Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, Texas
End of Watch Friday, January 22, 2021
Add to My HeroesMaria Garcia
Correctional Officer IV Maria Garcia died as a result of contracting COVID-19 while serving at the John B. Connally Unit at 899 FM632 in Kenedy.
Correctional Officer Garcia had served with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division for three 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 60
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Sunday, December 27, 2020
Most Recent Reflection
View all 3 ReflectionsOfficer Garcia,
On today, the 2nd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Texas. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish t extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
January 22, 2024
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