Florida coronavirus: at least 5 South Florida officers died from Covid-19 in one week

© Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty pictures A police officer wears a mask amid fears over the spread of the unconventional coronavirus (COVID-19) whereas standing defend at a "Freedom Rally" protest in guide of opening Florida in South seaside in Miami, on can also 10, 2020. (image by using CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (photo via CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty photos)

With the unfold of the Covid-19 Delta variant fueling a summer of more infections and hospitalizations, fitness care employees and first responders locate themselves once more on the front traces of the pandemic.

The state of Florida has been struck in particular difficult by means of the latest surge, with greater than 17,000 people hospitalized with Covid-19, in response to statistics Saturday from the us branch of health & Human services. And in the week beginning August 14, at least five police departments in South Florida suggested the deaths of law enforcement officers from Covid-19.

Coral Springs Police Sergeant Patrick "Pat" Madison, a decorated 15-yr veteran of the branch, "succumbed to problems of COVID-19 on Friday, August 20," CSPD Chief Clyde Parry noted in a statement Friday. Madison is survived by his son and fiance.

Miami seaside Police Officer Edward Perez, a 25-year veteran of the MBPD, handed away Thursday "after a combat with COVID. He leaves in the back of a loving spouse and daughter," MBPD tweeted.

West Palm seaside Police Officer Robert Williams died Monday after he "contracted COVID-19 and experienced problems," said WPBPD. He had been with the branch due to the fact that 2001 and is survived via his wife and sons, WPBPD pointed out.

Florida toll road Patrol Trooper Lazaro R. Febles "died from problems as a result of COVID-19" on August 14, according to tweets from the Florida branch of motorway safety and Motor motors. The 12-yr FHP veteran changed into laid to relaxation Friday, the tweets noted.

castle Lauderdale Police Officer Jennifer Sepot additionally died on August 14 after contracting the virus and struggling problems, the department talked about. Sepot become with the department for the reason that 2017 and is survived by means of her husband and young newborn, in keeping with the toes. Lauderdale Police foundation.

at the least 103 law enforcement officers have lost their lives to Covid-19 in 2021, based on the Officer Down Memorial page, which counts Covid-19 as the main cause of officer deaths this 12 months.