Newnan Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch Thursday, January 6, 2022
Add to My HeroesRichard Lynn Tostenson
Police Officer Ricky Tostenson died from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 while working at a Newnan High School basketball game at 190 Lagrange Street in Newnan.
Officer Tostenson had served with the Newnan Police Department for 10 years and served as the school resource officer at Newnan High School. He had served in law enforcement for 18 years. He is survived by his wife, two children, and one grandchild.
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 51
- Tour 18 years
- Badge 492
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Friday, December 10, 2021
Most Recent Reflection
View all 36 ReflectionsFather in Heaven, Bless the eternal soul of this thy servant Officer Richard Lynn Tostenson. Bless and care for his family, ease their sorrow. This we ask in thy holy name, Amen.
George E. Martin, Sr.
Chaplain
October 22, 2022
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