Florida Department of Corrections, Florida
End of Watch Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Add to My HeroesDerek Stewart
Sergeant Derek Stewart died as a result of contracting COVID-19 while serving at the Zephyrhills Correctional Institution at 2739 Gall Boulevard in Zephyrhills.
Sergeant Stewart had served with the Florida Department of Corrections for 21 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
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 39
- Tour 21 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 ReflectionsSgt. Stewart,
Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.
Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD
May 28, 2022
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