Retired Connecticut state trooper, Sandy Hook first responder dies of COVID-19

A retired Connecticut State Police trooper and current deputy fire chief and police dispatcher Patrick Dragon, who was one of the first law enforcement officers to respond to the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, died last week. 

The Foster Police Department, where Dragon served as a dispatcher, shared on Facebook that the department “lost one of its own” following “a valiant battle with COVID.”

“[Dragon] was a great person, kind, caring and a friend to all who met him. There are not enough words, to describe the kind of person that Patrick was,” the department shared on Facebook. 

The Connecticut State Police also shared on Facebook that Dragon died Saturday, noting that he served as a detective and a trooper, among other law enforcement roles for more than 20 years. The State Police also noted that he was a first responder to the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in which 20 students and six school personnel were shot and killed.

Dragon also served as the deputy chief of the East Brooklyn, Conn., Fire Department. The department tweeted that he “will truly be missed.”

With deepest sympathy and regrets we inform you of the passing of our Deputy Chief Patrick Dragon. You will truly be missed. Thank you for your years of service. pic.twitter.com/aGtcqutrb0

— East Brooklyn Fire Department (@department_east) January 3, 2021

Dragon tested positive for the virus around Dec. 12, NBC Connecticut reported. He returned to work after quarantining, but his condition worsened and he was hospitalized Dec. 27.  

Connecticut has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases during the fall and winter alongside states across the country. The state reported 4,516 coronavirus cases Monday and 69 fatalities.