Photo: Aurora Police Department/Twitter
Two police officers in Illinois have died this month after contractingCOVID-19.
According to the Aurora Police Department, officerBrian Shields, a 16-year veteran of the APD, died of the virus on Jan. 11. Hisfuneralwas held on Jan. 19.
“Our condolences and prayers go out to Brian’s family, his friends, and to all those he served with during his more than 16 years as an officer with the Aurora Police Department,” the department wrote in atribute.
“Our police department family will do everything possible to provide support and comfort to Brian’s family,” the statement continued. “Brian’s memory will live on forever at APD.”
“Sgt Thurman was known throughout the department and the community as one who always put others before self. In both his words and his deeds, Sgt. Thurman enhanced the quality of life in those he served,” the APDsaidof Thurman.
Both Shields and Thurman died at the age of 51.
“This has been an extremely difficult few weeks for the men and women of the Aurora Police Department,“Aurora Chief of Police Keith Crosssaid, referring to the deaths of both officers. “Our entire department is mourning; please keep our APD family in your thoughts and prayers.”
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, COVID-19 was the number one killer of law enforcement officers in2021. The page features a list ofmore than 400 officerswho are said to have died of the virus.
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It is unclear if either Shields or Thurman were vaccinated against COVID-19.
AGoFundMecampaign has been created to raise funds for Shields' family and has raised nearly $2,000 as of Friday afternoon.
“Brian was always doing so much for his family, so attentive, selfless, generous, and loving,” a description on the page reads. “He set the bar high. He poured so much love, advice, and truth into his children.”
As information about thecoronavirus pandemicrapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from theCDC,WHOandlocal public health departments.PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMeto raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, clickhere.
source: people.com
