Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Saturday, November 21, 2020
Add to My HeroesJames Scott LaRue
Sergeant James LaRue died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in a presumed exposure.
Sergeant LaRue was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He had served with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office for 21 years and was assigned to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility. He is survived by his wife and four 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 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 21 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Sunday, November 1, 2020
Most Recent Reflection
View all 29 ReflectionsSgt LaRue (Rue)!!! I still don't have the words to say how much you meant to all of us here at JEPCF!! I worked with you for 15 of my 18 years here and you were always such a pleasure to talk with. You advice to help us grow always there and your ability to make us laugh is unmatched. Even when sometimes it got me in trouble :-) I will never forget you and my heart still hearts! Continued prayers for your family, both personal and work. You are not, and never will be, forgotten!! We will see you again one day, up in those clouds!
Sr Classifications Specialist Caren Bend
Seminole County Sheriff's Office
November 27, 2023
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