Marion Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Add to My HeroesGary Ray Kelley
Chief Gary Kelley died from complications as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Chief Kelley had served with the Marion Police Department for over 38 years and was the Chief of Police for 13 of those years. He had previously served with the Crittenden County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife, son, two brothers, and two sisters.
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 63
- Tour 43 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Friday, December 4, 2020
Most Recent Reflection
View all 4 ReflectionsMost merciful God, You hold each of us dear to Your heart. Hold all America’s Peace Officers and their families, who are afflicted or affected by the COVID-19 Virus, in Your loving arms and tenderly draw them into Your life, together with all others who are living with the COVID-19 Virus. Assure them that they are not alone, and give them courage and faith for all that is to come. Strengthen those who care for them and treat them, and guide those who do research. Nourish those who have lost sight of You, and heal the spirits of those who are broken. We pray this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, who suffered and died, and then rose from the dead to lead us into new life, now and forever. In Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054
Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department
June 14, 2023
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