Forest Park Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Saturday, November 27, 2021
Add to My HeroesNicholas Kozak
Police Officer Nick Kozak died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Officer Kozak was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Forest Park Police Department for 19 years. He is survived by his wife, sister, nieces, and nephews.
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 50
- Tour 19 years
- Badge 241
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Sunday, November 21, 2021
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsYou are ever present in our day to day lives but your absence is tangible. Our family, your nephews, the world feels your absence. While your humbleness would scoff at this recognition know that is exactly why your impact on this world was so meaningful, you are missed in so many ways, I love you my brother
Anastasia Garcia
Sister
April 13, 2025
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