Scurry County reports first COVID-19 death

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A correctional officer at Scurry County’s Price Daniel Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has died due to COVID-19, the county’s first death due to the pandemic.

Kenneth Wayne Harbin, 60, died Saturday as a result of the virus. According to a press release issued by TDCJ, Harbin had more than 30 years of service with TDCJ. 

After testing positive for COVID-19, Harbin had been treated at Covenant Hospital in Lubbock since June 28. He was showing signs of improvement, but Officer Harbin took an unexpected rapid turn for the worse and died the morning of July 4.  

“Every death of one of our own is a tragic loss,” said TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier. 

“The thoughts and prayers of his family in gray are with Officer Harbin’s loved ones and friends. He will not be forgotten.”   

“Officer Harbin was a great correctional officer and a better friend. He was always had a smile or a joke to make the day better. He always uplifted those around him and would take time out of his day to make sure you were ok,” said Daniel Unit Senior Warden Michael Britt. “He was a selfless person and gave all he could to those he loved.”

A Snyder native, Harbin is survived by several family members locally and around the state, including two children, four grandchildren, his mother, a sister and two brothers.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has had nine employees die statewide in connection with COVID-19.

His full obituary can be found on page 2 of this edition of The Snyder News.