coronavirus illinois

3rd Chicago Police Officer Dies From Coronavirus, Department Announces

This is the third officer to pass away from the virus in as many weeks

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A third Chicago police officer has died due to complications from coronavirus, the department announced Friday, revealing that another veteran officer became one of the latest victims of the virus that has claimed more than 1,000 lives in Illinois so far.

"We are again heartbroken to share that another one of Chicago's finest has passed away from complications of #COVID19," spokesman Tom Ahern tweeted.

Acting Police Supt. David Brown said the officer was a 19-year veteran of the force with more than 130 awards to his name. He is survived by his wife and son.

"First responders cannot stay home during this outbreak," Brown said. "We are out in the public and the streets keeping people safe. Today, there is one less officer out on the streets... The city has lost a dedicated pubic servant, a husband, a father and a brave, courageous hero."

This is the third officer to pass away from the virus in as many weeks.

Sergeant Clifford Martin and narcotics officer Marco DiFranco also died over the last two weeks.

Chicago police announced Thursday 49 more confirmed cases of COVID-19, raising the total number of cases in the department to 288. Of the cases, 276 are officers and 12 are civilian employees, the department said.

The Chicago Fire Department has also announced two deaths associated with the pandemic so far.

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