Honoring

Detention Officer Robert Perez

Harris County Sheriff's Office, Texas

EOW: Feb. 3, 2021 | Age: None | Tour: 5 Years

Detention Officer Robert Perez died as the result of contracting COVID-19 during an outbreak at the Harris County Jail. Detention Officer Perez was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served with the Harris County Sheriff's Office for five years. In early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19.

Honoring

Deputy Sheriff Ross Dixon

Cambria County Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania

EOW: Feb. 9, 2021 | Age: 68 | Tour: 35 Years

Deputy Sheriff Ross Dixon died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in a presumed exposure while on duty at the Cambria County Courthouse. Deputy Dixon had served with the Cambria County Sheriff's Office for 35 years. He is survived by his wife and four children. In early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19.

Honoring

Chief of Police Timothy John Sheehan

California Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania

EOW: Feb. 11, 2021 | Age: 51 | Tour: 15 Years

Chief of Police Tim Sheehan suffered a fatal heart attack the day after responding to a call in which he had to perform CPR on a citizen. He had returned to duty the following morning when he suffered a heart attack while clearing snow from his vehicle. Chief Sheehan had served with the California Borough Police Department for 15 years. He also served as a firefighter with the Brownsville Fire Company #1. He is survived by his wife, three children, and mother.

Honoring

Police Officer Mitchell Penton

Dallas Police Department, Texas

EOW: Feb. 13, 2021 | Age: 27 | Tour: 2 Years

Police Officer Mitchell Penton was struck and killed by a vehicle operated by an intoxicated driver at about 1:45 am. He was working at the scene of a vehicle collision in the northbound lanes of the North Central Expressway at Walnut Hill Lane. He was securing traffic with the emergency lights from his patrol car when a vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver, traveling at a high rate speed, hit the back of his patrol car. The collision pushed the patrol car into Officer Penton. Officer Penton was transported to Baylor University Medical Center when he died from his injuries. The driver of the vehicle that struck Officer Penton was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter of a police officer and intoxication assault. Officer Penton had served with the Dallas Police Department for two years and was assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division. He is survived by his expectant wife and stepson.

Honoring

Sergeant Richard Paul Brown

Fresno Police Department, California

EOW: Feb. 17, 2021 | Age: 56 | Tour: 28 Years

Sergeant Paul Brown died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 while on duty. Sergeant Brown had served with the Fresno Police Department for 28 years and was assigned to the Central District. He is survived by his wife and three children. In early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic due to requirements of their job. Many of these first responders died as a result of COVID-19.

Honoring

Deputy Sheriff Michael Magli

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Florida

EOW: Feb. 17, 2021 | Age: 30 | Tour: None

Deputy Sheriff Michael Magli was struck and killed by a drunk driver who fled at a high rate of speed after a sheriff's sergeant attempted to stop him. Deputies and rescue personnel had responded to reports of a subject passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle at the intersection of Forelock Road and East Lake Road. The man was unresponsive, so paramedics broke the vehicle's window. The man suddenly awoke and accelerated at a high rate of speed. When the sergeant attempted to stop him the man fled again, driving recklessly, and crossing over the median into oncoming traffic. Deputy Magli was preparing to deploy spike strips when the driver lost control, overturned, and struck him. He was pinned beneath his patrol car and succumbed to his injuries. The driver, who had 16 felony convictions and was out on parole, was arrested in connection with this incident. He is survived by his wife, two young children, and parents.

Honoring

Acting Chief Garry Key

Zoneton Fire Protection District, Kentucky

EOW: Feb. 13, 2021 | Age: 70 | Tour: None

Acting Chief Garry Key developed COVID-19 while on-duty from attending mandated fire department meetings and other fire department functions. He passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 from the virus.

Honoring

Firefighter John Jonker, Sr.

Erskine Lakes Fire Company #1, New Jersey

EOW: Feb. 10, 2021 | Age: 80 | Tour: None

On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, Firefighter John Jonker, Sr., participated in a training drill at the fire department. Shortly after returning home, he collapsed from an apparent heart attack. He was unable to be revived and passed away.

Honoring

Battalion Chief Edward Karriem

Little Rock Fire Department, Arkansas

EOW: Feb. 13, 2021 | Age: 41 | Tour: None

On Saturday, February 13, 2021, Battalion Chief Edward Karriem was the commanding officer at the scene of a residential fire. He was found unresponsive in his vehicle and firefighters immediately performed CPR. He was then transported to the hospital where he later passed away. The cause of his death is under investigation.