Phil Royal, a longtime Citrus County deputy and dedicated member of the community, suddenly passed away Monday. He was only 47 years old.
- Retired CCSO captain died suddenly Monday
- Phil Royal had a seizure while running in a charity event
- Royal was in the process of running for sheriff
Royal started out as a firefighter and paramedic. Then, he joined the sheriff's office and climbed the ranks retiring as a captain. He was extremely active in the community and served on several boards.
He gave 28 years to public safety.
“We are all saddened and shocked by the news,” Citrus Fire Chief Jim Goodworth said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Royal was running in a fundraising event in North Florida when he had a seizure.
“Phil was one of those people that was committed to the job,” said Citrus Undersheriff Buddy Grant. “He had a passion for public safety and a passion for helping those in the community that needed the help."
Campaign signs all over the county are a haunting reminder of what Royal wanted to do next. He was running for sheriff.
“I think his life was headed in a good place and he will be missed,” Grant said.
“He had a lot of support,” Goodworth said. “A lot of support behind him and this was one of his dreams, becoming sheriff of the place he devoted his life to."
Royal leaves behind a wife and an infant daughter.