El Paso Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Friday, January 7, 2022
Add to My HeroesGerardo Morales
Sergeant Gerardo Morales died from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Sergeant Morales had served with the El Paso Police Department for over 31 years. He is survived by his wife, three sons, parents, two brothers, a sister, a granddaughter, and a grandson.
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 56
- Tour 31 years, 3 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause COVID19
- Incident Date Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 3 ReflectionsSgt. Morales,
On today, the 1st anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of El Paso. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
January 7, 2024
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