Second Detroit police employee dies of coronavirus; nearly 300 officers are now quarantined

A second Detroit Police Department employee died after becoming infected with the coronavirus.

The employee, who died Tuesday, was a commanding officer, but police didn’t divulge his rank, name, or age to give the department time to notify his family.

"I don't want to release the name out of respect to the family," police Chief James Craig told The Detroit News late Tuesday. "He was a well respected commanding officer in the Police Department. Many revered him as an iconic figure, loved by many, but followed by more."

On Tuesday, DPD confirmed the death of a 38-year-old 911 dispatcher.

At least nine Detroit police officers have tested positive for COVID-19, and nearly 300 have been quarantined as of Tuesday. Mayor Mike Duggan said Monday that an additional six city employees had tested positive for coronavirus.

Other law enforcement agencies have been hit with the coronavirus in metro Detroit. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday that four officers and two nurses have tested positive for coronavirus.

To limit the spread in the Wayne County Jail, authorities are increasingly resorting to tethers so inmates and defendants can stay at home.

On Monday, the Michigan Department of Corrections said its first inmate has tested positive for coronavirus.

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