United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Government
End of Watch Thursday, October 1, 2020
Add to My HeroesDanny Keith Laughner, Jr.
Deportation Officer Danny Laughner died from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Officer Laughner had served with the United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations for nine years.
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 9 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Location Virginia
- Incident Date Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 4 ReflectionsDanny was a committed public servant, and his absence in his ERO community is felt immensely. Danny joined ERO in Jan. 2017 as an enforcement and removal assistant in the ERO Washington field office and was promoted to DO in 2018. As a DO, Danny excelled at his responsibilities within the Criminal Apprehension Program as well as at-large enforcement missions. Danny was always willing to help his co-workers whenever possible.
Danny’s commitment to public service was evident in his previous work as well, including as a corrections officer with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and a deputy sheriff with the Hamblen County, Tennessee, sheriff’s Office. Danny was also a U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and attained the rank of sergeant.
Outside of work, Danny was a craftsman. His passion for woodworking involved using reclaimed wood to build farmhouse furniture. Danny loved being outdoors, camping and kayaking. At the end of the day, he could often be found on his front porch, stargazing with a glass of iced tea.
Danny cared deeply for his family. He is survived by his mother Lisa, his two adult sons Seth and Ethan, and many other loved ones. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Russ Hott
February 2, 2023
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