Honoring

Chief of Police Michael E. German

Prairie City Police Department, Iowa

EOW: Jan. 13, 2022 | Age: None | Tour: 28 years

Chief of Police Michael E. German died from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Chief German had been the police chief of the Prairie City Police Department for 1-1/2 years and had served with the department for almost eight years. He had over 28 years of law enforcement service and had previously served with the St. Charles Police Department, Eddyville Police Department, Meskwaki Nation Police Department, Tama Police Department, Monroe Police Department, Mitchellville Police Department, Baxter Police Department, and the Iowa State Fair Police Department. He is survived by his wife and children. Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.

Honoring

Corrections Officer Melissa M. France

Oswego County Sheriff's Office, New York

EOW: Jan. 17, 2022 | Age: 45 | Tour: 10 years

Corrections Officer Melissa France died from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 while serving at the Corrections Division Transport Platoon at 39 Churchill Road in Oswego. Corrections Officer France was a United States Navy veteran who served 10 years with the Oswego County Sheriff's Office. She was instrumental in organizing community events, charities, the scholarship committee, and partnering the sheriff's office with the local community. She is survived by her daughter. Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.

Honoring

Police Officer Corille Jones

Memphis Police Department, Tennessee

EOW: Jan. 20, 2022 | Age: 32 | Tour: 1 year

Police Officer CJ Jones was killed in a vehicle crash at the intersection of East Shelby Drive and Pleasant Hill Road at about 2:30 am. Officer Jones was responding to a call when another vehicle collided with his patrol car. The driver of the other car was killed in the crash. Officer Jones was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Officer Jones had served with the Memphis Police Department for almost two years. He is survived by his two children.

Honoring

Chief of Police Don Riffe

Jefferson College Police Department, Missouri

EOW: Jan. 20, 2022 | Age: 59 | Tour: 37 years

Chief of Police Don Riffe died as the result of contracting COVID-19 in a presumed exposure while on duty. Chief Riffe had served with the Jefferson College Police Department for seven years and had previously served as a special agent with the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division for 30-1/2 years. He is survived by three children. Beginning in early 2020, due to the requirements of their job, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the United States contracted COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Hundreds of law enforcement officers died from medical complications as a result of contracting the virus while remaining on duty and interacting with the community.

Honoring

Pilot Marc Olson

CO Fire Aviation, Colorado

EOW: Nov. 16, 2021 | Age: 59 | Tour: None

On Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, Pilot Marc Olson was the sole occupant of a Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) that had been ordered by Laminer County to help fight the Kruger Rock Fire. During the mission, the plane crashed, killing Pilot Olson. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Honoring

Assistant Chief William “Billy” Joseph Steinberg

Forestburgh Fire Company #1, New York

EOW: Jan. 15, 2022 | Age: 37 | Tour: None

On Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, the Forestburgh Fire Company #1 was called in by the Monticello Fire Department under mutual aid to a structure fire at 65 Rockridge Drive in the town of Thompson. While at the scene, Assistant Chief William “Billy” Joseph Steinberg collapsed. He was immediately treated and rushed to the Garnet Health Medical Center Catskill, where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.