Erie Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Add to My HeroesGary Robert Taccone
Detective Sergeant Gary Taccone died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Sergeant Taccone was a United States Air Force veteran. He had served with the Erie Police Department for 24 years. He is survived by his son.
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 56
- Tour 24 years
- Badge 307
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Most Recent Reflection
View all 29 ReflectionsOfficer Gary, you are continually missed. My husband and I were friends with Gary, we also own a lunch place that he visited often. Gary was a righteous and wise man. We miss your smile, and sarcasm.
Dee Barickman, civilian
Friend
February 15, 2025
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