The Dallas Police Department is mourning the loss of a sergeant who died of complications from COVID-19.
According to family, Sgt. Bronc McCoy died at 3 p.m. on Monday. He was 48 years old and was a brother, son, and father.
"He was someone who was very well respected and admired by many and someone who was loved by many," said Jaime Castro, a vice president of the Dallas Police Association.
He said he worked along side Sgt. McCoy for many years in the Southeast Patrol Division. McCoy served with the Dallas Police Department for 21 years.
"We're just saddened and shocked by the news, but it serves as a reminder to the community of the dangers that our officers face everyday when we go out and make citizen contacts," said Castro.
The Dallas Police Department said since the beginning of the pandemic, 271 employees, which includes 233 officers, have tested positive for COVID-19. Currently, 55 employees are in quarantine and 10 employees have been hospitalized.
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The department wouldn't say if McCoy's passing is the first COVID-19 related death for DPD due to HIPPA, but the Dallas Police Association said it is.
"This will be our first," said Castro. "it’s hard news to receive. You know we were extremely hopeful that we were going to make it out and be one of the fortunate departments to make it out of this, without losing an officer. There have been so many (departments) that have lost several officers, but we were hopeful and prayerful that we would be able to make it out. Unfortunately, that's not the outcome and it’s tough on the entire department.”
City leaders also sent their condolences to McCoy's family and to the department.
"I am grateful that he chose to serve our city, even during a pandemic, and that he made the safety of the people of Dallas his life's work," Mayor Eric Johnson said of McCoy in a tweet. "A life lived in service to others should be celebrated, even as we lament that the end came far too soon. I will be praying for his family, his friends, and his Dallas Police Department colleagues."
According to McCoy's mother, Malisa McCoy Lee, he loved the work he did for the Dallas Police Department and he loved his family.
"Our deepest condolences goes out to one of our own, Sergeant Bronc McCoy," Dallas Police Chief Reneé Hall said in a tweet. "He was an outstanding officer who dedicated his life serving others."
Tuesday evening officers escorted McCoy's body from UT Southwestern Medical District to Restland Funeral Home.
