Suffolk Police Department, Virginia
End of Watch Monday, May 31, 2021
Add to My HeroesJose Ramon Rivera
Sergeant Jose Rivera died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty while assigned to Precinct 2 at 3903 Bridge Road in Suffolk.
Sergeant Rivera was a United States Marine Corps veteran who had served 14 years with the Suffolk Police Department. He is survived by his wife.
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 59
- Tour 14 years
- Badge 424
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Sunday, April 18, 2021
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsSgt. Rivera,
On today, the 1st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
May 31, 2022
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