Rowan County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina
End of Watch Sunday, October 10, 2021
Add to My HeroesWilliam Edward Marsh
Master Deputy William Marsh died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Master Deputy Marsh had served with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office for nine years and had previously served with the Cleveland Police Department for 11 years. Master Deputy Marsh is survived by his wife and child.
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 40
- Tour 20 years
- Badge 2658
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Friday, September 24, 2021
Most Recent Reflection
View all 40 ReflectionsI can't begin to express the feeling of sadness I have had since you departed from us.
From rookie school to working together for 20 years, to be being there as you took your last breath, you were not only a friend but a brother that I never had. You kept me grounded when I was about to lose my cool and you always had my back.
I miss you everyday Billy, so much more than people will ever know.
Master Deputy Michael Dixon
Rowan County Sheriff's Office
Salisbury, NC 28144
August 5, 2022
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