Boston Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Add to My HeroesJose V. Fontanez
Police Officer Jose Fontanez died as the result of contracting COVID-19 while on duty.
Officer Fontanez had served with the Boston Police Department for 29 years and was assigned to District E-13 (Jamaica Plain). He is survived by his wife, four children, and one grandchild.
The Effects of COVID on Law Enforcement
Beginning in early 2020, thousands of law enforcement officers and other first responders throughout the country began to contract COVID-19 during the worldwide pandemic. Due to the nature of their job, law enforcement officers were required to work and interact with the community even as the majority of the country was self-quarantined. As a result, hundreds of officers died from COVID-related illnesses and other complications.
Corrections agencies, in particular, suffered tremendous losses due to the constant and close proximity between the corrections officers and large inmate populations. Since March 2020, ODMP has verified that over 900 law enforcement officers have died as the result of a confirmed or presumed exposure while on duty and continues to work with hundreds of other agencies that have suffered a COVID-related death.
Visit ODMP's COVID-19 memorial listing every officer who has died as a result of a confirmed or presumed exposure.
Bio
- Age 53
- Tour 29 years
- Badge 10711
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Friday, April 3, 2020
Most Recent Reflection
View all 113 ReflectionsOfficer Fontanez, it has been 3 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices that you and too many others have made for us. Thank you for your service.
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