Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, Michigan
End of Watch Friday, December 10, 2021
Add to My HeroesJames Allan Lear
Deputy Sheriff James Lear died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Deputy Lear was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office for seven years. He is survived by his wife, four children, parents, and two brothers.
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 43
- Tour 7 years
- Badge 874
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Friday, October 22, 2021
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsDeputy Sheriff Lear,
On today, the 1st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
December 10, 2022
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