On Saturday, Gov. Gavin Newsom offered condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Oscar Rocha and Los Angeles Police Department Officer Valentin Martinez, who both died of COVID-19 related complications this week.
"The deaths of these two heroes is a very real and painful reminder of the risks these men and women face every single day protecting the people of California," Gov. Newsom said in a statement.
Deputy Rocha, 57, died Thursday night from complications relating to COVID-19, following three weeks in intensive care.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, a stepdaughter and stepson, and his parents.
Officer Martinez, 45, had been fighting COVID-19 since May 24, and died Friday from complications due to the virus.
The father-to-be is survived by his sister, brothers, parents and partner, who is expecting twins.
Many law enforcement officials also expressed condolences for the fallen deputy and officer on social media, including California Highway Patrol Commissioner Warren Stanley.
Flags at the State Capitol will be flown at half-staff in honor of Deputy Rocha and Officer Martinez.
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