New Jersey correctional officer dies after contracting bravely fighting against the coronavirus
HUDSON COUNTY, NJ April 3 2020 – The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association sadly announced that Bernard Waddell, Sr. lost his life on Wednesday, after contracting COVID-19. Waddell was serving as a Hudson County Correctional Police Officer and had 28 years of service.
“His death is a grim reminder of the risks that our members face every day serving the public in the face of this pandemic. We ask that you keep Officer Waddell’s family and colleagues in your prayers at this difficult time as we mourn his loss.”
Our thoughts and prayers absolutely go out to the family and co-workers of Officer Waddell.
While he is not the first member of the New Jersey law enforcement community to contract the virus, he is the first reported to die from complications of the disease.
There are currently 383 cops in the state who have tested positive for COVID-19,with more than 3,000 being quarantined. State officials continue to plead with residents to obey the governor’s stay-at-home order, noting that illegal gatherings threaten not only participants, but the officers called upon to break them up.
Col. Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the NJ State Police, said, referring to the space needed to practice social distancing:
“We cannot do this profession from six feet away sometimes.”
The state attorney general said last week that officers didn’t have enough personal protective equipment (PPE), and Callahan added Tuesday that health care workers needed to be the first priority when doling out gear.
The State Troopers Fraternal Association announced Tuesday that it was partnering with a health care union to collect PPE, including gloves and masks. Donations can be dropped off at the association’s headquarters starting Wednesday, according to a press release.
