Deputy Sheriff John J. "Sonny" Kuhar, Jr.

John J. "Sonny" Kuhar, Jr.

Deputy Sheriff Sonny Kuhar died as the result of complications after contracting COVID-19 while on duty at the Cambria County Human Services and 911 building in Ebensburg.

Deputy Kuhar had served in law enforcement for 60 years, starting in 1960. Prior to joining the Cambria County Sheriff's Office in the 1980s he had served with the Vintondale Borough Police Department, Nanty Glo Borough Police Department, and Blacklick Township Police Department. He is survived by his wife, four children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

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.