Rutland Police Department, Massachusetts
End of Watch Friday, May 29, 2020
Add to My HeroesJohn D. Songy
Detective John Songy died after contracting COVID-19 as the result of a presumed exposure while on duty.
Detective Songy had served with the Rutland Police Department for eight years and had previously served with the Oakham Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and two stepchildren.
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 48
- Tour 14 years
- Badge 205
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Thursday, April 23, 2020
Most Recent Reflection
View all 70 ReflectionsDetective Songy , 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.
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
May 29, 2023
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