United States Department of Homeland Security - Transportation Security Administration - Federal Air Marshal Service, U.S. Government
End of Watch Thursday, September 24, 2020
Add to My HeroesKenneth Robert Meisel
Senior Federal Air Marshal Kenneth Meisel died as the result of complications after contracting COVID-19 during a presumed exposure while on duty.
He was exposed to traveling public in airports and aircraft during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senior Federal Air Marshal Meisel was a U.S. Army veteran. He had served with the Federal Air Marshal Service for 18 years and was assigned to the Minneapolis Field Office. He had previously served with the Shawnee Police Department in Oklahoma for eight years. He is survived by his wife and five children.
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 600 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 55
- Tour 26 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Location Minnesota
- Incident Date Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Most Recent Reflection
View all 54 ReflectionsI am so sorry to learn of the grievous loss of Marshal Meisel from his line of duty death from Covid. To the Meisel family, fellow Air Marshals , and all who call Kenneth beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support. I hope that you continue to receive that same kind of support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.
This is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Marshal Meisel gave to our nation and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 9, 2020.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 31, 2022
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