First Responders Mourn Loss Of Tulsa Police Officer To COVID-19

The Tulsa Police Department lost its first officer to COVID-19 Wednesday.

40-year-old Jerad Lindsey was a husband, father and chairman of the Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police.

Related Story: Tulsa Police Officer, FOP Chairman Dies From COVID-19 Complications

"He really was a champion for the police officers, for his brothers and sisters in blue, and he will be greatly missed," said Officer Jeanne Pierce.

Pierce said the department is heartbroken and in shock since most people didn't even know Lindsey was in quarantine. Pierce was in the same police academy class as Lindsey and said losing her brother in blue is a hard reminder of the dangers of their job.

Right now, TPD has 36 people in quarantine, and some have been under quarantine more than once during the pandemic, according to Pierce.

"We're still wearing masks in the buildings, we're still wearing masks when we're in close contact with witnesses, victims and suspects," said Pierce.

Meanwhile, the Tulsa Fire Department has had more than 300 people test positive since March. Andy Little with TFD said 17 people are currently quarantined and 18 are self-monitoring.

"Because of the precautions we are taking, we're not initially sending all members of crews into homes we believe have pandemic-like symptoms," said Little.

News On 6 also checked in with other first responders.

Adam Paluka with EMSA said its eastern division, which covers the Tulsa area, has had 119 team members who tested positive, quarantined or isolated.

Paluka added EMSA currently has 16 members off the job because of COVID-19 precautions.

"All it takes is just one slip up or one time of being a little bit unsafe, and that's what we're trying to avoid for our crews," said Paluka.

Paluka also said during these challenging times, community support, such as cards and encouragement have helped first responders tremendously.

Funeral arrangements for Lindsey are pending.