Third Chicago Police Officer Dies Of COVID-19

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A third officer of Chicago Police Department has died of the coronavirus, the department announced Friday.

Chicago Police Officer Ronald Newman died overnight, according to Chicago police spokeswoman Karie James.

The officer was assigned to the 4th District on the city's South Side, according to CPD spokesman Tom Ahern.

"We are again heartbroken to share that another one of Chicago's finest has passed away from complications of COVID-19," CPD spokesman Tom Ahern said on Twitter. "This is the third member of the Department to be overcome by the disease and our condolences are with his family & sympathies to his CPD family."

The 4th District also shared the news on Saturday, saying Newman was a beloved member of the force.

"This 20-year veteran will be missed. Our condolences to his family," wrote the 4th District Commander Robert Rubio on Twitter. "Rest peacefully Ronnie, we will take it from here."

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of one of our own, Officer Ronald Newman who unfortunately lost his battle to Covid-19. This 20 yr veteran will be missed. Our condolences to his family. Rest peacefully Ronnie we will take it from here. You Will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN pic.twitter.com/NQnOmjZ2BF

Mayor Lightfoot announced Friday the deaths of two more city employees to COVID-19, including a CTA bus mechanic and Newman. The CTA employee's identity was not released. The death marked the CTA's third death to COVID-19. The death of Officer Newman was also the Chicago Police Department's third loss to COVID-19.

"Officer Newman served our city for two decades and was a longtime member of the 4th District. I had the opportunity to speak briefly with his widow and offer our deepest condolences to her and her family, as well as our continued support for anything that the need in this time of grief," Lightfoot said.

Chicago Police Superintendent Brown said, "What heartbreaking news we have to share regarding our office, the third member of the Chicago Police Department who died of complications from COVID-19. Officer Ronald Newman served the department for 19 years and was a fixture in the 4th District. He is survived by a loving family, including his wife of 10 years, his son, and his step-daughter. His wife worked as a civilian employee for CPD's Office of Community Policing. This was truly a police family and has sent shock waves through our department. During his career, Officer Newman receive 137 awards...

"I spoke with his partner this morning, his partner on the job, and he said this about Officer Newman: he was a private man, but those who took the time to know him were rewarded with a friendship that was enduring, dedicated, and loyal. Officer Newman never shied away from a difficult assignment. He worked a tough neighborhood and would quickly respond to officers calling for backup. He was also dedicated to his son who dreamed of playing basketball. His son went on to be a four-star recruit and played Division I college hoops."

Supt. Brown said Officer Newman's last day of work was March 22. He was admitted to a hospital on the South Side four days later. 

"Who would have imagined that my second day with the department would begin with such heavy news," Brown said. "I have spoken to Officer Newman's widow and expressed my deepest condolences. She shared with me that she wanted all of us to honor her husband. First responders cannot stay at home during this outbreak. We are out in the public, patrolling the streets and keeping people safe. Today there is one less office that will be out on patrol. The city has lost a dedicated public servant, a husband, a father, and a brave, courageous hero. Rest in peace, Officer Newman, star number 6622. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten."

Last Friday, the department announced the second officer to die from COVID-19, Sgt. Cliff Martin. The first officer to die from the coronavirus was 50-year-old Marco DiFranco.