Kentucky Department of Corrections, Kentucky
End of Watch Thursday, August 13, 2020
Add to My HeroesThomas Anthony Brooks
Correctional Officer Thomas Brooks died as a result of contracting COVID-19 while serving at the Kentucky State Reformatory at 3001 KY-146 in La Grange.
Correctional Officer Brooks was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Kentucky Department of Corrections for 26 years. He is survived by his wife, who is also a Correctional Officer, two daughters, granddaughter, two sisters, brother, and father.
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 600 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 63
- Tour 26 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 3 ReflectionsOfficer Thomas Brooks had retired from the Kentucky Department of Corrections as a Sargent with 25 years of service. Three years later he returned to work as a Corrections Officer to help out with the staff shortage. He was dedicated to always be there if needed or asked to help out and his affection for the people with whom he worked with will never be forgotten.
Retired Corrections Officer Paula Brooks
Kentucky DOC and Wife
May 1, 2022
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