NYPD announces first employee death due to coronavirus

The New York Police Department (NYPD) announced its first death from the coronavirus this week amid the pandemic that has infected more than 86,000 people across the country and hammered New York City. 

The NYPD, which is the largest police department in the country, confirmed Thursday that Dennis Dickson, a custodial assistant, died this week.

“Mr. Dickson faithfully served this department for 14 yrs & is the 1st member to succumb to the COVID-19 virus,” the NYPD said in a statement on Facebook. “Our thoughts go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”

Commissioner Dermot Shea said in a video message shared on Twitter, “Today we lost one of our own.”

“When Hurricane Sandy struck, he worked 17 days straight, and since the coronavirus has struck New York City, he has been keeping the NYPD safe so our offices can keep you safe. Today he passed away from complications of the coronavirus. We have lost a member of the NYPD family and our thoughts and prayers go out to his extended family.”

Dickson is pictured above. He is the third person from the left. 

Dickson was married and had children, the New York Post reported. He also suffered from a pre-existing heart condition.

At least 350 members of the NYPD were confirmed to have the virus as of Thursday, according to the outlet.