Pelham Alabama police officer dies after battle with COVID-19
Pelham AL Aug 16 2021
A Pelham police officer died Saturday morning after a battle with COVID-19.
Officer Juan Gomez, 39, was hospitalized Aug. 6 with the coronavirus.
“We are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our friend,” said Police Chief Pat Cheatwood. “He was an incredible police officer. He had a servant’s heart and would never hesitate to help someone in need. Juan loved this community and served honorably. He may be gone, but we will make sure he is never forgotten.”
Gomez began his law enforcement career in Albertville. He joined the Pelham Police Department 11 years ago.
Prior to his law enforcement career, Gomez was in the Army for eight years. During his service to our country, he was awarded many commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.
“Juan was devout in his faith. and I believe he would want us to receive comfort in scripture,” Cheatwood said. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4).”
“Please keep Officer Gomez’s family, friends and co-workers in your prayers as we all figure out how to live life without him,” Pelham police said.
Multiple police agencies offered their condolences on social media for the loss of Officer Juan Gomez.
Gomez is remembered as an outstanding person and officer and well known in the Marshall County area. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Juan’s family,” according to a Boaz Police Department post.
“Juan was a friend to all of us in Helena and his service to the Pelham community endeared him to everyone he met,” wrote Helena police officials on Facebook. “Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and our brothers and sisters with Pelham PD. Rest easy Juan. We will take it from here.”
Gomez leaves behind his wife and two young children.
“Our Heavenly Father called one of His children home, Pelham Police Officer, Juan Gomez. Juan was a believer in Jesus Christ and I have no doubt Juan is sitting next to him right now,’’ wrote former officer Dustin Chandler. “Juan was an all-around great human being and humble Christian man. Always worked hard, and always had a smile on his face. He truly loved being a cop and serving the citizens of Pelham.”
Chandler wrote that one of Gomez’s last Facebook posts read: “Blessed are those who mourn. The mourning itself does not bless. The turning to God out of the morning blesses. Godly sorrow turns the sorrow to God. I just wanted to share this sermon full of truth of God’s word. It has been a blessing and I’m humble in the midst of my circumstances.”
Shelby County sheriff’s Maj. Clay Hammac wrote, “Our family is heartbroken by this tragic news this morning. Officer Juan Gomez was one of the kindest and most compassionate public servants in this profession and the world is a little bit better because of the impact he had on so many. Rest easy friend. We’ll take it from here.”
“Our hearts are broken by the news of the passing of one of the kindest and most genuine public servants in Shelby County,’’ wrote the Shelby County Fraternal Order of Police. Lodge #41. “Our prayers are with our law enforcement family at the Pelham, Alabama Police Department and Juan’s family. God’s speed to our brother.”
