PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — Oliver Little, a Floyd County sheriff’s deputy who was in the process of transferring to the Pikeville Police Department, has died after being hospitalized with COVID-19.

Little contracted the virus last month and was admitted to the hospital for treatment. However, his condition continued to decline and he was placed on a ventilator. He died on Wednesday.

“On behalf of Deputy Little’s family and the FCSO family we want to thank everyone for keeping Oliver in your thoughts and your prayers over the last couple weeks,” Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt said in a statement on his office’s Facebook page.

“The City of Pikeville and Pikeville Police Department sends our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Oliver Little who had been hired as a police officer shortly before falling ill,” a statement on the Pikeville Police Department Facebook page read. “His commitment to serve and protect our community will not be forgotten.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.