The first LAPD sworn officer has died from COVID-19.
KNX reporter Claudia Peschiutta reported that LAPD Chief Michel Moore said an LAPD officer has died of COVID-19. Moore says Officer Valentin Martinez had been sick since May.
Martinez, a 13-year LAPD veteran, was assigned to the Mission area. Martinez was 45-years-old. He is the second LAPD employee to die of COVID-19. A senior detention officer died earlier this month.
Moore says it's believed Martinez was infected while on the job. The chief says he's aware of reports of officers not wearing face coverings and adds repeat offenders could now face disciplinary action.
In an emailed LAPD press release, the department said
"It is with profound sadness, the Los Angeles Police Department is reporting the tragic passing of Police Officer Valentin Martinez, Serial No.38701, from complications due to COVID-19. He lost his courageous battle with coronavirus this morning. He is survived by his domestic partner, who is 20 weeks pregnant with twins, his mother, and siblings."
Valentin Martinez is the first sworn LAPD officer to die of #COVID19. "This is a tragic day for us," says @LAPDChiefMoore. He says the officer's partner is pregnant with twins. @KNX1070
— Claudia Peschiutta (@ReporterClaudia)
July 24, 2020 Valentin was 45yo and a 13yr LAPD veteran assigned to Mission. https://t.co/8plTwENIwI
— Claudia Peschiutta (@ReporterClaudia)
July 24, 2020 .@LAPDChiefMoore says an LAPD officer has died of #COVID19. A senior detention officer who contracted COVID-19 died earlier this month. @KNX1070
— Claudia Peschiutta (@ReporterClaudia)
July 24, 2020
