Police Officer Ramiro "Ray" Perez

Police Officer Ramiro "Ray" Perez

Shallowater Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Tuesday, January 18, 2022

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Ramiro "Ray" Perez

Police Officer Ray Perez died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.

Officer Perez had served with the Shallowater Police Department for less than one month and served in law enforcement in Texas for four years. He is survived by his wife, son, two daughters, and six grandchildren.


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 41
  • Tour 7 years
  • Badge 605

Incident Details

  • Cause COVID19
  • Incident Date Tuesday, January 4, 2022

communicable disease, COVID-19

Most Recent Reflection

View all 34 Reflections

Ms. Perez,
It was my honor to escort for the Police Officer's Memorial on Monday. I thank you and your family for the sacrifices you all have made for your husband to serve his community. If there is anything I can ever do for you or your family way over here in Wilmington, North Carolina, please let me know.

Deputy R. Graham
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office

May 19, 2023

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