COVID-19 Hits Florida Law Enforcement As 2 Deputies Die From The Virus

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Two South Florida deputies have succombed to the coronavirus.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Sergeant Jose Diaz Ayala died on Saturday. PBSO says the 38-year old was battling other health issues before contracting COVID-19.

Sergeant Diaz Ayala had been with the agency since 2006, working in the Corrections Division, where he was a Corrections Deputy until his promotion to Sergeant in 2016. Diaz Ayala leaves behind three daughters.

He was one of three Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies to contract the virus. The other two have recovered and are back on the job.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told Florida News that he believed the cases within his agency were travel-related and claims there are no cases of COVID-19 in the county jails. He also tests all inmates showing any symptoms before being booked at the jail.

The Broward County Sheriff's Office announced over the weekend that 39-year old Deputy Shannon Bennett died Friday night after being diagnosed with the coronavirus on March 27th. He had been with the agency for more than 12 years.

Photo: Getty Images


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