Detective Sergeant Stephen R. Desfosses

Detective Sergeant Stephen R. Desfosses

Norton Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Wednesday, January 13, 2021

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Stephen R. Desfosses

Detective Sergeant Stephen Desfosses died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 during a confirmed exposure while on duty.

Sergeant Desfosses was a United States Army and Army Reserve veteran and had served with the Norton Police Department for 30 years. 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 52
  • Tour 30 years
  • Badge S4
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause COVID19
  • Incident Date Tuesday, December 8, 2020

COVID-19, communicable disease

Most Recent Reflection

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Sergeants Desfosses, 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 you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 30 years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall Georges Mills, NH

January 14, 2024

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