 2021, Garlick transferred back to the Jail. He again promoted to what would become his final rank of Lieutenant in 2023.
Over the 14+ years of his career with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant William Garlick left a legacy of dedication, mentorship, and integrity for the people he encountered. His steady hand and calming presence will be missed by not just his squad, but by the agency as a whole.
“It is never easy to lose anyone, but losing someone of this caliber, who has devoted himself to the service of others, is especially hard. William Garlick was more than a Corrections Lieutenant for CCSO; he was a father, husband, friend, and brother. My heart hurts for his family and loved ones, as well as for our members who will miss his quiet leadership on shift. May he rest in God’s eternal glory and never be forgotten.”
Sheriff Bill Prummell
A celebration of life will be held for Lt. Garlick at 2pm on Saturday, December 6 at the Babcock Field House, located at 43281 Cypress Parkway, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. All are welcome to attend.
The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to support the Shop With A Cop program, which Lt. Garlick loved so dearly. Checks can be made payable to CCSO with “Shop With A Cop” written on the memo line, and mailed to: CCSO Community Affairs, 7474 Utilities Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33982.
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