BOSTON — An active-duty officer with the Boston Police Department has died from complications related to COVID-19, the department has announced.
“The Boston Police Department is saddened to share the devastating news that a department member passed away today from complications of the COVID-19 virus,” a statement read.
That officer has been identified as Jose Fontanez, who had served on the Boston Police force for nearly 30 years and spent the majority of his BPD career at District E-13 in Jamaica Plain.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins issued a statement on the death of Officer Fontanez, expressing her condolences for the loss of the dedicated 29-year veteran of the force.
"Police officers, like all of us in law enforcement, are held to a higher, selfless standard. Officers especially, go out every day to make our communities safe. They put their lives on the line. All of us at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office tonight are mourning the untimely death of Boston Police Officer Jose Fontanez.
Officer Fontanez made the supreme sacrifice as a public servant. Jamaica Plain and E-13 where he served since 1996, and the city at large are diminished by his loss.
The coronavirus pandemic is a horrible threat to our way of life and our safety. We will not forget Officer Fontanez."
— DA Rachel Rollins
Fontanez died at Boston Medical Center on Tuesday.
Hours later, firefighters brought in pizza and flags and stood at half staff to honor the first active duty Boston officer to die from COVID-19.
“We lost hero today to this tragedy,” Mayor Marty Walsh said. “We honor him and remember him as a hero because as a police officer he served our community and stood in harm’s way to protect us. He made the ultimate sacrifice."
“We are not robotic, we are not immune,” said Boston Police Commissioner William Gross. This virus is devastating to almost everyone it touches. You do not want to go through this, so please adhere to the CDC guidelines and let’s help each other out.”
Of the 67 officers who have tested positive for the coronavirus, 14 of them have been able to return to work. However, 53 of them are still out from work. There are also 9 civilian employees who have the virus.
>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here
RESOURCES:
- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information
- Boston Coronavirus Information
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