United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, U.S. Government
End of Watch Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Add to My HeroesJose Antonio Santana
Officer Jose Santana died from complications after contracting COVID-19 while on duty at the Laredo Port of Entry in Laredo, Texas.
Officer Santana had served with the Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations for 12 years and had previously served with the Laredo Police Department for six years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and two siblings.
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 45
- Tour 18 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Location Texas
- Incident Date Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 68 ReflectionsI am so sorry to learn of the grievous loss of Officer Santana when he died in the line of duty from Covid. To the Santana family, fellow officers, and all who call Jose 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 Officer Santana gave to our nation and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on December 2, 2020.
Phyllis Loya. Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
May 30, 2022
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