Troy police sergeant loses battle with coronavirus
TROY, N.Y .May 4 2020 — The Troy Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its members to the coronavirus.
On April 30, Det. Sgt. Randy French, 39, succumbed to coronavirus after a long and tough fight, the department announced Thursday night.
“It is with deep sadness and regret that I must inform you of the line of duty death of Troy Police Detective Sergeant Randall C. French,” city police said in a statement.
Last month, French’s wife, Danielle French, made a post on Facebook saying that Randy was on a ventilator in the ICU at Albany Medical Center and the family was asking people to donate plasma. Danielle French wrote on April 13 that Randy French was matched with a donor for a plasma transfusion.
French was assigned as the Commander of the Special Operations Section.
“Detective Sergeant French joined the Troy Police Department on July 18, 2003, and served our city honorably,” the statement read. “Detective Sergeant French was assigned to various roles throughout his career, within the Patrol Bureau, Detective Bureau, and as a longtime member of the Emergency Response Team, including serving as the Team Leader. Detective Sergeant French was a founder and advisor for the Troy Police Department Cadet Post 4102, serving youth throughout Rensselaer County.
“In addition to his law enforcement service, Detective Sergeant French was also a New York State Certified Paramedic, rendering medical aid to people in their time of need.”
First responders from around the Capital Region came together Friday morning to take part in a vehicle procession from Albany Medical Center to Perry Komdat Funeral Chapel in Averill Park.
Troy PBA President Nicholas Laviano, who worked with French for over 10 years expressed his sadness on losing French.
“He was one of the best supervisors to work for. We not only lost a leader today but a brother as well,” Laviano said in part of a statement.
“To Danielle. Although you have lost Randy you have not lost your TPD family,” Laviano added. “We are here for you every step of the way.
“And to Randy. You certainly are going to be missed around here. You were one of the best guys to work with and for. Your leadership, your jokes, your smile, your quick wit, and your ball busts will be truly be missed. Rest easy 601, we will take it from here.”
French was also a member of the North Greenbush Ambulance Association.
“Randy was a great provider and helped countless town residents in their time of need. Randy will be missed but not forgotten,” the association said in a statement.
French and his family resided in the town of Nassau in Rensselaer County. Town Supervisor David Fleming expressed his thoughts on behalf of the town losing a resident.
“As a community, Nassau mourns the passing of Officer Randy French. As a son, husband and father, he has made everlasting positive impacts on those around him,” Fleming said. “From volunteering at his children’s school to a warm smile when he greeted a neighbor, many in Nassau have shared their memories since Randy’s illness.
“We send our sincerest sympathy of Randy’s young family and our heartfelt commitment to help them the best we can in the days ahead.”
“We join many across Rensselaer County and the City of Troy in mourning the passing of Troy Police Department Detective Sgt. Randall French from COVID-19,” Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin added. “We recognize and thank Det. Sgt. French for his outstanding and valuable service in law enforcement in our county, along with his work as a paramedic.
“Det. Sgt. French’s passing is a reminder of the costs of COVID-19 and the damage and loss caused by this disease to so many of our families across our great county. To all those affected by COVID-19, you have our compassion and our commitment to continue the fight to protect the health and safety of all those in our county.”
Troy Mayor Patrick Madden and other city officials also expressed their condolences to the French family.
“I’m saddened to learn of the death of Police Detective Sergeant Randall French, whose life was tragically cut short after a long and difficult fight with COVID-19,” Madden said. “Sgt. French was a dedicated member of the Troy Police Department whose 16 years of service earned him the respect of his fellow officers, law enforcement professionals, and community members.
“Like all law enforcement officers, Sgt. French made a career working to improve neighborhood quality-of-life, remove illegal guns and drugs from our streets, and engage the community on positive initiatives to create a safer, more welcoming community for all Trojans. From his service as a paramedic, continued support and advisement with the Troy Police Cadet Post, and his leadership with the Special Operations Section, Sgt. French personified public service in the field of public safety.”
“His death is a profound loss for the department and the entire city of Troy. On behalf of the Mayor’s office, Deputy Mayor [Monica] Kurzejeski, department heads, and city employees, we extend our sincerest condolences to the French family during this incredibly difficult time,” Madden added.
“I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Sergeant French after a valiant fight against COVID-19,” Troy City Council President Carmella Mantello said. “My heart, and I think everybody’s heart, goes out to Sergeant Randy French and his family, and especially to his brothers and sisters in blue.
“Front-line workers jobs are made much more complicated due to this virus from police officers to supermarket workers. I continue to implore everyone to be vigilant and to please continue doing everything we can to fight this virus.”
“I’m saddened to learn of the passing of Detective Sergeant Randell French. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Please take a moment to remember Sergeant French, his loved ones, and the Troy Police Department during this difficult time,” Troy City Councilwoman and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Eileen McDermott said.
French is survived by his wife, Danielle, their daughters Caitlyn and Juliana, his father, William, mother-in-law, Linda, sister, Chrissy, and sister-in-law Kimberly.
the record
